Stipping down an M...again

I know this might be a sin to some of you, but I am trying to lighten up my M as much as possible for pulling, and I have a couple questions.

First, I am wondering what is involved in pulling the PTO shaft? Is it as simply as pulling the rear cover and pulling the shaft out?

Also, how does the hydraulic system work and how can it easily be removed. It almost looks to me like area just behind the bell housing is where the hydraulic pump and valving is. There is also a fill tube there that looks as if it has a resevoir indepedent of the differential fluid. It looks like I can pull the bottom cover and get to it, but I would kindof like to know what I am getting into and if it will even do any good to open it up.

Thanks in advanvce....

Take off the generator/alternator and wiring to it. A constant loss system, Battery and ignition only might save 40#. Make a smaller hitch system using rigid bars instead of the "U" drawbar, and keep the pull link of the original. Use different front and rear hubs and wheels that weigh less than the cast pieces.

Good hunting, JimN

The only thing I am confused about on the pump removal is the part about the coupling from the trans lay shaft. You say it need to be vertical? I am not sure how I achieve that?

The alternator is gone and I have a small automotive battery on it. The hitch and wheelie bars I plan on building as light as possible. I will rebuild the draw bar area and shortening the bar up as much as possible(gotta read the rules on length and height). I already have 15.5x38 on steel wheel and am waiting on hubs. I am also going to be building light wieght wide front with steering rack from a mustang or simliar.

Thanks again

I am thinking of "revising" the frame to tie it back into the wheelie bars and the differential. It will not cut wieght, but it will make the tractor safer if it decided to chunk a flywheel. I am planning on overturning it to at least 2500 RPM(maybe more :)) and a blanket does not keep me safe if the flywheel decides to saw the tractor in half :(.