What is this thing? How does it work?

/ What is this thing? How does it work? #1  

def38

Platinum Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2017
Messages
674
Location
woods and mountains of Alabama
Tractor
M-F 231S
M-F 231S, 2003. There is this thing attached to the top of the transmission just in front of the seat. It has hydraulic hoses attached to it. There is a little metal rod attached that sticks up in the air about 4 inches. Looks to be some sort of valve. There is no mention of it in the operators manual.

I want to install a hydraulic top link.

Give me some information as to what this thing does. It seems to be stuck with paint and corrosion. IMG_0573.JPG

Thanks for the help.
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work? #2  
If it is in front of the seat it could be a flow rate control valve to the rear hydraulics. Where does the hydraulic hose go to?
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work?
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Two hoses go to a control on the RH fender and then back to two QDs on the rear fender. IMG_0578.JPG IMG_0580.JPG
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work? #4  
Have you tried to turn it one way or the other? I've never seen a pin like that before.
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
It won't turn or operate in any direction. It seems to be stuck in the position shown. Can it be removed and disassembled and rebuilt with new o-rings, gaskets, etc?IMG_0583.JPG
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work? #6  
It doesn't move with the engine off? or clutch pushed in? Get a longer pipe for leverage???
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work?
  • Thread Starter
#9  
/ What is this thing? How does it work? #10  
Yes, the description reads, Three position spool, forward position allows one-way (push) for single acting cylinder. {you would not want this}

Center position allows operation of the 3-point arms {currently in this position}

Rear position will feed power to a 4 way control valve for two way (push-pull) operation of double acting cylinder {This should work for hydraulic top AND side link}

I see in your last photo, you only have a 2 way control valve (asking??) Got more photos of the valve with the seat tilted up?

So, when I decided to adjust my 3ph drop rate, I had to REALLY had to apply pressure to crack it open... to move it the first time!!! Try leverage and move it to the rear position.
 
Last edited:
/ What is this thing? How does it work?
  • Thread Starter
#11  
Teg, My 3 pt drop adjustment was frozen with corrosion along with the Position and Draft controls when I bought my 231 used earlier this year. It was in rough shape. A can of PB Blaster, some WD 40 and new fluids and I have a very nice, clean, leak free M-F with a new paint job, crisp engine and all electrics working. I only have the alternator slip ring to replace.

As for the diverter valve, two lines exit the valve to a 2 position control stick (three position actually...center, forward and rear) and the 2 QDs on the RH rear fender. Right now, I'm trying to arrange for the Tide band to show up at your place.

Band will be there Sunday.

More photos. BTW, it was a bit wet out there today...the M-F was slidin' around a bit.

IMG_0594.JPG

IMG_0595.JPG

IMG_0598.JPG
 

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/ What is this thing? How does it work? #12  
My wife might not like the "Tide" coming over on Sunday... all we can say is, War Eagle!!! 1984...

I'm more of a brute force kind of guy... $106.94 isn't that bad if you break it but I do agree if you can remove it from the tractor and free it up - that will be time well spent!!

Let us know how it goes...
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work?
  • Thread Starter
#13  
Maybe I'll ask Nick to stop by for a coffee and a chat...Heh-heh.

Until I have spare O-rings and gaskets in hand, I'll not be messing with it. As for brute force, I'm afraid I'll break that little rod off if I get too feisty with it.

Actually, I'm a Yankee transplant...grew up in the Chicago suburbs...atudied Mech. Eng. at Arizona State Univ....go Sundevils.
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work?
  • Thread Starter
#15  
Long Island? I lived in Sea Cliff probably before you were born (circa 1943) when dad was stationed at the Brooklynn Navy Yard. Beautiful there.
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work? #16  
yup, Sea Cliff is a pretty nice area... I hail from Commack, about the middle of the island. Spent most summers camping in East Hampton (before it was famous!!!), Sears Bellows County Park!!!
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work? #17  
That "little lever" appears to be a roll pin. Those are usually spring steel. VERY tough! IMHO, you can put considerable force on it with no ill effects. Any chance that the shaft/spool just is just painted stuck?
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work?
  • Thread Starter
#18  
I agree regarding the roll pin. I haven't really put the beef to it yet and yes, I agree, it is likely stuck mostly with paint as you say. I may put some heat on it to help free it. Also, I have doused it with PB Blaster. I would hate to break it or cause it to leak without a backup set of O-rings, gaskets. I would really like to have a more typical handle and knob on it for operation...maybe convert one of my screwdrivers to aid in actuation...more to follow...thanks for your comments...shame what the Tide did to the Volunteers recently...pity.

Roll Tide.
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work? #19  
Maybe I am missing something.......but the way I read the description of that valve is you can either run the remotes OR the 3PH but NOT BOTH at the same time without constantly switching that lever back and forth. That would get to be a PITA with your hand going from 3PH lever, to toplink lever (remote) but everytime you go from one to the other you have to switch that valve?

IF that is indeed the case, I'd be looking to find a PB and plumb to that and forget that diverter/selector valve.
 
/ What is this thing? How does it work? #20  
Maybe I am missing something....
That's how I read it too... but it's paid for!!! If he was doing work for a business, I can see spending the money. I can't imagine going back to a gear driven tractor but if it's what I have to use... I would not have a problem with it!
 

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