New Member Here.

Hey guys,

Just bought my first tractor. A 1970 MF20 with MF34 Loader. I got her for 3k and everything works. Been out in the elements so she's a bit rusty but fires right up. I plan to get her back to snuff and a little paint wouldn't hurt. Any tips and advice welcome. I have alot of reading to do.

Welcome! This is a good bunch of guys and gals! Much great advice here!

Probably like the rest of our old tractors - nothing too much money won't fix. Welcome to this site - lots of experience in fixing just about any old tractor you can think of here.

Welcome from P.E.I. Canada!

Welcome from the great white north. I think there might be a hoop or two to jump through before posting photos, not sure, some of the
regulars here can fill you in on that. It would be nice to see your Fergie. Watch yourself 6-4, some of these guys from south of the 49th
can be pretty wicked .... ha, just kidding. But they can be clever I'll tell you that. There is a Ferguson board here down on the menu,
you probably know that but all the interesting action happens here on Tractor Talk and Tractor Tales.

Welcome from the west coast. No matter what you want someone here has done it, or seen it done. Stan

Welcome!

Being that it does run, keep it that way for a while, put it through it's paces, start a note book, write down everything you find that needs attention. The last thing you want to do is have to go back in after a problem once it is all cleaned up and back together.

Order a shop manual! It will be the best investment you can make, will pay for itself in mistakes not made and peace of mind that things were done right.

Something common to all tractors that have lived outside, water in the gear cases, and hydraulics. If it's already emulsified it will be very difficult to get out. May as well leave it for now instead of wasting clean oil if you end up taking it all apart. You can try cracking the drain plugs after it has sat a while, see if any water drips out.

Water in the engine oil is a different story. It could be rain water, or it could be coolant. Something you will have to determine IF there is water in the oil. Either case, don't run the engine with either in the oil!

Since it has a loader, look the front suspension, steering, and bearings over closely. Check for broken bolts, wallowed holes, everything associated with the loader is subject to high stress.

As for the rest, best assume the worst as far as maintenance if you don't have any history on it. Look the wiring and hoses over for rodent chewing, look for mouse nests and dirt dobbers in the most inaccessible places.

If you do go in for a major disassembly, try to stay as organized as possible. Take pictures, label parts, put them in bags and totes so they can be found. Hopefully you have an enclosed shop with a concrete floor. Splitting a tractor on dirt is very difficult and dangerous! Be money and time wise! Chances are you will find some nasty surprises along the way. Have a plan. The last thing you want is to get in deeper than expected and get overwhelmed.

Keep in touch, don't be afraid to ask! Have fun!

Welcome, SixFour6.

Came here looking for answers about
getting our 1931 rusty Farmall Regular
running... probably about 8 years ago...
never left.

Now my husband calls these guys my
"tractor buddies".

Lots of great folks here willing to
share their knowledge.

And ya might make a friend or two along
the way.

Welcome from N.E. Indiana. Great
site. Great people! Enjoy your
tractor.

Welcome,

Welcome to a great site.
I used to have a MF 30 with a loader. It was a stout tractor. Worst thing about it was the power steering.
Worked on that a lot.
Richard