MF20 and Lift Cover Parts

Good day! First post - I have learned a lot reading the last few months and finally joined!

I have an issue with a new to me MF20 (maybe 20C?) Backstory - bought from 2nd owner, 3 pt. lift never worked for him and he thought the pump was bad. I got into it and there is almost no lift components under the lift cover (no lift cylinder, vertical bracket or associated components). I guess something went wrong and he just pulled it all out. I pulled off the small cover at the top of the standpipe and the hydraulic pump shoots out fluid just fine, so I think the pump is okay. So, I am hunting down a new lift cover and components.

I am almost certain the tractor is a 20 and not a 20C. Serial number is 9A231626, and decals all have MF20 and not 20C. From looking at the parts books, I also notice the 20C appeared to have a metal slat front grill, whereas mine has a metal mesh front grill (with the "ridges" pressed into it). Are there any other telltale signs to distinguish between the variations?

Next question - Looking at the parts list, it looks like a lot of the part numbers between the 135 and 20 are very similar for the lift cover and lift components (gasket, vertical bracket, cylinders, some levers). Casting numbers are a different story and the numbers I have seem to not match even the parts book references, so I've stopped looking at those. 20C has different lift components.

My second question is, I have a lift cover and the components from a 135 available, and I can simply swap out lift covers. I've read from previous posts that the 20 and 135 are very similar. Has anyone had any success/experience with doing this? The footprints match and the vertical brackets (supporting the levers and response dashpot) are the same part number, so I'm hoping it will work in an MF20.

Thank you in advance!

Hi Joshua, the 135 cover should fit without any problem however it would be wise to do a few checks first. If the roller is still in the pump operating lever it must be removed before fitting the new cover. Operate the pump lever forwards against the spring. It must be completely free in both directions. Push the lift cylinder piston in fully and check for free movement and bore condition. With the Draft lever lowered there should be no end float in the top link attachment point. Those are the basic checks. If you wish to go in further a workshop manual would be advisable. To carry out a full adjustment sequence special tools will be needed.
DavidP, South Wales

If you have the entire rear end/3 point assembly from a 135 I'd just swap out the entire back section as long as the splines from the transmission to the rearend/hydraulic pump is the same. That would be a lot less work in my opinion, plus if you have the serial number from the donor 135 you will at least know what replacement parts are needed for it should you need them.

Thank you both for the information! I was able to get the replacement top cover with all the missing lift pieces. I have the MF20 service manual, but it is not very detailed on the adjustments, and from reading other posts it seems other manuals have more clear instructions.

I am going to look for better instructions regarding adjustments before proceeding, see if I can locate someone who has the special tools, and worst case I may just take it to a dealer if need be. I definitely dont want to crack that top!

Working on a 30B top cover and the pics in repro service manual aren't much help, nor is the steps in the service manual. Does anyone have pics of how the 'fingers' are supposed to go around the rollers from the control quadrant?