I picked up the MF35 with its newly-installed old Freeman loader today. The workmanship on the installation is very impressive: Don's something of an artist with a welding torch and he greatly improved the installation's rigidity and ergonomics. With three double-acting cylinders I have precise control over the loader and down pressure on both controls. The trouble is I am used to the 414's more powerful pump and very rigid loader. The Massey doesn't move much oil by comparison, so the controls are smooth, but very slow. The Freeman, despite its bracing, is a bit tentative. When driving the tractor two miles home, I realized how cumbersome a loader makes a tractor with manual steering feel. On the other hand there are a lot of things around which need lifting, and I suspect the new rig will do a very good job on them. I had Don change the fuel filters and steering wheel while he was at it. He was surprised to discover that the originals filters weren't dirty at all. I think that's a good sign. The wheel he had to cut off with a torch. Glad I hadn't tried it on my own.
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