I'm looking at possibly purchasing a MF 135 tractor that is for sale. I looked it over yesterday and had some concerns. Obviously I don't expect an old tractor to be perfect, but I like to know what I'm getting into before I make an offer. So here's my list of questions for those out there that have a MF 135:
1. Does the tractor have downward pressure capability? The guy who showed me the tractor didn't know, plus he wasn't able to keep the rear lift raised when the tractor was shut off. Sounds to me a possible hydraulics leak.
2. How difficult is it to work on the brakes and any seals that keep oil out of it? The left rear brake won't hold. I'm told there's oil on the drum. All I have to do is sandpaper off the oil on the drum...yes...you heard right...sandpaper off the oil. Sounds to me that it might be a bearing seal that is bad. How complicated is it to change that?
3. I took two plugs out and looked at them. They were fouled black, wet and oily. I was told just need to run it and it will burn off. Not really sure if its an over rich mixture problem or leaking oil through the piston rings or both. The tractor did start up relatively quick. No smoke came out the tail pipe, but we didn't run it for very long (~5 minutes). So how difficult is it to re-due the rings and valves? I won't go as far as re-boring the engine, since that would be a major undertaking for me.
I tried to look for a free manual on-line to help me understand some of the questions I have above and to check out the rest of the equipment and features. However, couldn't find any free copy, just those who want to sell me something. There was always someone willing to sell me a manual...lol.
Any help or comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
1. Does the tractor have downward pressure capability? The guy who showed me the tractor didn't know, plus he wasn't able to keep the rear lift raised when the tractor was shut off. Sounds to me a possible hydraulics leak.
2. How difficult is it to work on the brakes and any seals that keep oil out of it? The left rear brake won't hold. I'm told there's oil on the drum. All I have to do is sandpaper off the oil on the drum...yes...you heard right...sandpaper off the oil. Sounds to me that it might be a bearing seal that is bad. How complicated is it to change that?
3. I took two plugs out and looked at them. They were fouled black, wet and oily. I was told just need to run it and it will burn off. Not really sure if its an over rich mixture problem or leaking oil through the piston rings or both. The tractor did start up relatively quick. No smoke came out the tail pipe, but we didn't run it for very long (~5 minutes). So how difficult is it to re-due the rings and valves? I won't go as far as re-boring the engine, since that would be a major undertaking for me.
I tried to look for a free manual on-line to help me understand some of the questions I have above and to check out the rest of the equipment and features. However, couldn't find any free copy, just those who want to sell me something. There was always someone willing to sell me a manual...lol.
Any help or comments would be appreciated. Thanks!