MF4610

[JWR]

Man, I was "this close" to pulling the trigger on a new 4608 late last fall. Glad I didn't. We've been spoiled with two GREAT tractors from MF (1540 and 1643). I would have had a coronary if I went further into debt for a tractor with that many issues.

I have been "cautiously optimistic" about the new 4600 series because: 1) They are primarily made, at least assembled, in Japan where your 1500 and 1600 series were made which has my vote over Brazil 2) the majority of serious issues with the 2660 I had were "quality control" in one form or another letting stuff out of the factory that should not have been shipped. My cautious optimism is based on the Japanese doing a better job of Quality Control and pre-shipment testing. Also, a GOOD dealer makes all the difference in the world. Other users report problems to some degree from every manufacturer. Sharing info (like right here) helps a lot I think.

 

[SDT]

That is exactly what mine does. I spoke to my dealer about this last week and relayed your information about defective NIMCO valves. He spoke to both MF (absolutely no help) and NIMCO, who told him that they had problems with "5 or 6" valves but there was no replacement/repair campaign. I would llike to contact NIMCO directly if you will provide the contact information that you have.

Thanks in advance.

SDT

 

[jeepcj7]

If the valve is MF factory installed it is a Iseki made valve. the Iseki valve has a fast dump position when you move the joystick clear to the right. Basically it combines oil from the valve with return oil from the cylinder and lets the bucket dump faster - it is helpful when dumping heavy bucket loads of material at lower engine speeds. Essentially it helps keep the bucket cylinders from caviting (getting spongy). For tractors that did not get a factory installed valve, there is a feild installed NIMCO valve. The NIMCO valve acts the same way but it DOES not combine oil from the valve with the return oil from the bucket cylinders. In either case, you will not get dowm pressure in the fast dump (or regeneration) position because the rod and barrel ports on the bucket cylinders are open to each other. There is no NIMCO valve option on the 4600 Series.

 

[TSO]

If the valve is MF factory installed it is a Iseki made valve. the Iseki valve has a fast dump position when you move the joystick clear to the right. Basically it combines oil from the valve with return oil from the cylinder and lets the bucket dump faster - it is helpful when dumping heavy bucket loads of material at lower engine speeds. Essentially it helps keep the bucket cylinders from caviting (getting spongy). For tractors that did not get a factory installed valve, there is a feild installed NIMCO valve. The NIMCO valve acts the same way but it DOES not combine oil from the valve with the return oil from the bucket cylinders. In either case, you will not get dowm pressure in the fast dump (or regeneration) position because the rod and barrel ports on the bucket cylinders are open to each other. There is no NIMCO valve option on the 4600 Series.

Good post. Is this the same with all of the Iseki made MF's ? Sometimes when doing a lot of loader work and I never quite get to full dump to fully regen the circuit, I come down with spongy bucket syndrome too. :-(

Only way to relieve it is to pop two blue pills. Lol, I mean, fully dump the bucket to compete the circuit.

 

[JWR]

I sent the Nimco contact info to you (to SDT) in a message (not a post.) Were you able to get hold of them? Result ?

 

[JWR]

The loader valves I know about that have the "quick gravity dump" feature are intended to provide the quick gravity-based bucket dump only if you go past a detent to the right. If you stop just short of the detent and yet hold the joystick over there they will force the bucket tip down (enough to lift the tractor front end off the ground.) My MF 2660 is certainly that way (once you get the loader valve fixed!) I doubt that any manufacturer intentionally omits the ability to force the bucket tip down. That should not be mutually exclusive with the quick dump ability. For my 2 cents I would FAR rather have a simple loader valve that does what I tell it to every time instead of complex added features like the quick dump. To me the detent is a pain in the butt even when working as intended.

 

[SDT]

I sent the Nimco contact info to you (to SDT) in a message (not a post.) Were you able to get hold of them? Result ?

Thanks, JWR. I just found it.

I've never looked into the messages folder before.

SDT

 

[Skyfish25]

I picked up a new 4610 in September 2014. It had a few updates that I see were mentioned. One, I did get the one optional valve with float. Needed( or wanted badly)for disc mower. It also has the new loader, the bigger one, early models had a Sioux brand. All new have the brand the bigger tractors have. All smaller have Sioux brand. It is heavy, and nice. Mine was first or second to come out with it.
I also have the 18.4/30, same height as the 16/34. But more width and sidewall. Front tire is same with either option.
I am coming from two internationals, a 656 hydro with turbo, and a 826. So the cab is nice, yes a little loud.
No shifter issues, and the shifter I beleve is higher, ie longer shift handle.
My tractor has 330 lb weight in the rear tires and weighs 9200 with bucket off the loader. Not counting me.

Some pros: * strong 80 hp engine IMO
* comfortable cab, but too small for 2
* heavy three point, seems robust
* hydraulics seem strong and fast, can lift 5x6 bale at 1400rpm no problem. I don't like to stear not moving(it will do it)Hydraulics move/work better after warmed up.
* I feel transmission is smooth, both shifting and hi/lo
* no trouble with ac or cooling yet, heat is nice to have. (See tractors above, no cab)
Cons:
* engine is a bit noisy. Purrs above 1600rpm.
* 4 wheel disengage is a beast to pull.
* would like wider front tire and bigger fuel tank.

I really wanted a CVT but this is my hobby and this tractor will do anything I ask. 6 row planter, 7 ft woods PSS. Hay. I'm taking it in for first dealer service, but only issue is no dash lights. Maybe disconnected when installed radio. Want dealer to check front dif and oil on first service. But that's me.

 

[JWR]

What is the loader model number ? I'm not familiar with the Sioux terminology. Mine on a 2660 is a DL250 and (probably during mistreatment, uprooting locust tree) I twisted the frame some and had the bucket as much as 3 or 4 inches off from level at tip end. [Used same mistreatment in reverse to straighten it !] Had wished I had a DL260 but now not convinced it is that much stronger a frame, mostly bigger hyd cylinders. I see the newer ones incl. 4610's have 931X loaders with hoses inside the frame, etc. Looking at the business end, I'm not sure it is any stronger than the older ones. Mine has the skid-steer adapter which is the only way to go for a wide variety of attachments up front BUT it is weak compared to Kubota. Kubota was years ahead in going to the skid-steer loader attachment interface.
So far as I can find NONE of the tractor mfrs publish (or even seem to HAVE) torsion data on their loaders. What will they stand in torsion ? Cut and try as I did I guess.

 

[Skyfish25]

Mine is the 931X, sounds like you work the loader more. I use mine mostly for bale moving. When I pull stumps up n out, I use the 3 point. And if they are big, an excavator. I working real job and out of town. Or I'd post some pics.

I have found for hay fields, I can flush cut trees, grind stumps. (Make sure and treat stumps and let sit day or two). In 3 years, can chisel and stumps are decayed.