MF 1100 brake issue

Hello. I have purchased a very early serial number MF 1100 tractor. It reportedly has one brake which is "dragging heavily"... The current owner spoke with his local dealer, who suggested "disconnecting and plugging a line" to make moving the tractor around less difficult until the brakes could be worked on properly. As I look at the brake lines, I'm guessing they were thinking to disconnect the brake line where it comes out of the brake valve, and plugging the brake valve fitting. Seems to me this would presume that the valve is faulty and supplying pressure to the dragging brake. If this was the case, releasing pressure to that brake by disconnecting the line would make sense.

Thinking through this a bit, it seems to me that if this were the case, the pressure should bleed back while the tractor is shut-off and sitting, and that the brake shouldn't drag if you pulled the tractor without starting it up... I have a call back to the guy to see if this is the case, but no response yet.

So, just thought I would see if any of you good folks have experience with a dragging brake on the MF 1100 series tractors, what you think about the idea offered by the local dealer, and if you have any other good advice. My biggest initial need is getting the tractor moveable so that I can load it on my trailer, get it hauled home, then be able to move it around at home until I can work on it more properly.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and good ideas.

Regards,

JB

I'd try blocking the tractor up with both wheels off the ground first, let it set over night and try turning each wheel by hand the next morning. If either one turns harder there MAY be a chance the linings are coming apart, doubling up, loosing the release clearance. If both turn OK, start the engine and see if either one applies without touching the brake pedals. If either one does drag, see if the pedals are fully released. If still no change shut engine off, loosen the brake lines and see if they free up again. If they do free up trouble is most likely in the valve area. Is this an early CDW serial number tractor? Dad's 1100 diesel is a later 9B, with over 7000 hours, brakes have never been touched.

All good things to try once I get it home, but won't be able to do that when I go to pick it up... And I doubt I could get the current owner to do all that before I get there. Yes, early CDW serial number. I'll give you a call when I get a chance.