MF 231 brakes

Brar Hopper · Jul 6, 2011

I bought a MF 231 with low hours for a song. The only thing wrong with this tractor was a lack of sufficient braking power. After visiting numerous sites I found that was a common problem with this model with no known fix. I didn't give up. I came up with a fix that cost under ten dollars and less than an hour of your time to make this model have very good brakes. I am willing to describe the solution to anyone.
Right now I joined the site because I am looking at an 8 foot IM bush hog in excellent shape for $900. The problem is it has a bearing out of one of the gearboxes and I would like to know if parts are available. Also, since I'm reasonably sure they are available; how would I identify the model of gearbox to order parts for?

Muhammad · Jul 6, 2011

Welcome to TBN.

Briana03 · Jul 8, 2011

Hello & WELCOME to TBN!

I moved your thread to the Parts/Repairs Forum.

Brar Hopper · Jul 8, 2011

Thank you. I was attempting to post the fix but couldn't navigate my way back.

Brar Hopper · Jul 8, 2011

Like I said, I couldn't get the brakes fixed on this tractor and every site I visited indicated this to be a common problem with this model that was pretty much insurmountable. I had cleaned the shoes with brake cleaner, roughed them and the drum up with sand paper and adjusted them up to specs to no avail. All of the experts said it was poor design. I did notice that either brake pedal only moved down less than an inch and it was like running into a brick wall with little effect on braking.

The fix: 3/8 drill bit from Lowes, about 7 dollars. Where the brake pedal swivels on the bushing, a linkage is attached about 4 inches below the pivot point with a 3/8 inch pin. Drill a 3/8 inch hole about half way up, between the factory drilled hole and the center of the fulcrum, or swivel point of the brake pedal. Move the linkage to this new hole and put a new cotter key in the pin. You will now have twice as much force on the brake actuator with the same effort. This is enough to make the brakes lock completely and scoot the wheels with very little effort. If the wheels scoot, that's doing all we can ask of the brakes. The experts were right; the system was poorly designed but it was less than $7 to correct. Time involved was less than one hour including fine tuning all brake adjustments.

NOTE: With the linkage moved twice as close to the fulcrum you will have twice as much force but it will move the linkage/brake actuator half as far. Be sure brakes are adjusted up to specs with both the internal brake adjuster and the linkage adjustment beneath the tractor so the pedal will not bottom out on the footrest.

CAUTION : Wives/girlfriends are very handy for depressing the pedals while you are underneath and behind the tractor fine tuning. If they are not happy with their newly delegated task, be sure you have the key in your pocket and there are no heavy implements attached to the three point lift.