Overheard from Service Manager to MF owner: (sounds like he repeats these instructions often)
We have no common issues amongst our brands but if it's been like that since you bought it, bring it in, or you can diagnose it yourself and call for the fix. The customer asked how to diagnose it and he responded like a robot,
To diagnose an unlevel FEL
1. Make the tractor level. If needed park the tractor and mark the tire contact patches on the ground. Then use a square shovel to cut a 12" x 12" square on the high side until all 4 spots are level side to side, front to back and corner to corner. Use 12x12 pavers in the spots if you may want to check level on the tractor again in the future. (just check level of the pavers each time)
2. Make sure each tire is properly inflated. If your back tires are filled, move the tractor until the valve stem is at the top before checking. Do not use a digital or electronic pressure gauge, if you do, we will not buy you a new one.
3. Remove the bucket only.
4.Park the tractor so each tire is on a paver. You now know the tractor should be level.
5. Check level side to side on the ROPS, across the top of the FEL arms at the front of the tractor and finally, at the attachment points for the bucket. If all are level, then the bucket could be welded wrong, the attachment point or bucket is obstructed by something, tweaked or bent. If the 3 areas are off bubble the same amount, then it may be a tire or wheel or bearing issue. If the ROPS is level but the arms are off it could be the front tires or wheels, arms not seated or bolted correctly, FEL hydraulic piston(s) or the arms could be welded wrong, tweaked or bent. If the top of the arms and ROPS are in synch but the bucket attachment points are off then it could be the bucket attachment point is welded/installed wrong, obstructed by something so the bucket doesn't seat, FEL hydraulic piston(s) or the front arms welded wrong, tweaked or bent.
6. To check the hydraulic pistons, start the tractor, leave it at idle and raise the FEL arms about one foot and measure the length of the pistons from bolt center to bolt center. The top pistons should be the same and the lower pistons should be the same. Curl to bucket attachment halfway and raise the arms to about 4 feet and measure again. Raise and curl and measure a third time. At no time do you need to step under the bucket, nor should you. Safety first! If any of the measurements are off, call us.
7. Please let us know if you straightened it out or bring it in.
I don't know the outcome, but it sounded like he covered everything in about three minutes. I hope this helps someone.
We have no common issues amongst our brands but if it's been like that since you bought it, bring it in, or you can diagnose it yourself and call for the fix. The customer asked how to diagnose it and he responded like a robot,
To diagnose an unlevel FEL
1. Make the tractor level. If needed park the tractor and mark the tire contact patches on the ground. Then use a square shovel to cut a 12" x 12" square on the high side until all 4 spots are level side to side, front to back and corner to corner. Use 12x12 pavers in the spots if you may want to check level on the tractor again in the future. (just check level of the pavers each time)
2. Make sure each tire is properly inflated. If your back tires are filled, move the tractor until the valve stem is at the top before checking. Do not use a digital or electronic pressure gauge, if you do, we will not buy you a new one.
3. Remove the bucket only.
4.Park the tractor so each tire is on a paver. You now know the tractor should be level.
5. Check level side to side on the ROPS, across the top of the FEL arms at the front of the tractor and finally, at the attachment points for the bucket. If all are level, then the bucket could be welded wrong, the attachment point or bucket is obstructed by something, tweaked or bent. If the 3 areas are off bubble the same amount, then it may be a tire or wheel or bearing issue. If the ROPS is level but the arms are off it could be the front tires or wheels, arms not seated or bolted correctly, FEL hydraulic piston(s) or the arms could be welded wrong, tweaked or bent. If the top of the arms and ROPS are in synch but the bucket attachment points are off then it could be the bucket attachment point is welded/installed wrong, obstructed by something so the bucket doesn't seat, FEL hydraulic piston(s) or the front arms welded wrong, tweaked or bent.
6. To check the hydraulic pistons, start the tractor, leave it at idle and raise the FEL arms about one foot and measure the length of the pistons from bolt center to bolt center. The top pistons should be the same and the lower pistons should be the same. Curl to bucket attachment halfway and raise the arms to about 4 feet and measure again. Raise and curl and measure a third time. At no time do you need to step under the bucket, nor should you. Safety first! If any of the measurements are off, call us.
7. Please let us know if you straightened it out or bring it in.
I don't know the outcome, but it sounded like he covered everything in about three minutes. I hope this helps someone.