Hi everyone. Happy Memorial Day weekend!
As some of you know, I grew up 3 miles from the site of the Massey Ferguson Training Farm near Fairland, IN. (And I now live there once again.) The MF Training Farm was in operation from 1963 through around 1980. It was also located right along the path from my Dad's farm to Grandpa's farm. As a young lad, I drove by the Training Farm many, many times.
I was always drooling at the lines of tractors of every make and model that were used for comparison testing. It was also the first place that I was able to view the new MF 100-1000 series tractors. They did significant testing of prototypes of those tractors.
A few of the prototypes were spared when the farm was shut down. As many of you know, I was recently able to acquire one of the MF 1100 prototypes, s/n CDW 650000014. Another prototype, s/n CDW 650000012 is still being used here in Shelby County. Both are narrow front tractors.
Now to the point of my post. I would like to put together a short "registry" of sorts on early MF 1100 serial numbers. In particular, those prior to the 9B xxxxx which started in 1967. I am very interested in finding out if some of the things I am finding on my prototype that are "different" from what is in the Parts Books and Service Manuals were actually changed before production started, or were changed sometime after production began.
SO, if you have an early MF 1100, and don't mind sharing it with me, I would like to have your serial number. The lowest one I have so far (other than the two prototypes) is CDW 650002302.
Differences I have found on my prototype that I haven't found on any production tractors so far include: Dash gauge layout, hydraulic levers, oil fill in tappet cover, no oil fill at dipstick location, brake control valve assembly, and hydraulic filter head. Also, the amount of hydraulic oil that drained from the system is a few gallons less than what the service manual states should drain... Hmmm....
If you do share your serial number with me, I won't share it with anyone else without your permission.
I look forward to your feedback.
Cheers,
JB