mf 461 questions

[mf40diesel]

Just recently bought a newer tractor, got a 2004 MF 461, so far a really nice machine. Few things though, that are kind of a bummer that maybe someone has experiance and can offer me some assistance on. Although I didn't buy a brand new machine, I didn't quite expect these to be bad.... nonetheless:

1) none of the lights work. Assuming that all of the bulb aren't burned, which would seem unlikely, I would think that it would be one common problem, any idea where it gets it's feed and also how one gains access behind the switch?
2) Temp gauge doesn't work. The instrument cluster is brand new, everything else works. I assume the sending unit is the problem. Any one know how to verify that?

3) the PTO engagement light is always on... with that said the PTO does something alittle funny to me, that the dealer said was semi-normal. The pto basically always turns, when the lever is disengaged, I can stop it with my foot, not too easily but I can. With it engaged, it is totally normal. He said with the hydraulic clutches, that with age often they will always turn, at least till the fluid gets fully warmed. Seeing that the idiot light is lit, and it turns too, could it be an adjustment issue? Or is this also a bad sensor.

4) and lastly the diff lock foot pedal is frozen. In searching on the internet, that seems to be a really common problem, stated as they are rarely used and therefore freeze due to lack of use. I immagine a rubber mallet, pry bar and some Kroil, oh yeah, and likely a lot of elbow grease will free it up.

Due to a pretty severe leak (power steering hydraulic cylinder, rod bent) and my having to return to work (I go to sea) I only got to run the tractor about 30 min, and I didn't yet have the operator or service manual, my troubleshooting was pretty much non-existant.

By the way, even though the dealer stated that it didn't leak at all when he loaded it on the truck it came to me on, he is honoring his word and shop's reputation and is going to fix it, which I am sure will cost a bit as it will mean surely replacing the rod, luckily the barrel looks great.

thanks very much for any help ahead of time. Can't wait to get this machine to work!!!

 

[sawtooth]

1.With them replacing the cluster I suspect the previous one stopped working which is rare on a low hour tractor, or the dealer is trying to cover up a higher hour tractor by removing some of the evidence so to speak. Maybe when they replaced the cluster it wasn't installed correctly but not sure.

2. Same as above as I suspect they don't have it hooked up correctly. Could be temp sending unit too but considering other issues it may actually be a install / electrical issue.

3. Pto light is on the cluster too so sounds suspect again. As far as pto continuing to turn probably is a result of the pto clutch being worn out internally. Not a huge issue but again another sign of a higher hour tractor and not one with only 800 hours use.

4. Diff lock seems to always be a issue with these tractors. Never fear not a issue. Take a high end penetrating oil like one you mentioned and put it to her. Wait at least a few days or even better before you head to sea. Come back and start applying pressure little at a time as you don't want to bend the arm. Spray more oil etc. eventually it will go down but at first maybe hard to bring up. Just keep working her and eventually it will free up like mine did. Good luck with your new toy. By the way even if it has 2-3000 hours shes still a well built machine. Just give her some TLC and you should be good to go.

 

[sawtooth]

By the way. I have a 4x4 light on cluster that doesn't work but hoping it's just a bulb. Maybe will be a bigger issue than I think but not sure.

 

[mf40diesel]

Thanks for the reply, I sent you an email several days ago by the way too. Anyhow, overall, if the machine has thousands of hours it was meticulously cared for. In otherwords, it appears to me like one with around 1000 hours, if it were in the several thousand range I think it's over all shape would be worse. All the bushings seem pretty tight, and with the exception of the pto, all of the problems appear to be centered around electricity. The tires are in very good shape, the front ones do have some pretty good cuts in them, which was a dissappointment, but as far as tread life they are 80-90%

I agree, changing the cluster is fishy, and I took a risk, I hope that it pays off.

One thing that is troubling me though, I did notice alittle steam from the crank case vent. All of our big engines on the ship steam continueously, as well as numerous trucks I have seen and other equipment too, so hoping that it is not a huge concern now. Plus, due to the bent ram, I was unable to run the tractor long, so perhaps the steaming would clear up after a bit, if it were cause by moisture due to big climate changes.

I will know more after I am able to run it longer. Which I so completely can't wait to do.

 

[sawtooth]

Yeah can't figure out how to change my email in settings. I'm using the app so maybe I need to go to main website.

 

[redman135]

hello mf40diesel Even if your tractor has high hours ,provided it had reular serviceing then it will be in good condition.
sawtooth is right about the diff lock.

 

[RayIN]

Thanks for the reply, I sent you an email several days ago by the way too. Anyhow, overall, if the machine has thousands of hours it was meticulously cared for. In otherwords, it appears to me like one with around 1000 hours, if it were in the several thousand range I think it's over all shape would be worse. All the bushings seem pretty tight, and with the exception of the pto, all of the problems appear to be centered around electricity. The tires are in very good shape, the front ones do have some pretty good cuts in them, which was a dissappointment, but as far as tread life they are 80-90%

I agree, changing the cluster is fishy, and I took a risk, I hope that it pays off.

One thing that is troubling me though, I did notice alittle steam from the crank case vent. All of our big engines on the ship steam continueously, as well as numerous trucks I have seen and other equipment too, so hoping that it is not a huge concern now. Plus, due to the bent ram, I was unable to run the tractor long, so perhaps the steaming would clear up after a bit, if it were cause by moisture due to big climate changes.

I will know more after I am able to run it longer. Which I so completely can't wait to do.

 

[RayIN]

Humm, for some reason my reply disappeared. Anyway, I had to get all my lights working after I bought this 451.
When checking fuses I discovered 1 empty slot was for the main lighting fuse. I replaced it and got some lights working.
Next I bought a spray can of contact cleaner and began removing bulbs and cleaning with a ScotchBrite pad, then spraying the bases and contacts.
One dash switch for the flashers was not working. AGCO wanted $60 for the switch, but I removed the switch from the dash, then sprayed contact cleaner into the switch via tiny holes.
I've had to repeat that a few times; now all the switchs function normally. So $8 for contact cleaner vs $60 for new switch_no brainer.

PTO turning when off means the 2-stage clutch requires adjustment, which is an easy job IMO.
My selling MF dealer threw-in an operators manual, after purchase was completed. It contains nearly everything required for normal maintenance. The shop repair manual is only needed for serious repair/rebuild work.
I don't doubt the instrument cluster was replaced, mine needs some work @ 513hrs on the clock. I suspect the cause was spending its life parked outside. I still have the cluster to work on with contact cleaner because the temp gauge isn't working properly.