Fishguy
Silver Member
I have a Massey Ferguson 1230 w/HST. Yesterday, since the weather was a balmy 45* and since it hadn't rained in a couple of weeks, I thought I would hook up the RFM and go out and chop up the weeds that were hacked down a month or so ago, and generally groom the place a bit.
I actually decided to do this on Friday but it was to late to get started. So, instead I just preped the tractor (fueled & checked fluids) for Saturdays chore.
Over night Friday the temps dropped to 25* with a nice heavy frost. When I went out to warm the tractor up I wasn't paying much attention to things. After it started, I double checked the fuel only to notice that it was down to just over a half tank. I looked under the beast and saw fluids dripping from everywhere. It turned out that every hose clamp that was used in the hydraulic lines were leaking and the fuel filter bowl had a nice steady drip coming from it. After tightning everything up I should have heeded the signs and call it a day but I was happy to have the chance to spend time alone and loose myself in the chores ahead.
I got the RFM attached and went to engage it while at a low RPM. It appeared that the PTO lever was a bit stiffer than usual to engage but with some extra effort it went in. All seemed well.
I made my way to the back of the lot (10 acres, 350'W x 1260'L) and began to mow a section that is roughly 350x250. There is a section of this where the grass during the growing season is real thick and when I mowed it last time I had let it get too tall. When I went through it, the mower bogged down a little so I just slowed my pace and pressed on. The second time through this section was better. On the third time through however, trouble struck. Suddenly the there was this god awful grinding noise and the mower had quit turning. It appeared that the PTO had come disengaged. I tried to re-engae it with no luck, just more grinding. I came back up to the shop and did some tinkering with it and was able to engage the PTO so back to work I went.
I didn't make it one time around the loop when the noises coming from the PTO was worse. So much for for my day resting on the tractor. I was able, however, to get caught up on some other "honey does".
Not sure if the PTO gears are shot or the bearings but it is a terrible noise and very difficult to engage now. I cannot engage it while in the seat. I have to be standing beside it with one foot on the clutch and both hands pushing the lever back.
I have had this tractor since early this spring and the PTO has always seamed to be on the stiff side. Is this normal? How complicating is the PTO drive for a "shade tree mechanic" to tear down and inspect & repair? I was planning on doing the 200 hour sevice next month so it looks like I might be doing a wee bit more!
Any insight?
Steve
I actually decided to do this on Friday but it was to late to get started. So, instead I just preped the tractor (fueled & checked fluids) for Saturdays chore.
Over night Friday the temps dropped to 25* with a nice heavy frost. When I went out to warm the tractor up I wasn't paying much attention to things. After it started, I double checked the fuel only to notice that it was down to just over a half tank. I looked under the beast and saw fluids dripping from everywhere. It turned out that every hose clamp that was used in the hydraulic lines were leaking and the fuel filter bowl had a nice steady drip coming from it. After tightning everything up I should have heeded the signs and call it a day but I was happy to have the chance to spend time alone and loose myself in the chores ahead.
I got the RFM attached and went to engage it while at a low RPM. It appeared that the PTO lever was a bit stiffer than usual to engage but with some extra effort it went in. All seemed well.
I made my way to the back of the lot (10 acres, 350'W x 1260'L) and began to mow a section that is roughly 350x250. There is a section of this where the grass during the growing season is real thick and when I mowed it last time I had let it get too tall. When I went through it, the mower bogged down a little so I just slowed my pace and pressed on. The second time through this section was better. On the third time through however, trouble struck. Suddenly the there was this god awful grinding noise and the mower had quit turning. It appeared that the PTO had come disengaged. I tried to re-engae it with no luck, just more grinding. I came back up to the shop and did some tinkering with it and was able to engage the PTO so back to work I went.
I didn't make it one time around the loop when the noises coming from the PTO was worse. So much for for my day resting on the tractor. I was able, however, to get caught up on some other "honey does".
Not sure if the PTO gears are shot or the bearings but it is a terrible noise and very difficult to engage now. I cannot engage it while in the seat. I have to be standing beside it with one foot on the clutch and both hands pushing the lever back.
I have had this tractor since early this spring and the PTO has always seamed to be on the stiff side. Is this normal? How complicating is the PTO drive for a "shade tree mechanic" to tear down and inspect & repair? I was planning on doing the 200 hour sevice next month so it looks like I might be doing a wee bit more!
Any insight?
Steve
