MF 1030- Need some basic information.......

[Chris in WNC]

we purchased a 1987 MF1030 this summer for our tiny farm.
only has 400 hours on it and we are generally very pleased with it.
lately the 3-point lift response has gotten slower & slower.
several people told me the hydraulic filter is likely clogged, so I got a new one.

when I took the old filter off, milky oil started oozing out, so I need to change it.
after I drain it, how much oil do I need?
and where do I put the oil in? the only likely looking possibility is a large rubber plug or cap just to the left and slightly in front of the gearshift lever. if this is the filler cap, how does it come off? if not, where is the filler cap?

I'll be getting an owner's manual soon but any good information to speed this along will be appreciated!
we have many other questions but this is the most urgent situation right now....

thanks in advance for any help,
-Chris

 

[SIMassey]

we purchased a 1987 MF1030 this summer for our tiny farm.
only has 400 hours on it and we are generally very pleased with it.
lately the 3-point lift response has gotten slower & slower.
several people told me the hydraulic filter is likely clogged, so I got a new one.

when I took the old filter off, milky oil started oozing out, so I need to change it.
after I drain it, how much oil do I need?
and where do I put the oil in? the only likely looking possibility is a large rubber plug or cap just to the left and slightly in front of the gearshift lever. if this is the filler cap, how does it come off? if not, where is the filler cap?

I'll be getting an owner's manual soon but any good information to speed this along will be appreciated!
we have many other questions but this is the most urgent situation right now....

thanks in advance for any help,
-Chris

According to tractordata.com 29.6 quarts, don't know what oil type.

 

[Chris in WNC]

is there any recommendation to flush out the system when it has been corrupted by water?
if so, with what?

 

[SIMassey]

is there any recommendation to flush out the system when it has been corrupted by water?
if so, with what?

Diesel fuel has been the solvent most recommended on this forum. I used a pump up garden sprayer and reached in through a side cover an flushed out everywhere I could reach. Let it drain overnight. Any diesel left will mix with the oil. lower the three point so most of the oil is pushed out of the lift cylinder.

 

[mrosian]

:tractor:I have a 1035 and my book says Permatran III for the Hydraulic System. Capacity is 9.2 U.S. gals, mine is a 1990 and it refers to the permatran III superceding the previous Massey M-1129A lubricant. I dont know if that would apply to the 1987 or not. This info is from my owners manual but there is little difference between the two machines. Not sure what you can use to flush it but have heard kerosine works to clean out stuff like gear boxes etc.. Hope this helps

 

[lambs]

we purchased a 1987 MF1030 this summer for our tiny farm.
only has 400 hours on it and we are generally very pleased with it.
lately the 3-point lift response has gotten slower & slower.
several people told me the hydraulic filter is likely clogged, so I got a new one.

when I took the old filter off, milky oil started oozing out, so I need to change it.
after I drain it, how much oil do I need?
and where do I put the oil in? the only likely looking possibility is a large rubber plug or cap just to the left and slightly in front of the gearshift lever. if this is the filler cap, how does it come off? if not, where is the filler cap?

I'll be getting an owner's manual soon but any good information to speed this along will be appreciated!
we have many other questions but this is the most urgent situation right now....

thanks in advance for any help,
-Chris

That large rubber plug should be the filler location for the fluid. On my 1010, it just pops out. Note that it's almost impossible to get all of the old oil out, so you may not need as much to refill as the manual calls for. My tractor is a 1010, and it called for 4.5 gallons I think. I had a gallon left over when I was done.

If your 1030 is built like my 1010, the drain plug for the fluid is at the back of the tractor beneath the drawbar sleeve. Wherever your drain plug is, make sure you are parked on an incline so most of it can drain out the plug hole. Have several 5 gallon buckets handy too!

Good luck and let us know how it went.

 

[Chris in WNC]

I also play with antique cars and am fortunate to have a 4-post vehicle lift.
makes things like this a bit easier to deal with.
Because of the water intrusion, I filled 2 five gallon buckets with old oil.

after draining, I rinsed it out inside as well as possible with diesel fuel. letting it drain overnight and
tomorrow AM off to the Massey dealer for 10 gallons of oil and a new gearshift boot.