3 point hitch lift problems for MF 165

[stephennrth]

Hi everyone, Just bought my first tractor, MF 165 (as is). 3 point hitch worked when I tried it out, (didn't hook it up to anything) but now after getting it home, it won't lift any thing with weight like my brush hog. Just ordered an owners manual, but was hoping to get a jump on what's wrong. It also has this weird 3 spool control valve mounted on top of the case (at your feet in front of the seat). One of the valves is plumbed (with external hoses) to a remote for rear implements (don't know if that works either), the center valve is not being used, and the 3rd one activates the 3 point hitch arms. The arms are working correctly according to the lever positions, just won't lift any weight. Any ideas? Thanks. Steve.

 

[Soundguy]

It's likely that farmwithjunk can help you.. he's a mf'er man...( among others makes.. ).. iffn' he cant help you.. he will probably send you in search of big dean..

I'm not real up on the unit you speak of.. but know some of them have selector valves ont he hyds.. similar to ASC aux valves on fords.. ifn' inthe wrong position.. stuff won't work.

soundguy

 

[Farmerford]

I worked with the prior MF 65 model in the 1950"s. The spool that is not connected to anything with external hoses is a selector valve (two position, I think) that directs the pump output from the pump inside the transmission case to either the three point hitch or the other spool(s). The spool with the hoses going to the quick disconnects receives pump pressure only when the selector valve is shifted "toward" it and the TPH is likewise.

Your problem sounds like the selector spool may not be fully shifting toward the TPH because of trash in the valve body, a rusty spool, a faulty detent mechanism, or something similar. If the selector spool does not shift fully, then fluid from the pump can flow through the remote spool (it is open center) rather than the TPH when the load on the TPH keeps it from rising. If that is true, when you shift the remote spool at the same time you shift the selector spool without having anything connected at the quick disconnects, the TPH should lift. That does not solve your problem, but it might point you in the right direction.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

By the sound of things, you're using the remote service valve correctly, but, you MAY have issues with a leaky lift cylinder (internal) OR, possibly issues inside the service valve. That 3-lever service valve is rather rare. Most are 2-lever. the 3-lever unit is intended to operate a 2-function hydraulic loader AND allow use of the 3-point hitch, OR, allow dual remotes.

Do you have anything with a cylinder that you can attach to the remote quick couplers? (to test pump/service valve for correct function)

 

[texasjohn]

I used to have a MF165. Sold it to a friend. Friend couldn't get 3PH to raise. I went over there, sat in the seat, remembered that I had to pull one of the levers between your legs back, did so, then raised/lowered the 3PH using the up/down lever under your right hand. Must leave the hydraulic lever in position for 3ph to work. Can't remember which lever it is, but there were three levers on my machine as I recall... and one went to the remote hydraulics...

Are you saying that the 3ph works without load, but will not move when loaded?? If you can get it to raise/lower without weight, then you have mastered the lever combination and problem may be due to lack of fluid...or other problem...

 

[mf20]

Hi, I just bought my first tractor every. I live in the country were snow is a problem without a tractor of size. It's a Massey Ferguson 20 Industrial. I put a box scraper on the three point lift but it jerks when it lifts or just doesn't lift. I do have mechanic experience.

 

[jlsteiner]

I used to have a MF165. Sold it to a friend. Friend couldn't get 3PH to raise. I went over there, sat in the seat, remembered that I had to pull one of the levers between your legs back, did so, then raised/lowered the 3PH using the up/down lever under your right hand. Must leave the hydraulic lever in position for 3ph to work. Can't remember which lever it is, but there were three levers on my machine as I recall... and one went to the remote hydraulics...

Are you saying that the 3ph works without load, but will not move when loaded?? If you can get it to raise/lower without weight, then you have mastered the lever combination and problem may be due to lack of fluid...or other problem...

I am pretty sure you want to lock the left handle back to make the 3 point work. As for no power to lift the first thing I would check is remove the valve with the 2 bolts that hold it to the lift cover and check the o-rings on the standpipe from the pump up to the valve. If you have a guage check the pressure output on the system after you are sure o-rings are OK.