2008 MF 1528 loses Steering, FEL and Three point hydraulics right after start up.

[Fryguy770]

I just bought a 2008 Massey Ferguson 1528 4x4 compact tractor with 700 hours. After the first 10 min of owning and using it the loader, power steering and 3 point lift quit working while I was brush hogging.

As it was running, it started very suddenly the loss of steering then the loader would only come up a little then would stop, then i couldn’t lift the brush hog up.

But, when I turned the tractor off and restarted it I regained all hydraulic function for about 1 min. Then in lose the steering, FRL and three point again. I had to repeat the process a few times to get the tractor back to my barn.

Acted like it was low on fluid, we checked the oil and its full, but while it running you can here
the charge pump (i believe) sucking for oil and making a noise.

Any ideas on what is going on?

 

[Jim.ME]

Hydro-static trans or non-hydro-static trans?

Checking and cleaning the hydraulic suction filter/screen would be the first thing to check/do. Operator's manual should have info on doing it for the transmission you have.

 

[Fryguy770]

Hydro-static trans or non-hydro-static trans?

Checking and cleaning the hydraulic suction filter/screen would be the first thing to check/do. Operator's manual should have info on doing it for the transmission you have.

Hydro-static trans.

 

[Fryguy770]

I just found out that my mid PTO seal is leaking pretty bad. 8” diameter puddle on cardboard in 24 hours. This was just replaced on 12/2/25!.

I topped of my transmission fluid again and started it up. All my hydraulics are herky jerky and intermittent including drive, turning, FEL and three point.

Could there be air in the system from the leak in the Mid PTO seal?

 

[used red MN]

I just found out that my mid PTO seal is leaking pretty bad. 8” diameter puddle on cardboard in 24 hours. This was just replaced on 12/2/25!.

I topped of my transmission fluid again and started it up. All my hydraulics are herky jerky and intermittent including drive, turning, FEL and three point.

Could there be air in the system from the leak in the Mid PTO seal?

Air in the system is not real likely, checking the suction screen as suggested in reply 2 is your first step in diagnosis of this problem. Unfortunately, I can’t direct you where or how to access it on that tractor.