MF1220 - a few questions

davesisk · May 27, 2005

OK, I'm looking at picking up a 1993 MF1220 with FEL and 305 hours, 4WD and HST, for $7600 plus shipping. I *think* this sounds like a good deal.

Any oddities of this machine that I should be aware of? I understand it has some sort of lever for speed control. Is this instead of a gear range shifter? Is there some way to put it into neutral so it could be rolled if need be? How does this speed control actually work?

JerryG · May 27, 2005

I am under the impression that you are talking about the cruise control. Is that right?

davesisk · May 27, 2005

Well, I don't think so...the seller said there's lever to adjust the max speed...perhaps he's talking about the 2-range gear selector? I could imagine some sort of hydraulic speed control since it's HST, but I can't imagine how it might work, short of a variable-displacement hydraulic motor in the tranny...

Dave

JerryG · May 27, 2005

Other than the two range hydro and the cruise control, I don't see what he could be talking about.

davesisk · May 27, 2005

Hey Jerry:

So this model does have a 2-range gearbox then? That's probably what he's referring to. Or perhaps he is referring to the cruise control...I guess I have a preconceived notion of how cruise control works (namely, just a like a car), but perhaps this CC allows you to set the speed by moving a lever. I'm trying to get hold of this person by phone, so I should know a bit more after talking with him.

Dave

JerryG · May 27, 2005

No telling what he is referring to. It does have a two range hydro.

davesisk · May 27, 2005

Looks like I've gotten a reasonable quote on getting this guy shipped. I believe this deal is gonna work!

I've seen a post on where to get MF manuals pretty cheap, so I'll pick those up after the deal is completed. I'd assume this machine has engine oil filter, hydraulic oil filter, and air filter than need to be replaced regularly. Is there any procedure necessary to bleed the hydraulics after changing the filter? (My PT requires that you bleed the HST pump after changing the filter...pretty simple, just has to be done. Running this variable displacement piston pump with air it will cause cavitation and pretty much burn it up in a minute or two...I'm assuming the pump in an HST tranny is the same...correct me if this is a wrong assumption!) Since the HST pump is surely a variable displacement piston, I'd imagine it has to be bled.

Also, what's the procedure to bleed the fuel lines if it runs out of fuel?

Any other tricks or maintenance items I should start looking at? This isn't my first experience with machinery, but it'll certainly be my first time owning a mini-diesel!

Thanks,
Dave