3-Point Hitch 3 point hitch leaking down on MF243

geneP · Sep 15, 2014

I posted a few days ago about checking out a 243 I was interested in buying. The owner returned from off-shore work and was there today to show me the operation of the tractor. I was able to run the tractor with a 6 ft. Agri-Cutter on it long enough to get everything warmed up. The tractor operated good until I parked it with the cutter in the air to check for hydraulic leak down. The 3 point leaked down about a foot in a few minutes, probably 5-10 minutes. I had also noticed that when raising the hitch slowly, it would stutter rapidly ( but not violently) a little as it raised. It seemed like I could feel the pulse each revolution of the pump. When the position lever was raised quickly the hitch raised rapidly with no problem. I've not operated MF tractors, so I'm not really sure if this is normal with them or not. My Case-IH doesn't do it, and will hold a cutter up all night.

I didn't buy the tractor today because I wanted some input from those of you experienced with the MF hydraulic system operation to give me some input on what is normal and what will possibly require repairs. It has been my experience that when hydraulics start leaking by a seal it only gets progressively worse.

Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge with me.

sdef · Sep 15, 2014

I have no experience with a MF tractor but see no reason why its static hydraulics would be any different at holding up a load than anyone else's hydraulics. My Kioti will hold up a heavy load, front or rear for hours, as required. I have not tried leaving it sitting over night as a test, as this would just be abusive, I think. To this uneducated MF person, it sounds to me like there is a problem with the hydraulics.

Kenneth S · Sep 16, 2014

The piston for the 3 point lift needs a new seal. The 243 model was built in 1999 - 2003 so it's at least 11 years old, also the hydraulic filter/strainer is internal so it usually doesn't get changed like it should (with most people it's the "if they don't see it on the outside it must not have one mentality"). A new seal, new filter/strainer, and some fresh oil it should be fine. I haven't had to rebuild any hydraulic pumps for them. Plus I agree with sdef as to there is no reason to let it sit overnight when you have a implement hooked to it, I never leave the 3 point raised when the tractor sits, even if nothing is hooked to it.

Trey318 · Sep 16, 2014

My 135 does the same thing. When I got it over the summer, I noticed even without a load the 3pt hitch lowers. I call my Massey dealer and asked the service manager about it. He said is perfectly normal, and it's supposed to lower with no load about and inch a minute

Kenneth S · Sep 16, 2014

The older tractors like the 135 uses a piston with 3 piston ring type seals rather than what used on newer tractors. You can either get a new piston with a single seal using a modern seal, or you can put the modern type seals on old 3 piston ring type piston. When the 3 point drops fast without the engine running (on my 2135 the 3 point will drop from all the way up to all the way down in a minute, so it's getting new seals pretty soon).

geneP · Sep 16, 2014

Thanks for the replies. I typically don't leave a load on a three point hitch for extended periods. I have backed the tractor into the shed and forgot to release the lift and left the front of the cutter off the ground and come backed the next day and it is still up.

This tractor in question isn't leaking as badly as some of your replies indicate, but those things typically get worse. That item and a few more make me uncomfortable with the tractor and I'm going to pass since he won't negotiate from his asking price of $7000. It is a 2000 model showing 830 hrs with the tach broken. I don't think it has ever been under a shed and looks bad cosmetically. It does have the synchro shuttle and two sets of remotes. It is equipped like I would want one and like the size and power, but I guess there are others to be had.

Thanks again.

sdef · Sep 16, 2014

Sounds like the same decision I would make. A friend has two old Fords he purchased pretty inexpensively- one of which came with his small farm. He has to work on both of them on a regular basis and one is down now for hydraulics and has been down twice for hydraulics this year.

I need my equipment to work when I need them to work...