Massey 135? Orchard Steering Issues

cordova · Jun 29, 2020

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. · Jun 29, 2020

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 · Jun 29, 2020

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 · Jun 30, 2020

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

cordova · Jun 30, 2020

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 · Jun 30, 2020

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 · Jul 2, 2020

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 · Jul 2, 2020

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 · Jul 3, 2020

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.