MF250 - Unable to engage PTO with tractor running, started 05/27.

Dredwolf · May 30, 2019

While I will never claim to be a tractor mechanic, an automotive mechanic neighbor and I have split this MF250 tractor to gut and change a broken transmission housing, and I have rebuilt the bucket cylinders on the FEL. It was my fathers tractor that he put me to operating at 15, so as long as I can keep it going, I will. I've built engines, axles, transfer cases, and manual transmissions for Jeeps, so I have minor skills and decent toolbox, but I am still learning on tractors.

Wrapping up the last of the bush hogging for the month last weekend, and entering the last small pasture, I could no longer engage the PTO when pressing in the clutch, it would grind as if the clutch was not working, or it was no longer synchronized, if that is even a feature. I could still shift the 8-speed and Hi and Lo just fine. If I shut the tractor off, I could shift the PTO. I finished the pasture by starting the tractor with the PTO engaged, but that is dangerous and it won't work with a post auger, tiller, etc.

Is this a matter of adjustment? Dad passed away in 2005, and besides looking at it before splitting the tractor (looked good, plenty of clutch material, flywheel looked good), its never been adjusted to my knowledge, the tractor has 1800 hrs on it, the tach cable failed this winter. I want to fix it correctly, but I'm hoping to avoid splitting it this year.
I did order the thick service manual when we split the tractor last time for reference, and there is an adjustment procedure, but the access hole is covered by the FEL mount, so I'm asking for advice before I remove the FEL and unbolt the mount.

Thanks in advance.

def38 · Jun 1, 2019

My M-F is a 231S model made in Turkey in 2003 but, I believe there are similarities in both our machines...yours is heavier and may have a bit more power and was built in England. Probably took longer to build because the British must have a tea break twice a day.

My clutch works by depressing the pedal to a slightly felt detent (about 75% down) whereby, the transmission can be shifted and power to the transmission controlled throughout the clutch friction engagement range. If the clutch is depressed past the detent, the PTO can be engaged and set into rotation by easing the clutch into the PTO engagement/friction range, a rather abrupt engagement.

I have the manual for my model and there are instructions for adjusting the clutch. I did so last year and it made the clutch work more predictably and smoother. I would suggest you get your model's manual and have at a clutch adjustment.

My clutch is accessed at the bottom of the bell housing and is covered by a removeable plate.

Keep us informed. Good luck.

dieselcrawler · Jun 2, 2019

Sounds like the PTO stage of the clutch isn't dis-engaging, and likely needs adjusted. Like it or not, you're probably looking at removing the loader mount if it's blocking access to the clutch adjustments.

But first... backstory... has the PTO gotten harder to engage over time, or was this an instant abrupt change? An 'out of adjustment' scenario would gradually get worse, not be ok one time, and impossible the next. Is thats what happened, it could be a mechanical failure in the clutch linkage.

Dredwolf · Jun 14, 2019

Real life got in the way, but thanks for the response. It was British built, because I'm going to to have to re-work all the wiring and eliminate all the tube style fuses and their holders, too many shorts. I believe it will be a clutch adjustment, I jut hope there is some adjustment left.

Dredwolf · Jun 14, 2019

dieselcrawler said:
Sounds like the PTO stage of the clutch isn't dis-engaging, and likely needs adjusted. Like it or not, you're probably looking at removing the loader mount if it's blocking access to the clutch adjustments.

But first... backstory... has the PTO gotten harder to engage over time, or was this an instant abrupt change? An 'out of adjustment' scenario would gradually get worse, not be ok one time, and impossible the next. Is thats what happened, it could be a mechanical failure in the clutch linkage.

Good point on the back story.....when this happened before, I adjusted the clutch pedal "freeplay" and the PTO would would shift again.
The PTO shift has two positions (decals are long gone), pulling it back requires the clutch, and it runs independent of ground speed. Pushing it forward, no clutch is needed, and it matches ground speed.
It has been getting more difficult this mowing season, but one weekend it still worked with minimal "grinding" and the next, not able to shift unless turned off.
The 232 loader on this tractor has lived a hard life, and the support frame is still tweaked from where my son hit a tree at speed and twice broke the transmission housing. I might should call a neighbor with a orange compact TLB and get some hydraulic help to remove it.

Like your truck collection! If I can get this tractor back to work, I hope to find a used F250 and least have a decent farm truck.

Morty255 · Jun 23, 2019

I have a similar problem on my 261. I can engage my pto with nothing connected to it but does grind a bit. Now when I hook my brush hog to it, it won’t engage, only grinds. Before I haul it to a shop does anyone have any ideas?

3gunr · Jun 23, 2019

My mf 255 has been thaT way since we bought it 18 yrs ago. I have tried to adjust the cluthc per manual bit no luck .WE ALWAYS START IT WITH PTO ENGAGED FOR BRUSH HOGGING AND SEEMS TO WORK FINE. BUT IT WOULD BE NICE TO MAKE IT RIGHT.