Massey 135? Orchard Steering Issues

[cordova]

First off- I am not sure exactly which model tractor I own. The steering is 100% hydraulic with no steering box on the tranny cover. The serial# is 9A 42426. I am pretty sure my problem lies with the hydraulic motor/valve that the steering shaft couples to. I need to figure out exactly what tractor I own before I start ordering parts. I gave my local Massey dealer the serial# and they couldn't help. My derelict Massey 35 is way smaller and has conventional steering so I can't rob parts. Any help at all would be appreciated.

 

[Birdhunter1]

I'm not sure what model that one is but it is an industrial version not an orchard version.
Industrial models have heavy front axles, which yours does, and a thick nose/grill shell which that one does.

 

[radios1]

someone knew recently what model it is, because it has a new starter and alternator on it!. also, the label in the last picture has info on it that was cut off, maybe that's a clue.. possibly this?. TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 2135 industrial tractor photos information

 

[cordova]

I think radios1 has nailed it. Sure looks like a 2135, thanks a lot guys, I have somewhere to go now.

 

[cordova]

I think you nailed it radios1 Sure looks like a 2135. Thank you. The starter was aftermarket for a Perkins 3 cyl and a GM alternator mickey moused.

 

[cordova]

OK- so it looks like my tractor is a 2135 with hydraulic steering. The question I have is -should you be able to turn the steering wheel with no effort when the tractor is not running because I can. Any idea what is going on? System has fluid in it.

 

[Sportsman762]

Yep, you can spin it pretty easily with the tractor turned off. Makes moving a dead machine a real pain.

 

[redman135]

I think it is an industrial 240. The front axle and power steering reservoir are staight 240, and the grill side looks closer to a 240 than 2135. Also see "images for mf240" , some of those are full hydraulic steering.
Good Luck.

 

[cordova]

OK- so next question- with the tractor running and the front axle off the ground I can move the wheels full right and left without the steering wheel moving, I don't think this normal is it? What are the possible issues I have?

 

[Sportsman762]

I believe you have a 1968 Massey 2200. The photos were taken too close to the machine to make a definitive decision. The 2200 was a weird creature available as an industrial tractor, backhoe, forklift and forwarder (treever). So you have to be careful getting parts as they differ in many aspects. It is not a 2135 as the 2135 did not have a hardnose and required a front support for the loader as shown in the first photo on tractordata. It is most defiantly an industrial model as it has a hardnose. Your guess was close with the 135 orchard as the 135 orchard used the 2135 industrial front axle 192019M92 and other steering components as a cost savings measure by MF. MF 2135 and 135 orchards are difficult to tell apart at a glance due to the commonality, however you do not have one. The ability to move the wheels left and right by hand with the tractor running is concerning.

You could have a cylinder that is completely toast letting the fluid bypass. I would lift the front end up and support it so the wheels are free. Then I would turn the wheels all the way one direction. Take the hose off of the rod end of the outer cylinder plug the hose and then turn the wheel more to see if fluid comes out of the cylinder. If it does then the cylinder is bypassing internally. Check the other side then.

 

[cordova]

What you are saying kind of makes sense. When I bought the seal kits for a 135 they were for a cylinder with a 5/8" rod. The rods on my tractor are 7/8". The 2200 has 7/8" rods. I raised the front axle off the ground and cycled the steering left and right about 20 times,added about a quart of fluid and now I have steering but it seems awful stiff compared to when a obtained the tractor. I also noticed when I raised the front end the spindles both dropped about 1/2" so maybe the thrust bearings are gone. But I'm back to square 1 when I don't know my model. I haven't tried to move the wheels with the axle off the ground since I got rid of the air lock but will try tomorrow. After that I will follow your advice to test the cylinders

 

[Alan W.]

I had a 2135 and the sheetmetal was identical to a 135. Power steering that a gnat could turn, 6 speed trans that was geared way too high. Fastest tractor I ever had.

 

[Sportsman762]

Cordova you need to post more photos and more information on the tractor so we can ID the model. The extremely close up photos make it a challenge to see what you have. Some nice wide angle shots from all sides would be a much better start. Transmission information, engine, brake type, pto type, etc would also help. The loader data plate would also help. We cannot help you with out your assistance.

 

[radios1]

some pictures of the Massey 2200 Pardon Our Interruption and more pictures. Massey 22 - Google Search

 

[cordova]

Engine is a worn out 3 cylinder Perkins that starts on the flip of a coin, even in the Canadian winter. Just lacks some power but I can live with that. Tranny is 6 forward, 2 reverse. The loader was painter red originally and it is an agriculture loader for sure. It has its own engine mounted hydraulic pump. Rear tires are 24" which led me to believe it was a low profile or Orchard model. I rebuilt the hydraulic pump in the rear end a couple years ago but have to re-visit it again as the draft isn't set up properly. I watched a good video from this Rachel girl who seems to be a Massey guru. [my dad and brother took it apart and were messing with the spring tensions on the arms.] It also has a response lever directly across from the pto engage lever

 

[Sportsman762]

Looks just like a 2200. 14.9x24 is a very common industrial tire. The tractor has 3 hydraulic pumps. Front mounted for the loader, engine mounted for the steering, and transmission unit for the rear hitch. The loader is very light duty compared to the unit normally mounted on this tractor. The tractor would have been yellow from the factory, however the loader was probably red and mounted on an ag tractor.

The stiff steering could be a worn pump. Does it steer better when the engine is at a high RPM?

 

[cordova]

It does steer better at higher rpm but there is still lots of play before the wheels start to turn. It is very stiff when the tractor is not moving. I'm going to keep trying to get rid of any more air if there is some. If I crank the wheel all the way left or right until the spindle hits the stop I can still keep turning the wheel but it does take some effort. Before the steering went wonky I had to keep turning left to keep the tractor running straight.

 

[Sportsman762]

Is the play in the steering wheel or the front axle. Turn the wheels one way until they move. Then watch the ram as you turn the other way. Is there play in the rod ends, or do they look tight. If the cylinders rod is delayed in moving then it is some issue with the hydro steering.

 

[cordova]

Play is in the steering wheel, it takes about 3/4 turn, sometimes more before the wheels start to turn. Rod ends are tight,a little slop in the spindles but not much at all, I haven't had a chance to try to see if there is still more air in the system yet.