MF 1045 low range not working

[burkehill]

The low range on my MF 1045 has always been funny. When I bought it used in 2002, it would occasionally pop out of gear. Then, last week while rototilling, it stopped working altogether. Well, it does work, but it jerks the tractor forward an inch, and the makes unpleasant noises. Has anyone got any ideas? I can't really go without a tractor for long, so if I had an idea of what I was getting into before I did it, it would help.-Ben

 

[horse7]

1045 synchro transmission, might have some parts compatible with 1030/1035 synchro (I did not compare the parts lists) (1030 also has unsynch xmission so you need to ask if you are looking for parts (that is, if the parts are compatible between synchro trans)). 3F/1R synchro, range H/M/L constant mesh, PTO constant mesh

If you are lucky it would be a shift fork or something not too bad to fix (if the gears weren't damaged by poor meshing). If there are metal fragments in the bottom of the transmission that is a bad sign... tooth fragments is financially fatal most likely (cost more to buy the parts to fix it from Massey than buying another used 1045), something like a snap ring or bearing might be fixable if your time is free.

This series of tractors (1010/1020/1030/1035/1040/1045) from MF was a loser. Too few made to interest hardly anyone in the aftermarket parts supply chain, too many weird sized parts no one else uses, only moderate parts interchangeability within the series... ask me how I know.

 

[burkehill]

Yes, that is what I have been finding. It has been a wonderful machine for the last six years, no real problems. Then last winter I blew a front wheel seal. No big deal, except that the seal was back ordered, and the number didn't cross with anyone. I waited six months to get it.

 

[scott_vt]

This series of tractors (1010/1020/1030/1035/1040/1045) from MF was a loser. Too few made to interest hardly anyone in the aftermarket parts supply chain, too many weird sized parts no one else uses, only moderate parts interchangeability within the series... ask me how I know.

Good Mornin Horse,
I dont think that is a totally fair assesment of that line. Granted parts are difficult to obtain but alot of stuff such as seals and bearings can be found by substituting for an equivalent sized part. As long as you can use a mic or calipers you can substitute alot of parts that way !

I have had my MF 1040 about 5 years now, its got about 1500 hours on it and its been a great machine, especially since I only paid $6000 for it ! Im planning on replacing it at some point, but for now it does the job !

As far as the 1045 low range issue, I think at the very least, your going to have to pull off the transmission cover to see whats going on inside there.Hopefully its not a gear issue !

 

[burkehill]

Last winter, a front wheel seal blew. I measured them, and crossed them at NAPA and Carquest, the only two we have here. There was nothing available. And it needed a new seal at the top of the front gear case too, and a thrust washer. All simple parts, but not available. I ordered them from the MF dealer, and waited. They were back ordered, so I waited. Then spring was on it's way, and I was about to need a tractor, so I called some other dealers. There were two of the wheel seals left in the country, so I bought one of them. That is when I realized that I needed to buy a different tractor. My work cannot wait six months for a part. The dealer who got me the seal told me that Toyosha is still selling parts to MF, but only twice a year. So when we order parts that are not in stock, the MF dealer submits the order, it comes up as back ordered, until Toyosha does their deal. It is, and has been a great tractor. But I cannot wait for parts like that. I grow food, and mother nature doesn't wait for back orders. I am buying a new Kubota, and then I will fix the MF and sell it.