problems with rear remotes on 1533

JCS_in_KY · Aug 21, 2006

I recently had a dealer install factory rear remotes on my 1533. Over the weekend I was finally able to test them. The mechanics at the MF dealer told me that the operating levers for the rear remotes were spring loaded to center. I read the installation manual and it also says the levers should return to center when released unless they are in the float position. When I push the levers forward they always return to center. When I pull them to the rear they only go back to center about 2 out of 5 times. The schematic in the manaul does not show a spring. I'm not sure if the spring is a spring added to the lever to return it to center or one in the spool valve. The manual describes a way to adjust the levers to the neutral position but I don't think that is the problem. Do any of you have any ideas on how to correct this problem? I can check with the dealer but they will just want me to bring it back to the shop. This is not the first problem I've had with the installation and at a $126.00 a trip to have the tractor transported it's getting expensive. Also the menchanics are not careful at all when they work on the tractor and each time it's come back with paint scratched off, dented parts, etc so I'd prefer to fix it here at home anyway. If the spool valves themselves are spring loaded is there a way to adjust them to add more tension? Has anyone else with factory rear remotes on their 1533 / 1540 had the same problem?

John

jeepcj7 · Aug 21, 2006

Could be that spools are bound. Loosen the thru bolts going thru the valve slices and see if the hande returns to neutral, then retighten bolts evenly in an alternating pattern.

mchasal · Aug 21, 2006

Sorry to probably state the obvious here, but you paid your dealer a rather large chunk of money to install the rear remotes on your tractor, he either did it wrong or the parts were faulty, and you have to pay $126 to get the tractor back to him to try again?!?! That just ain't right. Of course, the other items you stated show that it's not a great dealer to begin with. I can understand that you had to pay for it the first time since this is an option you are having installed and not warranty work, but getting that option working correctly is in the realm of warranty work and they should be picking up your tractor, or sending a field mechanic out to look at it.

Mike

JerryG · Aug 21, 2006

John,
These remotes are stiffer than loader type joystick valves. They normally seal extremely well but are stiff somewhat. As you use them they will loosen up and operate smoother. Having said that, they do seem like they are excessively stiff. If you did decide to use them for a short period of time to see if they would loosen up, I would defiantly make the dealer aware of the situation. Have you checked to see if a hose is rubbing on the linkage under the fender or platform?

JCS_in_KY · Aug 21, 2006

I haven't found anything rubbing on the linkage or adding additional drag that could cause the problem. JeepCJ7, you may have a point about the spools binding. The instructions list the torque specs for installing the valves. I probably need to check to make sure they are torqued to the correct specs and evenly. Mchasal, I agree with you 100%. It doesn't seem fair that I have to pay to have the tractor taken back to make something work right because of either faulty parts or a poor install. Now they consider it warranty work though so they are wanting to charge to transport it each time. I got the Agco rep involved and they got it transported back one time, had them replace the toolbox door they damaged and my triangle placard on the back. The next time it went I had to pay for transport though and when it was done paint was scratched up on one of the loader arms, both cylinders on the right side of the loader and the rear sheet metal up near the back of the seat. Obviously these aren't signs of a good mechanic. There is more to this story and I've been holding off posting it here on the forum but I'm to the point where I may do it later this week and let others know about my experiences with the local MF dealers and the way Agco has handled the situation. I'll let the dealer know about these valves in the event that I have further problems with them. If the torque value on the spools is correct maybe they will loosen up over time and return to center consistently. John

zcollins · Aug 21, 2006

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for the rear remotes? I am looking in to purchasing them myself.

Thanks

plowking · Aug 21, 2006

Hi,JCS. I just bought a Massey Ferguson. Hasn't gone back for first service yet. I was told 130.00 to pickup tractor by dealer and 450.00 for 50 hour service. Good Luck on your tractor. I do have trailer, but will probably get a better one. plowking

JCS_in_KY · Aug 22, 2006

Plowking, I don't have a problem with paying to have my tractor transported to the dealer but feel that it's unfair to have to pay for repeat trips because the work was not done correctly on the initial visit. Just out of curiosity how roughly how far are they transporting your tractor for the $130.00?

I spoke with a mechanic at another Massey dealer today as well as someone from Agco. They both feel that the problem is most likely the bolts that attach the spool valves not being tightened to the proper torque specs. I contacted the mechanic that did the installation and he does not think that is the problem. He told me to lubricate the linkage and in time the valves will break in. I asked him if he did torque the bolts to the specs in the installation manual and he claims he did but based on the quality of the other work they've done I wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't. At least Agco is now taking an active part in helping to resolve this situation. I can't help but feel that I've been ripped off by a dealer who charged to do the installation but didn't do it correctly and is unwilling to correct the defects. Tomorrow I plan to torque the valves to the proper specs and see if that fixes the problem. I'll let you know how it turns out.
John