Curious about a Farmall M's hydraulics and stuff..

I've still got some questions about the hydraulics and installation of a 3pt on one and just live hyd on the other.

I was looking at an exploded view of the tranny mounted pump and it looks like a simple line in and line out pump? What is the capacity of the reservor and is it in the casting above the pump?
Are there quick connects on the side of the tranny housing or are there pipe plugs to thread hoses?????

Where are the controls for this hyrdraulic system? Is the lever with the little rod with the dropdown finger loop the control and if so is it a 3 position control or a simple on/off function?

I'm thinking of forgoing the expense of purchasing a 3pt and just fabbing one (or two) up myself. Will it be possible to plumb into the pump to where I can have active lines for the 3pt's two rams and then still run two more for live hydraulics like in the link to the picture below?

Sorry about all of the questions guys. I know y'all probably might fuss at me and say I need to order a manual and just so you'll know I did but I'm kinda itchy for some answers while I'm waiting for it to be delivered. :)

Thanks!!!!! Pat

Now I understand how this works. I was wondering why some didn't have 2 and now I understand that this is a one line system. Thanks!

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OOPS! Here's the pic! How come there are two lines and on some tractors I only see one?

Am I supposed to plumb in a 3 way control into the output line to prevent the rams from releasing under load?

What does the hydraulic control on the tractor do? Is it just an ON/OFF?

You seem pretty excited. Calm down and let's take things one at a time. Once you get the tractors home you'll have all the time in the world to assess the situation, figure out how things work, and figure out what you're going to do.

M's come with a "belly pump." It is driven off the transmission, so when the clutch is pushed the pump stops pumping. It's capacity is 6 quarts as I recall, not much.

The belly pump is a one-way system, pressure up, gravity down. In its day, light years ahead of lifting by hand or just dragging the implement home from the field.

When you see two hoses, that means someone added a two-way valve to the tractor. The two-way valve redirects the fluid to give pressure in both directions. These are very easy to add, but will cost you a couple hundred dollars for the valve and hoses.

The belly pump has three ports, two on the left, one on the right. They may be plugged or they may have quick connects. It's very easy to add quick connects yourself, and I recommend it. All three ports are controlled by the rod on the right side. Pull the rod, and two ports lift simultaneously, the front on the left and the right port. Hold the rod and when the cylinders are fully raised, the rear left port starts to lift. It's a delayed lift for the rear "tire track scrubbers" on a front-mount cultivator. You almost never use the rear left port.

Live hydraulics involve an engine-driven pump that mounts in front of the distributor. Since the engine is turning the pump directly, you always have hydraulics even when the clutch is pushed. Unless you are very lucky, neither of your Ms has live hydraulics. It wasn't available when the tractors were new, and only a few were added later on. Adding live hydraulics is EXPENSIVE, costing at least $800 for the pump, hoses, valve, and reservoir. I would NEVER buy a used pump, only a new IH pump because these pumps are not rebuildable. An old pump is probably worn out. It's not worth the risk.

Hopefully this makes things clearer. Good luck!