Service Question

[waldopepper]

I have a MF 1758 and coming up on 50 hour service. I don't have an MF dealer close by so wondering if I should do the service myself or take the tractor to non MF shop closer to where the tractor is? Looks like most of the 50 hour items are pretty straight forward, but I have no experience with diesel engines, or tractors. I'm not an experienced mechanic either, but I'm confident I can change fluids and make the adjustments called out for this service. I would like to hear what others do? How important is it to have a trained MF dealer look the tractor over on this first service? Is it worth putting it on the trailer and driving a couple hours to get it done by an MF professional?

Thanks for any input...

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To the TBN forum Waldo. Glad that you joined.

I did my 50 hour service without ever doing one before. If you follow the instructions you should not have any problems.

I would say that most people do their own 50 hr servicing but some who have money to burn will have the dealer do it.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

As mddorange advises, the 50hr servicing is a straight forward procedure and everything is covered in your Owners Manual.

You will need certain tools to perform it but a wee bit of planning will sort that out. In fact, seeing as you're going to be getting the filters & oil from the MF dealership, take your Owner's Manual in with you. You can ask them what to look out for (sometimes the Manual hasn't been fully updated), what specific/unique tools may be required, any 'tricks of the trade', that sort of thing.

50hr is an excellent time to check (or re-check) the torque on your wheel lug-nuts, plus snug down any nut/bolt you can see. Lube every grease nipple (zerk). If it doesn't have a nipple but moves, I'd use a spray-on lubricant on it.

Oh, and don't forget clean-up supplies (including yourself).

Enjoy the site.

 

[Thomas]

If you feel comfortable than do it,if any questions ask TBN'ers or maybe check out video...youtube might have something.

Also might be good idea to check and tighten every nut and bolt on tractor after PMing.

 

[oosik]

I would definitely consider doing the 50 hour service yourself. The only special tools you should need - filter wrench and grease gun with grease.

You can get the oil filters, oil and any other needed supplies at you MF dealership. You will learn a lot and save money to boot.

 

[waldopepper]

Thanks for the input...I appreciate it.

 

[Deere Dude]

50hr is an excellent time to check (or re-check) the torque on your wheel lug-nuts, plus snug down any nut/bolt you can see.
Enjoy the site.

I saw a few, including myself who didn't torque or retorque wheel nuts only to have them loosen up unexpectedly and ruin a new expensive wheel. Also to some extent with loader pins.

 

[AxleHub]

Waldo,

My gc1715 required the hydro fluid be changed and that was almost 3 gallons. On your unit I assume the hydro is bigger fluid level. So if you are doing it yourself. . . You will need a pretty good sized drain pan. Engine oil change, oil filter, and fuel filter is no sweat.

 

[waldopepper]

Thanks - I noticed 10g on hydraulic oil on my tractor- so a big drain pain will be needed. Almost worth taking it to a dealer not to have to deal with the drained fluids! Glad to hear everything was easy on yours.

 

[oosik]

I gotta laugh. When I did my 50 hour service - I got everything all lined up and ready to go. Mine would take four - 5 gallon buckets because its got 16 gallons of hydraulic oil. Everything was going fine - then, PANIC. The first bucket was half full and I realized it was going to be difficult, in the extreme, to move the bucket, when full and swap buckets without making a wholly mess. Well, I got the drain plug back in and after scrounging around I found one of my wife's LARGE Tupperware storage bins. Its 80 quart/20 gallons - so the draining of the hydraulic oil came off OK after all.

And the wife got a new storage bin out of the deal.