MF 135 Setting Hydraulics Problem

[ChrisB]

Hello, My 135 was struggling to lift on the link arms, so I have overhauled the pump. Having reassembled everything, the problem still exists.
I have removed the top cover again and have it on the bench. The service manual for setting the draft control states the following below. I have followed it exactly, using the pulley, but there is no way that I can get the correct, or any, gap between the end of the lever and dashpot rod by applying the 3lb weight specified. It requires significantly more effort, and after a whole weekend of headscratching, I cannot see where the problem lies. Any ideas please?

Screenshot 2026-04-28 225611.jpg (218.55 KiB) Viewed 745 times

Screenshot 2026-04-28 225451.jpg (200.57 KiB) Viewed 745 times

[Sandy.]

Hi Chris
Have you carried out the setting in order as said in the manual, are you able to get the correct gap at the dash pot for position control. Please feel free to give me a call or send me your number and I will give you a call.

The other thing that I would recommend that you do, if not already fitted is fit a pressure relief valve to the hydraulic pump to safe guard against any mishaps if something goes wrong. Pressure control systems do not have a relief valve fitted as standard, you can fit a 2500 psi or 3000 psi relief valve in the end of the pump, just remove the blanking plug.

Regards Sandy.

[ChrisB]

Hi Sandy, I finally got around to trying again. I followed your advice and started from scratch. Despite having taken out the draft control spring end play (or so I thought) I discovered that some significiant play had reappeared in that. Sorted that, followed the other steps with 3lb weight, etc. and it all worked, including the setting with the top cover back on. So, advice to anyone else, make sure the spring has no end play - it has a critical role in the setup. Incidentally, I was lent the I&T Shop Manual, which I found far more straightforward that the full official MF workshop manual.

Thanks again,

Chris.