8540 trouble

markwmcmanus · May 16, 2012

The cable issues seem to be common.
Another farmer down the road with a 7040 had similiar issues. The steering box is the
distribution box at the end of the steering shaft.

piller · May 16, 2012

My M8540 is about the same age as yours, I got mine from a great dealer (Barlows), my tractor has been excellent.

The first time I removed my loader I messed up the hydraulic connection seal when I went to re-attach, it was operator error. Dealer picked up my tractor, fixed the hydraulic connection seal, took care of the recalled step issue, and replaced my hydraulic shuttle cable all under warranty.

The second (and last) time my tractor needed attention was when I noticed it started to lose power, the dealer found that I had managed to pinch a fuel line, they fixed that at no cost to me also.

My M8540 has been just great, I will probably keep this tractor for a long time. Except for the hydraulic shuttle cable the few problems I have had were my fault.

Sorry to hear that you are not happy with your tractor or your dealer.

markwmcmanus · May 18, 2012

$1700 later and fixed. cut a couple acres of hay yesterday and did very well. i like the tractor so may give another chance hope not to be stranded again

red4now · May 24, 2012

markwmcmanus said:
$1700 later and fixed. cut a couple acres of hay yesterday and did very well. i like the tractor so may give another chance hope not to be stranded again

Murphy's Law - it will breakdown when you need it the most. Same thing happened here with our M8540. One of the cables on the joystick - nylon bushing went - of course we needed it that day when typically that tractor is not so busy.

For the benefit of others with this type of loader / joystick combo - Allo M30 loader (not sure if it makes a difference for the joystick) but this nylon bushing is regular problem - if you do not keep it greased up - so good to know. Check to see if yours has grease on it - if not it might dry up and bind and then the cable pulls through the bushing and you are into replacing the whole cable - at the dealer since they have to tension them properly. - fyi

slowzuki · May 24, 2012

The alo loader is not used much in the US except on other brands, on Canada its on almost all the brands. That bushing problem on the cable is the same on all alo control valves for years.

charleyfarmall · May 25, 2012

Just make sure that ALL the fluids are at the right level and everything is greased well. It should be a reliable tractor. Change the oil if you haven't. Maybe the previous owner didn't maintain it.