MF1840 major transmission problem - 100 hours. Help appreciated!

[ggthekiwi]

Folks. My MF1840M has only 100 hours. Hydrostatic drive (not shuttle)

Aside from loader Ram issues emerging in the first 50 hours (crowd rams not holding pressure, leading to oil leak which was traced to back seals not being installed in the factory !!!!), the most recent issue is the tractor occasionally failing to move when in gear. The 3 times this has happened, the tractor has been pointing downhill. Would not move in forward or reverse - in any of the 3 speeds.

When we towed it back on to the flat, it started operating.

We initially thought it was the gear selector electrical connections, as they are fly-by-wire. Confirmed that wasn't the case when the tech plugged it in (no fault codes).
They drained the oil and checked the transmission mesh filter - no apparently issues.

THEN - we went to put the oil back, there was a large amount of metal particulate in the base on the container that had come out of suspension. Some of these were 0.5mm in size, shiny, suggesting hardened material.

This is now in the hands on the dealer. Has anyone ever heard of this in such a new machine?

 

[thclimer]

When did you purchase your 1840M as I'm hoping the costs are going to be covered under warranty?

 

[dodge man]

It’s common when you drain the hydraulic fluid the first time there is a lot of metal and crap in it. The Kubota I owned 15 years ago had some large corkscrew looking shavings in it. My current JD 2025r had quite a bit of metal and gasket sealer in it. It’s hard to say what is normal for your machine.

 

[Carl_NH]

The shavings could have been the hydraulic cylinder scoring (without seals) or just left over from the manufacturing process. Most machines have an initial 50 hour service interval where all oils and filters are changed, Then the question is why would they put the old oil back in?

As others have asked - assume it's still under warranty?

 

[WilliamBos]

Keep us updated.

 

[oldnslo]

Are there any different than normal noises when it doesn’t move?

 

[ggthekiwi]

The shavings could have been the hydraulic cylinder scoring (without seals) or just left over from the manufacturing process. Most machines have an initial 50 hour service interval where all oils and filters are changed, Then the question is why would they put the old oil back in?

As others have asked - assume it's still under warranty?

When did you purchase your 1840M as I'm hoping the costs are going to be covered under warranty?

Thanks every one and yes still under warranty.

1) I've never heard of a hydrostatic transmission have metal goolies in there from manufacturing. Chinese yes - Japanese no.

2) These 1840 engines are Iseki like most small MF. Does anyone know who manufactures the hydrostatic and where they are made? Also Iseki? If yes - Japan or Indonesia,

3) Was purchased about 3 months ago. Only has 110 hours on the clock.

 

[Harry in Ky]

No offense intended, but what was so enticing about this particular model that led you to a tractor with an electronic controlled hydrostat? That would have been a big red flag for me, but then I'm just against electronic controls on anything.

 

[RayIN]

Hydrostatic transmission= toy IMO. Your only option is to take it back to the selling dealership and wait for them to go through their warranty process.
I'm with Carl NH, why would anyone put the used break-in oil back in the tractor?

 

[BCLoco]

Thanks every one and yes still under warranty.

1) I've never heard of a hydrostatic transmission have metal goolies in there from manufacturing. Chinese yes - Japanese no.

2) These 1840 engines are Iseki like most small MF. Does anyone know who manufactures the hydrostatic and where they are made? Also Iseki? If yes - Japan or Indonesia,

3) Was purchased about 3 months ago. Only has 110 hours on the clock.

Like @dodge man and @Carl_NH said, metal particles in the fluid and on the strainer is totally normal at the 50 hour service. This fluid sump does not just serve the hydrostatic motor. It's all hydraulics (hydrostatic drive, loader, 3ph lift, remotes, PTO clutch, and steering system) as well as the range gearbox, final drive, and brakes. You will definitely have a substantial amount of metal particles in your fluid that first drain.

You mentioned that every time it acts up it was on a slope pointing nose-down. Was your steering assist acting up, too? The HST and steering usually share a pump. I assume you guys verified the fluid level was correct, but maybe something in that circuit sucks air when the fluid is on an angle like that. A housing or internal tube that has a crack. At any rate this is a warranty concern, so please keep us posted as to what the dealer finds.