Maintaining Massey Ferguson Tractors the Right Way
Tractors are very important equipment not only in the construction arena, but even more so for farmlands. For this purpose, the Massey Ferguson tractor is the best choice for all type of farming and agriculture purposes. After all, there has to be a reason why MF’s name is plastered around every form of farm equipment. To get the most out of them however, it is extremely important to maintain and repair your used Massey Ferguson tractor on a regular basis. Here are some beneficial maintenance tips to help you get started, so follow these tips and your machines will be running like brand new:
Safety and Preparation
Most of the time handling tractor maintenance involves working with parts that are both heavy as well as high in temperature. Take a look at the image above – that’s a Massey Ferguson 260. Imagine having to go under that heavy metal body to perform repairs and maintenance. Therefore, it’s always good to take extra safety precautions to prevent an accident. It is always advisable to wear proper clothing, gloves and eye wear to protect against any sudden burns and scalds. It also goes without saying that it is never a wise choice to work on the tractor while the engine is running. Always have the tractor parked in a safe and secure position on flat ground level, making sure your tractor ignition turned off. We wouldn’t want that monstrous hunk of metal rolling over an unsuspecting victim now, would we?
Different tractor servicing tasks are required to be performed at different times and periods. They are usually based on the equipment’s hours of operation. Each tractor has its own recommended servicing thresholds and you should consult the machine’s manual for said hours. Your tractor manual will also provide a detailed list on the replacement parts and attachments should you need any.
Engine oil change
Remember to regularly change the tractor’s engine oil to extend its machine life.
Lubrication
Lubrication is very important for any mechanical device and tractors are no different. Use a special grease gun to lubricate all grease nipples on the tractor. Massey Ferguson tractors have unusually many of these, so look carefully and make sure to cover all of them. When using grease guns, pump until you see some grease overflowing from grease gun. In the case of the oil not overflowing, it simply means it hasn’t been completely filled. That, or the grease/oil isn’t being applied properly.
Brakes and Clutch
If the tractor’s brake or clutch is not performing their up to snuff, then be sure to make the appropriate adjustments such as adding a rod. Consult with a manual serviceman for adjustment procedures. And of course, if you are not confident in your abilities, hire a professional.
Battery
Some old batteries might require some degree of attention from time to time. If your engine’s battery has entrance caps, open them up and check to make sure that the cells are still submerged in battery fluid. Add distilled water if necessary but be sure to wear gloves and goggles while doing so because the battery contains harmful acid.
If the Massey Ferguson tractor is only used occasionally, then it can be helpful to use a trickle charger to preserve charge in the battery.
General Check-up
Like us human beings, heavy construction equipment requires constant vigilance too. Check the machine for leaks and replace seals as required. Pay attention to the hydraulic and cooling system hoses for early signs of wear, wreck or cuts. If breached, the damage can cause hot fluid to be expelled under high pressure and this situation will not only lead to severe personal injury, but a very expensive repair bill as well.
Last but not the least, inspects all nuts, bolts and fasteners to make sure they are appropriately tightened. Pay particular attention to the tractor’s wheel nuts. Check tires for suitable pressures and if it has any sign of wear or damage then replace it immediately to prevent future damage to the machine.
