Massey Ferguson Tractor 243

bull1200 · Jan 30, 2018

Having a bit of an issue with a MF 243 Tractor, Serial Number: J01401, Type 5567. This is a 2000 year model, I think.

Anyway, been a very good tractor. Don't work it hard, mowing and light stuff. It has a factory loader on it.

Had no problems and then was working and the loader stopped. Thought it was the valve. Nope. Thought it might be filter. Nope. Checked oil. Fine.

Can't seem to figure it out. Strange thing is the 3 pt lift arms work, but loader does not.

Called Massey, they said call dealer. Dealer was no help. I really don't think he has much experince with the 243. He couldn't even tell me if it had 2 hydraulic pumps or one.

This really seems to me to be "known" issue, for reasons I can't really put my finger on. But I can't seem to find anything on the web.

Like I mentioned, it has not been worked hard by any means.

Anyone have any ideas?

Also, is the 245 the same as the 243, just a later model.

Can't seem to find a service manual on the 243, but found one on the 245.

Thanks very much in advance.

jimmyhouser · Feb 5, 2018

The 245 is different. Older if I'm not mistaken. You may need to adjust the lift quadrant (the lever on the side that controls the tph). Also, make sure your draft control lever is all the way back. The 245 book should have the same procedure as the 243 for adjusting the quadrants.

The position control lever/quadrant is closer to the operator.
The draft control lever/quadrant is located closer to the fender.

jeff9366 · Feb 6, 2018

Massey Ferguson 243

1999 - 2003 200 Three Series
Utility tractor

Manufacturer: Massey Ferguson
Factory: Coventry, England
Original price (USD): $20,050 (2003)

Massey Ferguson 243 Engine:
Perkins 2.7L 3-cyl diesel

Capacity:
Fuel: 12.7 gal [48.1 L]
Hydraulic system: 8.5 gal [32.2 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: II/I

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: live (two-stage clutch)
independent (optional)
Rear RPM: 540

Dimensions & Tires:
2WD Wheelbase: 75.1 inches [190 cm]
4WD Wheelbase: 76.1 inches [193 cm]
Weight: 5045 to 5130 pounds
Front tire: 6.00-16
Rear tire: 13.6-28

Massey Ferguson 243 Power:
Engine: 52 hp [38.8 kW]
PTO (claimed): 47 hp [35.0 kW]
Drawbar (tested): 37.7 hp [28.1 kW]
PTO (tested): 47.6 hp [35.5 kW]

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x2 2WD
4x4 MFWD 4WD
Steering: hydrostatic power
Brakes: independent wet disc
Cab: Two-post folding ROPS.

Hydraulics:
Capacity: 8.5 gal [32.2 L]
Pump flow: 9.5 gpm [36.0 lpm]
13.9 gpm [52.6 lpm] (optional)
Total flow: 9.5 gpm [36.0 lpm]
13.9 gpm [52.6 lpm] optional

jimmyhouser · Feb 7, 2018

jeff9366 said:
Massey Ferguson 243

1999 - 2003 200 Three Series
Utility tractor

Manufacturer:Massey Ferguson
Factory:Coventry, England
Original price (USD):$20,050 (2003)

Massey Ferguson 243 Engine:
Perkins 2.7L 3-cyl diesel

Capacity:
Fuel:12.7 gal [48.1 L]
Hydraulic system:8.5 gal [32.2 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type:II/I

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO:live (two-stage clutch)
independent (optional)
Rear RPM:540

Dimensions & Tires:
2WD Wheelbase:75.1 inches [190 cm]
4WD Wheelbase:76.1 inches [193 cm]
Weight:5045 to 5130 pounds
Front tire:6.00-16
Rear tire:13.6-28

Massey Ferguson 243 Power:
Engine:52 hp [38.8 kW]
PTO (claimed):47 hp [35.0 kW]
Drawbar (tested):37.7 hp [28.1 kW]
PTO (tested):47.6 hp [35.5 kW]

Mechanical:
Chassis:4x2 2WD
4x4 MFWD 4WD
Steering:hydrostatic power
Brakes:independent wet disc
Cab:Two-post folding ROPS.

Hydraulics:
Capacity:8.5 gal [32.2 L]
Pump flow:9.5 gpm [36.0 lpm]
13.9 gpm [52.6 lpm] (optional)
Total flow:9.5 gpm [36.0 lpm]
13.9 gpm [52.6 lpm] optional

The only way to know is to ask the dealer to look up the original sales receipt (from agco) or to open that lift cover up. The scotch yoke pump comes standard in most mf agricultural/utility tractors. The secondary pump is run off the front gear on the scotch yoke like timing gears on an engine.

Does your PTO cover have a horse shoe shaped hard pipe coming off of it?

bull1200 · Feb 8, 2018

Thanks very much for the replies from all.

Responding to jimmyhouser:

1. No pipe to pto.

2. Attached an image (or trying to), is the secondary pump the one which the arrow points to? Does the tractor have to be split to replace this pump? This pump has a line going out to the loader valve.

Thanks again for the help, guys.

Here is the image (I hope).

jimmyhouser · Feb 8, 2018

Yes, that's the auxiliary pump. Put the stand pipe back in the hole on the other lower pump. Stick a hose on top and loop it back down. Put about 3 gallons of oil (enough to cover the lower piston pump and it's filter) and fire it up at idle speed. Check the auxillary pump's hard pipes for leaks and be sure that flow is coming back through the side cover.

jimmyhouser · Feb 8, 2018

Like this, except mine is on the bench

jimmyhouser · Feb 8, 2018

When you go to replace this cover, pull the position control and draft control levers back, so the walking beam is BEHIND the pump roller (on this particular model).

Make sure the relief valve isn't pouring.

There are 4 red dots I have placed for you to check out. The long pipe, check tightness and for leaks. The elbow fitting on top of the pump. The relief valve, make sure it isn't continuously pouring.

Also, the bent pipe coming back in through the pto shift cover. Make sure it is flowing. You can even use the loader functions and try to pop off the relief valve if that could be the issue.

jimmyhouser · Feb 8, 2018

If there's a bunch of greasy goop in the bottom you need to clean that mess out with a shop vac and rinse it with diesel fuel.

Sorry for the bombardment of posts.