Massey 231S 3-point lowers very slowly.

[def38]

Do you know the year and location of manufacture for your M-F?

I kinda like the turtle and rabbit labels on the controls. My Craftsman riding mower has similar labels on the throttle lever. Let us know what you find when you open up the hydraulic/gearcase. Once I get some time, I'll likely do the same and freshen the hydraulic pump and other stuff therein. If you are so inclined, photos would be a big help.

 

[JWR]

Mine doesn't have a rabbit and turtle but has + and - on the drop rate lever on the side of the transmission. It moves freely but doesn't change anything. My next try will be to remove the cover that the lever goes through. Maybe I can see if it's actually attached to anything inside. Maybe it came loose. I just haven't had time to get back to it. Thanks for the info, I might try to give them a call.

I think your "next try" described above is a good one. That lever SHOULD be adjusting the opening or valve for return flow from the 3pt lift system hydraulic cylinder to the sump. In the Ferguson system, the lift pump and cylinder are buried internal to the chassis and essentially not accessible. While you have the cover off, if nothing is obviously 'loose' you may be able to peer in and diagnose what is happening. With really great luck you might even be able to free-up the mechanism opening the return flow path.

BY THE WAY, there are some neat gadgets these days called endoscopes with a head that comes on a stiff thin cable and the other end plugs into your smart phone. The head has both lights on the tip and a tiny camera. Installation on the smart phone was the easiest of anything I've ever tried to load. If you have one, you can poke around in there is see things that you never could otherwise. These gadgets are relatively cheap and quite amazing. One I bought was $16.99 via Amazon called "Ultra Slim 0.21 inch Dia. Probe USB Endoscope with Semi Rigid Cable USB Type C Adapter Borescope Waterproof Inspection Camera Snake Camera" . There are many. This one is skinny enough to go down the barrel of a 22 caliber rifle, etc.

 

[def38]

I think your "next try" described above is a good one. That lever SHOULD be adjusting the opening or valve for return flow from the 3pt lift system hydraulic cylinder to the sump. In the Ferguson system, the lift pump and cylinder are buried internal to the chassis and essentially not accessible. While you have the cover off, if nothing is obviously 'loose' you may be able to peer in and diagnose what is happening. With really great luck you might even be able to free-up the mechanism opening the return flow path.

BY THE WAY, there are some neat gadgets these days called endoscopes with a head that comes on a stiff thin cable and the other end plugs into your smart phone. The head has both lights on the tip and a tiny camera. Installation on the smart phone was the easiest of anything I've ever tried to load. If you have one, you can poke around in there is see things that you never could otherwise. These gadgets are relatively cheap and quite amazing. One I bought was $16.99 via Amazon called "Ultra Slim 0.21 inch Dia. Probe USB Endoscope with Semi Rigid Cable USB Type C Adapter Borescope Waterproof Inspection Camera Snake Camera" . There are many. This one is skinny enough to go down the barrel of a 22 caliber rifle, etc.

You may have to drain the oil from the gear case, all 10 gallons. BTW, don't get too fancy with that endoscope...my GI charges me hundreds of dollars every time he uses one on me.