Tight steering on MF35s

chuckinnc · Nov 19, 2016

I have purchased a 1964 MF35 with multipower and IMT539 MF35 Diesel clone, both have tight steering, no slop or play but they are
tough to steer compared to older TO30 and Te20 tractors I have owned, any suggestions? Both tractors have 3 rib front tires that are in very good condition.

ptfarmer · Nov 19, 2016

The spindles probably need to be greased. You can unhook the tie rods, and see if the spindles turn easy, you can also see if the steering box is tight.

Masseynut(Australia) · Nov 20, 2016

Your problem could be caused by insufficient caster on the front wheels. Check the condition of the axle beam pivot pin and bushes.
If there is wear present, the axle will tend to "lay back".......this will give the steering a heavy feel. I've also seen the spindle housings "bend" slightly at the point where they are mounted to the axle beam, again they may be bent backwards, causing your problem.

rockepg · Nov 20, 2016

Jack the front end off the ground and move the steering around. Should be very easy. If not then pop the tie rods off and start checking what is stiff like ptfarmer suggested. If all that checks out then something could be badly worn or bent like masseynut is suggesting.

John Deere D · Nov 20, 2016

I now have a 1963 MASSEY FERGUSON.. FE 35 X. The steering was just terrible.... as in arm strong. Torque required to turn the steering wheel was extremely high! Turns out there had been a loader on the poor little beast for 3000 HRS. I replaced the complete steering column and transmission cover from a tractor salvage, all is fine. I found out this out when I disconnected the tire rod ends from the front spindles. Also had front axel pivot PIN and bushing bored and replaced.

Bob...

Dean · Nov 21, 2016

I once owned a 63 (or 64) FX-35. Nice little tractor with live PTO and Perkins 152 CI, fuel sipping diesel engine.

Even though it had truck tires on the front, it steered easily without PS.

When the front end was jacked up or there was something heavy on the lift I could steer it with one finger.

I also once owned a 61 (?) MF 35 Deluxe with Perkins diesel and PS. Yes, it steered a bit easier than the FX-35, but it was only noticeable when the tractor was motionless and nothing was on the lift. FWIW: Repairing the PS system was a money pit.

Dean

Dean

ptfarmer · Nov 21, 2016

On my 135 I got the parts to get rid of the wonky, antique steering mechanism, and replace it with hydrostatic steering. The cost for the parts (used) is cheaper than what it costs to rebuild the old manual steering box. The hydrostatic steering conversion is my winter time project.

Tight steering on MF35s

chuckinnc

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ptfarmer

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Masseynut(Australia)

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rockepg

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John Deere D

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Dean

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ptfarmer

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