1957 MS50 3Pt hitch hydraulic questions

[149owner]

My neighbor has this old MF with a rototiller on the back. His problem is when he tries to raise the tiller it is awfully slow now and as soon as he shuts the tractor off it goes back down. A mechanic told him the pump has a lot of pressure but has to be replaced. Could the control valve (to raise and lower the hitch) be allowing the pressure to bleed off thereby allowing the tiller to drop when the engine is shut off? He doesn't want to spend $600 on a pump if something else is causing the problem and can be repaired at less expense. How do you test this system? Thanks for any advice. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[gamble77]

Really no sense in testing the system, it is testing itself. Bottom line is that the lift components are almost 50 years old and they are just worn out. It probably is the relieve valve, but try to understand that even if it is the relieve valve if you just replace that it is just a temporary fix. I would go ahead, and while the lift top cover is off replace all the major parts. You can get a rebuild kit at a local shop...or just have them do it...$600 isn't too bad for that work. Good luck!

 

[rcraft]

Your neighbour may want to check this out. There is a stand pipe that goes from the hydraulic pump and attaches on the under side of the little cover under the right front of the tractor seat. If you remove the 2 bolts on the cover and lift it off you will find the stand pipe. The pipe usually stays attached to the cover but it may stay attached to the pump. Lift the pipe out of the pump or pull it off the small cover. Check the "O" rings at both ends to see if they are cracked or worn. If they are bad, that could be the reason for the slow lift or the arms leaking down. After checking the "O" rings replace the pipe, securely attach the pipe to the cover and place back into the pump. You will have to find the hole by feel, be sure the pipe goes straight in (vertical) and tighten the bolts. The system may be worn out but this is a possible cause that could be checked out.

 

[Soundguy]

Does that unit have the round inspection covers near the hyd top cover? If so.. take a gander in.. might be a leaky lift piston. Not sure how far evolved that is from the original ferguson hyd system, but if it is similar.. a big amount of oil can be lost thru the piston/cyl. Next would be the top/base plate gaskets.. event he pump chamber gaskets.. hyd standpipe.. etc. Rarely is a valving problem.. except for the relief might be held open partially.

Soundguy

 

[149owner]

Thanks for the info. He had checked the o-rings on the stand pipe and he said they weren't leaking. There is a round cover on the side (right) about in line with the cover on the top that you remove to get at the stand pipe. Is this what you take off to see the piston that you are talking about? I've only seen the tractor up close once and the round cover is what I remember seeing.

 

[Soundguy]

If it is like the original ferguson system.. pulling that cover lets you look in there with a flashlight and mirror. etc.. to inspect the bottom side of the lift cover.. and hyd cyl/piston.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[casserv]

I just bought a MF-50 it has the same issue. I ordered some manuals for it mybe that will help.

 

[Mike476]

Lots of 3 point lift problems lately. Not sure if the MF 50 is like my 135 or not. Had to replace the filter (through the PTO engage lever on mine, left side of the tractor, filter can be seen in the third and fourth photos, cap is lockwired). Over greasing the lift levers for ten few years that I've had it, excess lube fell into the hyd fluid and contaminated the filter to the point where I'm lucky I didn't pooch the pump. Can't believe the difference in it since then, still won't remain in up position but everything I've read says that is normal for the older MFs.......

Also changed the o-rings on the stand-pipe, adjusted the linkages to get the "stowed" position to work again and had a good look at everything. Lift cylinder was fine, pretty substantial piece of kit.

 

[CRE1992]

I happen to have a MF50 and it is very much like the 135 with quite a few exceptions. However the lift systems are very similar. Drain I believe its 3 gallons of fluid, it should hold 8. Take off either the pto lever cover on the left side of the tractor, or the dipstick side, preferably the left side with the pto lever because you can chance the filter if you have one, though the early MF50's from what I read actually did not have this filter (1957-early 58?) Then with the tractor running and a slight load on the 3 point hitch, have it lift w.e it is, and take a flashlight and shine it up through the hole, and look for a lot of fluid leaking from above, it if is, you would most likely have to rebuild the lift cylinder, I actually have to do it on my MF50 also, lucky me... BTW do not stick your hand inside the case with the engine running and other various part moving. And keep in mind it will cost approximately $60-$90 to fill the tractor with hydraulic oil because it takes 8 gallons! Probably either 80w mineral oil (winter) and 90w (summer) depending on your operation, this can be found at NAPA, your tractor dealer, or possibly tractor supply. Check the fill plug underneath and the the left of the steering wheel, in front of the gear shifter. Also, if they are cracked and dry rotted, I would replace them as this is an area where water likes to get into the hydraulic oil and contaminate it. Do NOT fill with gear oil. Also, if planning to change the fluid, after draining all of the hydraulic oil out, let the tractor sit for a couple of days with the drain plugs out because it will continue to ooze out for awhile.
Btw it could also be a relief valve, I believe it cost around $20, it could be that this was blown at one point or got stuck open because someone decided to try and lift something considerably heavy with the three point in the normal position, but wasn't enough so they raised the draft up all of the way, and the relief valve blew... Ask me how I know...
Goodluck:thumbsup:,
Charles

 

[milespatton]

I am currently overhauling the lift system on my Massey Ferguson 150 and after puting the standpipe back in, I can not get it to quit leaking around the diverter valve. I put in new O rings but maybe they were not the right size. I can not fine any information to tell me the correct size. Any help would be appreciated. miles