MF 3600 Series

Turkeyman · Jul 1, 2012

I am looking at a Challenger MT 335B (65 pto) which is a rebadged MF 3635 and want to know why MF stopped making them or of any known problems.
Thank you for your time.

WilliamBos · Jul 1, 2012

They were an Italian built tractor, with a SISU engine. My local dealer refused to sell them due to many issues.

BUT there is a top quality replacement coming, this fall. It will be full power shuttle too!

Mike476 · Jul 1, 2012

They sure are close-lipped about the upcoming lines of tractors, I've been searching for any hint of what to expect and so far haven't been able to find anything. Even dealers aren't saying a lot. I understand why with inventory left to move but it's June, Fall isn't that far off.

Gittyup, curious minds want to know! :confused3:

MF1652 · Jul 2, 2012

I've been waiting to see what they're releasing as well and nothing is out there. Not even a hint or teaser add. The local MF dealer looks like a ghost town with minimal product on the lot.

jlsmith · Jul 2, 2012

The 3600s had a lot of problems and i personally wouldnt sell them. The new line of MF that are coming out are quit nice and I think everyone will like them.

Turkeyman · Jul 2, 2012

Thank you for the insight, can you give detail on the problems? This one has the power shuttle, MFD, no loader, and 1250 hrs.

jeepcj7 · Jul 11, 2012

The mechanical shuttles have been very reliable - the powershutlles work fine after the bugs get repaired - most of the repairs were field campaigned - get a s/n and ask a dealer if all the FC's for that s/n have been perofrmed.

jlsmith · Jul 21, 2012

Turkeyman said:
Thank you for the insight, can you give detail on the problems? This one has the power shuttle, MFD, no loader, and 1250 hrs.

Sorry, ive been away for a while. We have had a lot of problems with the power shuttle and relays on the 3600s. Also a fell hydraulic issues. One of my customers had his in the shop multiple times last year and it was something different each time. He finally sold it and got a 5400.

Jarrah · Oct 7, 2012

Hi All, I have a MF 3635 with power shuttle & Loader bought new in 2009. It has been faulty with temp and transmission warning alarms since new. The dealer has not been able to fix under warranty and now is charging big $ for changing relay's and just trying things it seems without any real idea of what to do. I have heard this model is a lemon and my experience is similar to above. Also believe the model is discontinued however it is still on the Australian AGCO MF site as a current model, but is not on the US AGCO site any more? It appears that Parent MF cannot support the dealer with a comprehensive manual and support for interpreting the fault codes and then how to fix. Does this ring true. I am now trying to work out how long to persist with resolving the issues or sell and cut my losses. I would prefer to resolve and keep the tractor.

MFRED · Oct 7, 2012

If it's been a recuring problem since new you should be able to get it taken care of by AGCO. I would make a little noise with the dealer. They should take care of you. Manuals and support are still available in North America and should be over there to. There were some updates on them that took care of most of the issues.

deputyrpa · Nov 16, 2012

I bought a used 2006 cab with powershuttle, 260 hours, this summer. I had a powershuttle solenoid failure last month. Easy to diagnose with the shop manual, and a $100 part. Other than that, it has performed well. I've hayed with it, and it was remarkably powerful and fuel-efficient with a baler and wagon in tow. I'm liking that Sisu engine. It's not that heavy, and is maxed out running a baler with full wagon on hills. However, it's light enough for yard work too. I read of some issues, and was hesitant to buy it since it had been discontinued, but the price was right. I looked at a lightly used 5445, but the price difference will be at least $20k. I think I'll hold tight for now.

WilliamBos · Nov 16, 2012

That is great to hear!! Please keep us posted.

deputyrpa said:
I bought a used 2006 cab with powershuttle, 260 hours, this summer. I had a powershuttle solenoid failure last month. Easy to diagnose with the shop manual, and a $100 part. Other than that, it has performed well. I've hayed with it, and it was remarkably powerful and fuel-efficient with a baler and wagon in tow. I'm liking that Sisu engine. It's not that heavy, and is maxed out running a baler with full wagon on hills. However, it's light enough for yard work too. I read of some issues, and was hesitant to buy it since it had been discontinued, but the price was right. I looked at a lightly used 5445, but the price difference will be at least $20k. I think I'll hold tight for now.

deputyrpa · Jun 30, 2013

Update: over 700 hours on the 3635, used for full-bore field production. I'm currently pulling a 4-bottom plow, 12-foot discs, haybine, and baler with a 18' wagon. Tough little tractor, and no issues other than a blinking shuttle warning light a few times. I shut down and restart and it goes away. Other than that, it's been flawless.

Swift222 · Oct 3, 2013

Can you explain how you diagnosed the problem and what the part was . Our 3635 will not go into gear just had it shipped out a month ago from the States
Do not find our manual that helpful. Is the shop manual different .
What is required to use the on board diagnostics , there is a cable to connect to a computer next to the fuses.

deputyrpa said:
I bought a used 2006 cab with powershuttle, 260 hours, this summer. I had a powershuttle solenoid failure last month. Easy to diagnose with the shop manual, and a $100 part. Other than that, it has performed well. I've hayed with it, and it was remarkably powerful and fuel-efficient with a baler and wagon in tow. I'm liking that Sisu engine. It's not that heavy, and is maxed out running a baler with full wagon on hills. However, it's light enough for yard work too. I read of some issues, and was hesitant to buy it since it had been discontinued, but the price was right. I looked at a lightly used 5445, but the price difference will be at least $20k. I think I'll hold tight for now.

deputyrpa · Jan 1, 2014

Swift222 said:
Can you explain how you diagnosed the problem and what the part was . Our 3635 will not go into gear just had it shipped out a month ago from the States
Do not find our manual that helpful. Is the shop manual different .
What is required to use the on board diagnostics , there is a cable to connect to a computer next to the fuses.

I have the shop manual, with all of the codes. If you give me your fault code I'll tell you what the problem is.

Swift222 · Jan 1, 2014

deputyrpa said:
I have the shop manual, with all of the codes. If you give me your fault code I'll tell you what the problem is.

Unfortunately there is no fault code ,there was nothing showing on the dashboard as a code. the electronic unit has been sent to New Zealand for testing.
We are trying to figure out if it is the clutch or the solenoid. Can you give us the details of how you fixed your problem. Our manual does not have codes .

Swift222 · Jan 1, 2014

deputyrpa said:
I have the shop manual, with all of the codes. If you give me your fault code I'll tell you what the problem is.

WE have also contacted Witmers -Salem, OH 44460, the dealer it was brought from. they have been unable to help, still waiting for them to get back with a reply, they have sent the request to AGCO , been several months now and no answer.
Do you know of a dealer who has fixed this problem in the US. I could contact them for help.

MFRED · Jan 2, 2014

What is your unit doing? Will it just not move or not actually go into gear?

Swift222 · Jan 2, 2014

MFRED said:
What is your unit doing? Will it just not move or not actually go into gear?

It will not move as we cannot get it into any gear.Hydraulics work OK, front-end loader works fine.
Previously there has been problems with the oil filters getting blocked, cardboard like fibres which appear to come from the clutch disc. I have heard reports that the clutch system is not the best for front-end loader work, as every time the clutch is used oil no longer gets sent to the clutch discs and the disc start shredding.
Any info you have will be appreciated.