MF 1734e tier 4 garbage

[Nick P]

I have a 2015 Massey 1734e with 43 hrs on it. A couple of weeks ago I was using it during its regen cycle at pto rpm to use the 3 point snowblower I have. All of a sudden there was a misty cloud all around me and it was coming from the exhaust. Along with the cloud was a the heavy smell of raw diesel fuel. Then it occurred to me maybe the burner in the exhaust never lit the fuel and the injector was just pumping fuel into the chamber and spraying it out of the exhaust like a pressure washer hooked up to a diesel pump! In the meantime the orange light with exclamation point ( engine warning light) came on and the tractor started to beep. I promptly shut it off and called the dealer and they said this was normal. I read the owners manual and it said on page 59 if engine warning light comes on there is an ECU malfunction and bring it to the dealer. I brought this to the dealers attention and they have been cooperating. They are picking it up on Monday to read the codes and take it from there. Not sure how dumping raw diesel out of my exhaust is more environmentally friendly but who am I. New to this site and appreciate any help.
Thanks,
Nick

 

[Ooklaa]

Well sorry for the problems but we wouldn't consider that a grear first time post opener. Most people introduce themselves and explain what they have. Whenever a dealer says this or that get the name that said it and tell them to put it on paper.

Second posts video and or pictures of whats going on can help you also. Plus we also can make sure your not a basher or troll.

 

[TSO]

Not sure why you title it as "garbage" but you have a warranty, let's see what happens with the dealer. I think all of the manufacturers are experiencing the occasional tier 4 hiccup. Let us know what the dealer says.

Congrats on your new Massey, that's a nice tractor.

 

[Nick P]

Sorry for the not so well put title and dialogue for first time use. My name is Nick and I purchased the MF in July of 2015. It is a huge upgrade from my 1962 Ford Industrial 2000. I love the tractor but was extremely aprehensive with this new tier 4 stuff. After much research in the new and used market I finally decided to go with the Massey because of the reputation. I have 6.5 acres and I use it for land clearing, snow removal, and fun. As you can tell I was a little frustrated with the recent events with it because it is a fairly big investment and don't want to see it turn into a guinea pig as they work through this new technology. I am just curious if anyone else out there has had any similar issues. I will post what they find hopefully today. once again sorry for the rough first time post and thanks for the help.

 

[thclimer]

Let us know what your dealer determines the problem to be.

Hopefully this is just an isolated event and your dealer will have back running soon.

I purchased a 1736 last year mostly for snow removal as it has a heated cab and I opted for a front blower but with as little snow that we have received in upstate New York this year I have yet to use it for blowing snow.

I too was hesitant about the Tier 4 technology and my unit has yet to perform its first regeneration cycle.

 

[aarolar]

Watching with much interest please do keep us up to date.

 

[labhaven]

I have a 1734e with ~32 hours. It regens every 4 hours for 30 minutes and I haven't had any issues. Its happened during brush cutting, loader work and snow blowing. A large local dairy has a 1734e with over 1000 hours on it now with no issues. That really boosted my confidence when making my purchase. Wishing you the best with the dealer. Please let us know what you find out.

 

[Nick P]

Well I talked to the dealer this afternoon. After 7.5 hrs of updating their scan tool software they pulled a few codes from the tractor. I asked what specifically and the service manager didn't know, saying the tech knew. He did say the tech was in touch with Massey and they have heard of this issue before. Massey instructed them to update the software in the ECU first. Massey also informed them that there is a screen between the burner motor for the regen and the dpf chamber that gets clogged up. This restricts the flow during the regen causing the regen temperature sensor to not get satisfied. In turn the computer calls for more fuel and totally floods everything and finally causing it to spray out of the exhaust. Massey does have some sort of fix for this according to the dealer. I'm going to take a ride to the dealer tomorrow to see exactly what's going on and I'll update further.

