In for a penny: Freeman loader project on MF35

But I didn't want a trip arm, so I ordered a hydraulic cylinder for the bucket. Today I decided I wanted down pressure, as well. O.K., add two more cylinders to the project. Eight new hoses and two control thingies I can't describe. Gulp. I'll have auxiliary hydraulics at the back, as well as the front.

Today I sat on the seat and showed him where to locate the controls. Now all he has to do is cut a section of the left loader frame away and rebuild it so I have room to get on and off the tractor: I refuse to spend the rest of my adult years wiggling through an 8" space between frame and tractor tire.

This guy's pretty handy with a torch and doesn't seem at all bothered by redesigns to improve the ergonomics. The cross-support, for example, is now going through just behind the battery. That won't interfere with shifting or hood-opening.

Before he became a full-time dairy farmer my neighbour worked for many years as a heavy equipment guy, specializing in welding and other repairs to backhoes and such. He takes on the odd project in the winter when he has the time. He seems to know what he is doing and is a good teacher.

Pictures before long.

Very little oil left in tranny: it had all gone somewhere.

Don realized that there must be something plumbed incorrectly in the main lever control-thingie. Now he had to get rid of the pressure buildup.

I think he waited until I had wandered a safe distance away, and then FLOOP! Oil all over everywhere, much of it on the guy with the wrench.

Back to the drawing board on the plumbing. Everything else is looking great on the project.