MF 255 power steering

[JLeus]

Digging into some slop in the steering on my MF255. The first item to check in troubleshooting noted in my manual identified as Workshop Service Manual 1448 768 M1 is fluid level at the pump reservoir.

Im clear on where to check this and to what level to fill the reservoir.

The manual calls for "Permatran" fluid/oil.

Is Permatran an oil I can find or like many other names of oils from the past has faded? A suitable replacement is available but the name Permatran is no longer referenced.

Can someone help with a proper substitute please? I'm not finding a rating stated for Permatran.

As always thanks in advance for your help.

Jim

 

[Jim.ME]

Digging into some slop in the steering on my MF255. The first item to check in troubleshooting noted in my manual identified as Workshop Service Manual 1448 768 M1 is fluid level at the pump reservoir.

Im clear on where to check this and to what level to fill the reservoir.

The manual calls for "Permatran" fluid/oil.

Is Permatran an oil I can find or like many other names of oils from the past has faded? A suitable replacement is available but the name Permatran is no longer referenced.

Can someone help with a proper substitute please? I'm not finding a rating stated for Permatran.

As always thanks in advance for your help.

Jim

You won't find ratings for these UTHFs. They do not fall under the API and other standards as motor oils do. Each equipment manufacturer is free to develop their own. Many can be used across brands and the aftermarket ones may cover several brands with one product. You need to read the labels of the UTHFs to see which manufacturer specs they meet.

Permatran is a name of a version of Massey Ferguson Universal Transmission Hydraulic Fluid (UTHF). It was superseded by Permatran III and now AGCO 821XL. Tractor Supply Traveller Universal Premium Tractor Fluid, Mobil Delvac Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (formerly Mobilfluid 424), Walmart Super Tech Heavy Duty Transmission & Hydraulic Oil are a few of the aftermarket UTHFs that can be used in place of Permatran. If you see one that says it meets the John Deere J20C spec, it will work as Permatran is a similar fluid used for wet clutches and brakes.

 

[JLeus]

Great info

Thanks

 

[Boss Hog]

Don't over-think it. Most any hydraulic oil will do.

 

[Harry in Ky]

If you have "some slop in the steering" I can't help but think it's much more likely a mechanical problem than a fluid type or level problem. Particularly so if it's the single cylinder version with the pedestal shaft mounted in the front axle support.

Once you get the fluid level thing worked out, let us know if that helped.

 

[JLeus]

Topped the resivoir off. If there is any difference it is very small. The resivoir didn't hold another 5-6 ounces, if that.

Thanks

Jim

 

[miangus]

I am not sure what system the 255 uses, if it is the system discussed in the previous post it needs a little slop to work. Check the pins in the turnbuckle that controls the valve they get worn. The large, tapered bolt needs to be backed out, it's just used to center the system when making adjustments.

 

[Harry in Ky]

You're getting off into confusion territory. The 255 would be hydrostatic steering. It won't have all the pins and linkage of some earlier models.

 

[lstra]

The 255 Masssey Ferguson steering I am familiar with has hydrostatic power steering. No direct linkage to a steering gear box. The 255 has an orbital motor that direct fluid to two hydraulic cylinders that controls linkage to make the front wheels turn left or right.

 

[Jim.ME]

Topped the resivoir off. If there is any difference it is very small. The resivoir didn't hold another 5-6 ounces, if that.

Thanks

Jim

To clear things up, as a couple different set ups were used. Does your steering system have two hydraulic cylinders, or the one cylinder located in front (of the bottom) of the radiator? There is also a serial number break for some things which may come into play at some point.