Oil Change

garmar · Aug 31, 2005

I have a MF231S that I bought with 222hrs. The problem I have is that I can't find any information in the owners maintenance manual where the previous owner had the 50 hr service performed.(I bought the tractor from a dealer who didn't have contact with the prior owner). So, do I go through the Tractor as if the 50hr service wasn't performed or what should I do? At the very least I am going to change the oil and filter(15W40 Rotella). My main concern is the tranny and hydraulics. Any suggestions?
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Mf231S; Koyker 210 loader(2.5"cyl); cosmo spreader; KingKutter Rock Rake; SBX 650 Box Blade

Nasty135 · Aug 31, 2005

garmar, Hi

Well here is one way to look at it ,
Its better to be safe than sorry ,as you said change the oil and filter... Hydraulic filter if it has one , check air filter and see thru fuel filter if it has one.... Most of those items are resonable....

If the general condition of the tractor looks good you may assume that certain things have been done but thats no gaurantee , Better safe than sorry.....

Does the hydraulic oil look clean? Get it replaced now while you can still afford it ,any oil based product is going up up up through the roof , since KATRINA and $70+ a barrel /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Oh BTW nice looking tractor /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

garmar · Aug 31, 2005

Just changed the oil with 15W40 Rotella T. I checked the hydraulic fluid, appears clear and golden in color. I still think I will change it and check the strainer. Should I go back with Massey hydraulic fluid; Permatran 3? Thanks for the quick reply.

JerryG · Aug 31, 2005

Any time I buy something that is used, I always change everything. That way I start with a known point of reference.
I would say to use the Permatran. It is a very good fluid.

garmar · Aug 31, 2005

Jerry; I called my local Massey dealer and was told they no longer have(stock) PermaTran 3 because of cost and said they now use fluid from SunNoCo(sp) and it is just as good. They will sell me the SunNoCo product for less than PermaTran costs wholesale. I did locate PermaTran 3 at a dealer 80 miles away, but I don't want to make that drive.
Any suggestions for an alternative?

JerryG · Aug 31, 2005

<font color="blue"> Any suggestions for an alternative? </font>
No, I am pretty hung up on Permtran. All of the good stuff has gone up in price. I really don't think that any oil that has the right rating will hurt your tractor. If it had a power shuttle, a power shift or a hydro, I would suggest synthetic oil.

philbuilt · Aug 31, 2005

I would change the fuel, oil, and air filters just to be safe. My Dealer told me that hydro oil only needs change at 600 hrs. But I did change the back hydro filter. Good luck with the machine.