General Questions

We just purchased our first tractor...1976 MF 135. (Diesel) Wondering if any of you can give us any info you think is useful...also, some questions:

Does the tractor use heavy duty or light duty diesel engine oil?

What type of oil should I be using to lubricate any implements with chains (ie snowthrower)?

Also, any additional info would be great particularly what manual issues we should keep our eyes out for...we have the IT Shop Manual but it doesn't seem to cover regular maintenance schedules and info, just repairs... Thank you!

I use Chevron Delo, approved for diesels, works fine. Be sure to change the oil filter too! If you have the older cartridge type filter, you can get the new filter mount for the spin-on type, for about $20.00, much easier and cleaner to change the filter.

I don't really know about the chain drives, maybe someone else here does..

As for the maintenance, I would purchase a copy of the factory owners manual. It has all the info.
As a rule, you should change the transmission/differential/hydraulic oil. There are two drain plugs on the bottom. You will need two fairly large containers, as the capacity is about 10 gallons if memory serves. Purchase enough of a good quality tractor differential/hydraulic oil. Note that plain hydraulic oil will not work!

Also you need to lubricate all the grease fittings with a moly type grease.

As for the fuel filter(s), you may have one or two, this is involved. You will NEED to follow the manual, and be very clean to do this, as thge injection system must be bleed of air after changing the fuel filter.

Good Luck,

Bob

I wanted to add a tip of my own about coolant...
- I'd drain the coolant and install a new thermostat. I'd refill with same coolant if it is in good shape or install fresh coolant (using distilled water with new antifreeze).

When you get your manuals (check out this site here!), I'd reccommend getting a complete set of factory manuals(Parts book, Service book & Operators manual) they are nice to have.