MF 1250 PTO issues - again

Chuckman84 · Aug 15, 2021

I have searched the forum and have the same type concerns as most, but a unique situation. My dad owns this tractor, but is 4 hours away. So I need to arm myself with enough info to decide if I can go fix it or if we need to have it hauled off for repair. He is 0% mechanically inclined, if I had enough time I could design a tractor; so I understand most of what makes it work. Here goes.

He and I have established this remotely.
MF1250 probably a 99 model IIRC
manual is with tractor and no way to get it to me...
PTO worked last; about a year doing some bushogging
dash switch lights up dash indicator
lever for PTO rear engagement works smoothly and as it should (physically engages/disengages)
tractor cranks and run nicely
no actual spin on PTO
lever arms work as they should
dipstick on left side of axle shows clean fluid up the the stamped mark halfway up the flattened end

so, Ive got to troubleshoot based on knowledge I can gather and decide is it worth a saturday to go fix or call the pros

1) switch looks ok, he took that out and it seems to work correctly
2) where is the PTO solenoid, so that he do the 'technical tap' to see if its stuck
3) is it easy to get to and will it require a system drain - do I need to take fluid and how much
4) where is the main fuse block to check wiring?
5) is there a #$%#%$ fusable link hiding somewhere in the harness, and where is it physically located?

this type thing. not having unlimted access to the tractor is a hindrance that is killing me. I need to KNOW that this is fixed, hes not the type to understand that machines are made by man and do in fact fail. Hes retired and will sit there agonizing that the unit wont spin, even though he has ZERO need for it to work.

-cheers - Chuck

K5lwq · Aug 15, 2021

My suggestion is go spend some time with your dad and troubleshoot it with him. That is far more valuable regardless if the tractor gets fixed or not. There will always be someone here to help if you need it.

IndyJay · Aug 15, 2021

Chuckman84 said:
I have searched the forum and have the same type concerns as most, but a unique situation. My dad owns this tractor, but is 4 hours away. So I need to arm myself with enough info to decide if I can go fix it or if we need to have it hauled off for repair. He is 0% mechanically inclined, if I had enough time I could design a tractor; so I understand most of what makes it work. Here goes.

He and I have established this remotely.
MF1250 probably a 99 model IIRC
manual is with tractor and no way to get it to me...
PTO worked last; about a year doing some bushogging
dash switch lights up dash indicator
lever for PTO rear engagement works smoothly and as it should (physically engages/disengages)
tractor cranks and run nicely
no actual spin on PTO
lever arms work as they should
dipstick on left side of axle shows clean fluid up the the stamped mark halfway up the flattened end

so, Ive got to troubleshoot based on knowledge I can gather and decide is it worth a saturday to go fix or call the pros

1) switch looks ok, he took that out and it seems to work correctly
2) where is the PTO solenoid, so that he do the 'technical tap' to see if its stuck
3) is it easy to get to and will it require a system drain - do I need to take fluid and how much
4) where is the main fuse block to check wiring?
5) is there a #$%#%$ fusable link hiding somewhere in the harness, and where is it physically located?

this type thing. not having unlimted access to the tractor is a hindrance that is killing me. I need to KNOW that this is fixed, hes not the type to understand that machines are made by man and do in fact fail. Hes retired and will sit there agonizing that the unit wont spin, even though he has ZERO need for it to work.

-cheers - Chuck

Just sold my 1250 and the manual went with it, but I would first check the fuse. Also, the first time I had similar problem it turned out that I snagged something and pulled the wire loose from the solenoid, simply plugged it back in. The solenoid is underneath operator platform on right side of tractor. It doesn't look like what you might expect a solenoid to look like. I may still have a picture, will look on my phone later.

I did later have an issue with PTO solenoid that required replacement. Wasn't that hard to replace other than having fat fingers in a tight place. Again, I will send a photo if I can find it.

Harry in Ky · Aug 15, 2021

Solenoid is under the right side foot plate. The pressure line from the hydraulic pump runs to a square type block with the solenoid valve threaded into it. The block contains a pressure regulator valve as well as the PTO valve. It's a simple 2 wire coil, power and ground, which when energized will produce enough magnetism at the retaining nut to attract a small wrench or screwdriver tip. If that's working with switch on, there's a chance the spool inside the valve could be stuck. You can remove the coil, unscrew the valve, and test it with 12v to see if any of the internals appear to be moving. All that without losing much fluid. I've done that a time or two. Not a big job.

Chuckman84 · Aug 15, 2021

where do you guys go to look for parts vs the dealer. trying to get a photo of the valve to see if its the type that has the wires that come out of the unit, or if the wires are spades that the wires attach to. cant even find a photo online of one. cant even find a diagram of where the fuse block is on this thing. its like an internet black hole

Harry in Ky · Aug 15, 2021

The AGCO online parts website is less than ideal, no question, but it's better than nothing. The books listed for the 1250 show a few different versions, based on serial number range and transmission type. Assuming yours is a standard gear drive, no HST or power shuttle?

Have you tried that website?