MF 4608 Problems

JimStC · Jul 29, 2014

Just bought a new 2013 MF 4608. I noticed that I was getting a low oil pressure warning when the tractor engine had been worked, was warm and I was about to shut it down.

Talked about it with my dealer with no immediate resolution. Bought a cutting fork that required some hydraulics enhancements and asked that the oil pressure issue get checked out when I took it in for the hydraulics work. Came to learn that it is a widespread problem and that MF is starting a "soft" recall. Apparently it is the idle bolts (being a tractor engine dummy I have no idea what that means) but I do know that it is a 21 hour job. So my new tractor is down for a week and I need to plow, disc and plant alfalfa in the next four weeks. Not a good experience with MF. Heads up to any new tractor buyers.

Jim

jeepcj7 · Aug 7, 2014

That's unfortunate. Not sure why you were told 21 hours - we have been doing it in 3 hours or less. Apparently some engines were built with the wrong grade idler gear bolt. If the bolt breaks it allows oil to return back in to the oil reservoir without restriction which causes low oil pressure when the engine is warm and at low idle. There is no risk of damage to the engine though because the engine electronics will shut the engine off before the oil pressure ever gets too low. I understand there is a campaign on it and it was limited to early production units.

JimStC · Aug 7, 2014

Yeah Jeep, the 21 hours was wrong. Evidently at the time MF had no idea of the extent of the problem. I subsequently heard 6 hours but based on your experience that wasn't even correct. Thanks for the insight.

Jim

jsftractors · Aug 9, 2014

The issue is unfortunate but not widespread and no risk of damage to the engine. It was identified and confined to a small number of the first units released. The repair can be anywhere from 3-21 hours so all you have heard is correct, if the bolts aren't broken the repair can be completed in 30 minutes, if a bolt is broken it may take up to 21 hours. The issue has been identified, corrected and eliminated.