 

[Threepoint]

Nick, I understand your frustration with such a new tractor, but don't be so dismissive of the Tier 4 technology. That's a great tractor, and I'm sure MF will get this resolved. My 2014 Kioti is Tier 4 DPF, with about 170 hrs on it. I love the quiet power, and practically no exhaust smell. :thumbsup: Hang in there with your dealer, and keep us updated.

 

[Cub 7274]

tractors are now cars
I like my MF 1533 with no add on's

 

[thclimer]

Nick, thanks for the update.

Its seems like all us with newer units are eager to learn what the cause was and the resolution.

Keep us posted.

 

[Nick P]

Hi everyone! Today the tech called me to explain what he and the Massey rep suspect the problem is. There were three separate codes for excessive fuel dumping in the regen motor. They said this is due to a computer glitch during a regen cycle. They went ahead and updated the software in the ECU and forced it into 2 regen cycles back to back to make sure everything is working as it should. They were satisfied and this was all done under the direction of the MF rep who said he has seen this before and with the amount of hours on it this was the most probable cause and solution. I sure hope that is it and time will tell.

 

[TSO]

Great news, and that's a fast response from Massey.

 

[thclimer]

Hey Nick, Glad to learn your dealer responded quickly to your issue.

So, now I'm wondering is there is later version of code for the ECU that certain tractors should be upgraded to??????

 

[V65ozzie]

My 1734 is currently at the dealer for a regen issue, it went into shutdown mode over the weekend, apparently never satisfying the regen. I mentioned the whole reflash thing to him while I was there. It has about 235 hours on it, and should still be under warranty. This one replaced a 1 year old unit last year that a customer blew the engine up in(that silly little coolant hose running alongside the frame-next to the rf wheel got knocked off) I have since relocated that hose to a safer, more protected area. As well as flipping the rear lights inboard of the ROPS bars(required a hole saw to drill two clearance holes-a highly recommended fix for the dumbo ears....... haven't broken one since)

 

[Phillip w]

My 1734 is currently at the dealer for a regen issue, it went into shutdown mode over the weekend, apparently never satisfying the regen. I mentioned the whole reflash thing to him while I was there. It has about 235 hours on it, and should still be under warranty. This one replaced a 1 year old unit last year that a customer blew the engine up in(that silly little coolant hose running alongside the frame-next to the rf wheel got knocked off) I have since relocated that hose to a safer, more protected area. As well as flipping the rear lights inboard of the ROPS bars(required a hole saw to drill two clearance holes-a highly recommended fix for the dumbo ears....... haven't broken one since)

Sounds like it is a good thing I did not allow dealer to ta'll me into a 1700 series. My 1531 massey ferguson is a basket case. My tractors 40+ years old are more rugged, dependable and reliable. From what I gather all these tractor manufacturers are turning out tractors with issues. You have to fight with dealers to get them to back up their equipment. It is really sad. I have heard horror stories with John Deere, Kubota, New Holland, case-ih, and I am living a Massey ferguson nightmare. I have a 70-80 hp tractor with a front end loader for about a 1/5 the cost of my massey ferguson. Plenty of power and hydraulics. Yeah, the controls aren't as convenient, but I can surrender a lot of convenience for more tractor and 20,000-25,000 dollars less money.

 

[mapper]

I had one regeneration problem early with my 1534e, they had not yet documented that the RPM had to be above 1800 to regenerate properly. Other than that mine has been issue free.

 

[V65ozzie]

Update on mine: The filter was at 146% At 140% the dealer cannot force a regen, so they are sending the filter out to be cleaned. No word on $$ or why the filter got that plugged in the first place yet. I still suspect that the computer has an issue and needs an update/reflash. If this is the case I will argue that it should be covered under warranty, unless they just cover it anyway.

 

[thclimer]

Huuum that's not good. I hope they can explain what happened and that you will be covered under warranty.

 

[V65ozzie]

Got mine back yesterday, dealer hasn't explained exactly what happened, and seems reluctant to do so, but has submitted a warranty claim with MF, as long as MF pays them, we are free and clear. Tractor left on a rental this morning.....