Question on Adjusting Front Axle Width on MF 65

The first question I have is on adjusting the front axle width. The previous owner had set this tractor up with the narrowest track width possible, about 5 ft. of so. I'd like to adjust both front and rear out to 6 ft., (which I believe was the standard width for the 65). I have already found info on adjusting the rear spin-out wheels in the archives, so my question is mainly on adjusting the width of the front axle. Actually, adjusting the axle itself looks like a relatively simple task, but the tie rods are what has me puzzled. Are there various lengths of tubes available, or will I have to extend the existing tubes by splicing in a section of tubing or fabricate a new longer set on my own? Any other info I need to know to get this task done?

Thanks,
Dan

This one will be used primarily for mowing (with 6 ft. mower) and a little blade work every now and then, so I imagine that this will be the only adjustment to track width I do.

One other little surprise I ran into. Apparently I had some form of blockage in the fuel tank. So I will be pulling the tank and cleaning it out very soon. Any advice on that project? And it needs a new shut of valve too.

Remember in an operation like this: heat, penetrating oil and time are your friends when you are working on wheels that have not been adjusted in some time. On the rear wheel I always start with the one at the top of the wheel, this keeps the weight, downward pressure, of the tractor off the friction cam, believe me you do not need any more friction on one of these clamps that has not been moved in years.

Also note: If you are going to use the tractor to plow, you will need the inside of the right front wheel set a couple of inches farther out than the inside of the rear wheel. If you do not set correctly, the tractor will not track properly in the plow furrow.

Nothing is more fun than plowing straight and deep with a little Fergy running smooth.

Just my 2 cents:

Here is what the owners manual says: 1) lift the tractor off the ground.
2) Remove the two bolts securing each front axle arm to the center axle. Losen the tie rod set screw.
3) Move the axle arms, with respect to the center axle, to obtain the desired tread width.
4) adjust the tie rod until the bolt centers with the proper notch of the rod with the wheels straight ahead.
5) Replace the two bolts in each axle arm and tighten the bolt in the tie rod.

That is all.

I have an extra reprint users manual if you are interested.

While we are at it, any good secrets on "persuading" the rear rim locks to release? Last thing I want to do is twist the square lugs off of them.

If your axles are adjusted all the way in now you will not be able to see them, but there are spots drilled on the rod that slides inside the tube on the tie rod adjustment. Just set the desired axle width then loosen the set screw on the tie rod (faces rear of tractor) and slide the rod out of the tube until you find the correct pre-drilled spot to tighten the set screw into. Sometimes they can be a bear to adjust if they are rusted. When you get them broke loose it helps to grease the rod where it goes into the tube. Makes adjustment easier the next time.