MF231 front end loader inoperable

[grayrider]

Tractor been sitting in my barn over the winter, probably not cranked since first of November, cranked it couple of days ago and my front end loader is unresponsive, three point lift works fine, my 231 Massey Ferguson has never been abused so can’t be anything broken, tractor only has 287 hours on it and still looks new, what could be my problem? A stuck valve maybe? It was working just fine last time I used the tractor, no leaks anywhere under tractor. Appreciate any and all tips on what to look for and check, need to be using the tractor

 

[Jim.ME]

A few basic things you should tell. Does your loader have its own pump in front of the crankshaft, or does it use the tractor internal hydraulics? There were some set up both ways. If it uses the tractor internal hydraulics, does it have just the standard pump or the second auxiliary pump as well? How is it plumbed? A valve at the right front of the seat to divert oil to the loader? Is there a separate control valve on the loader?

If it uses the internal tractor hydraulics, make sure all levers/valves are in the proper position to operate the loader. Such has been found to be the issue in some similar cases like yours.

 

[grayrider]

I believe it uses internal hydraulics, just had hernia surgery few days ago and can’t get in position to see if really good in the barn, it does have the valve under the seat (between your legs) that valve is in correct position for the loader to function, I don’t think it getting pressure through that valve, could it be stuck? And if it is stuck internally or is faulty how can I tell for sure

 

[Jim.ME]

I believe it uses internal hydraulics, just had hernia surgery few days ago and can’t get in position to see if really good in the barn, it does have the valve under the seat (between your legs) that valve is in correct position for the loader to function, I don’t think it getting pressure through that valve, could it be stuck? And if it is stuck internally or is faulty how can I tell for sure

If the loader is plumbed through the valve under the seat it is using the internal tractor hydraulics. Can you post a picture of the valve under the seat? There are a couple different ones. Does the loader have its own control valve?

 

[grayrider]

If the loader is plumbed through the valve under the seat it is using the internal tractor hydraulics. Can you post a picture of the valve under the seat? There are a couple different ones. Does the loader have its own control valve?

I’ll post tomorrow, no lights out in the barn

 

[grayrider]

Here is picture of the valve under the seat

 

[Ray,IN]

Oil level at full? Have you allowed it to sit at a high idle speed until it warms up? Just spit-balling here.
Take care of yourself, you don't want to stretch the surgery area and undo the repair. My cousin did that, a 2nd surgery didn't go well; he's in a nursing home now.

 

[grayrider]

Oil level at full? Have you allowed it to sit at a high idle speed until it warms up? Just spit-balling here.
Take care of yourself, you don't want to stretch the surgery area and undo the repair. My cousin did that, a 2nd surgery didn't go well; he's in a nursing home now.

Yes I’ve already tried it at high idle, still no response, there is are no hydraulic leaks. I’m not too familiar with this tractors hydraulics but I’m thinking this hydraulic selector valve is my problem but before I order another one and throw money at it I’d like for somebody to confirm that’s the problem

 

[Jim.ME]

The TS300 is a TISCO Isolator (Diverter) valve. I have attached the instruction sheet from a TS300 for your review. With the lever in the forward position as your picture shows my understanding is that the rear port (where your hose is connected) is blocked off. I believe your lever needs to be to the rear based on where I see the hose connected. I also think your quadrant lever needs to be in the constant pumping position if you have a control valve on the loader.

Does your loader have double acting cylinders and its own control valve? Or does it only have single acting lift cylinders and a trip dump on the bucket and you use the same quadrant levers as the 3-point, to lift the loader arms?

 

[grayrider]

Lever has always been pushed forward on the diverter valve for loader to work along with the quadrant lever in the constant pumping position and the loader has double cylinders

 

[grayrider]

this diverter valve is very difficult to switch one way or the other it’s so stiff, do you think this is my problem?

 

[Jim.ME]

I have a TS300 on a Massey. It is set up to run a single acting remote cylinder. The hose for the remote coupler is hooked to the front port, which is plugged in your TS300, and the lever has to be in the forward position to operate the cylinder using the quadrant levers. The rear ports are plugged in my valve as we don't use those ports (rear lever position.

It is simple to check the valve function. You know the loader is not working with the lever forward. Try the center position (lever straight up), that should be 3-point only using the regular quadrant levers. Then try the rear position with the quadrant in constant pumping to see if the loader works.

 

[Jim.ME]

this diverter valve is very difficult to switch one way or the other it’s so stiff, do you think this is my problem?

A brand-new valve is stiff and does not rotate freely, effort is required to rotate it. No, I don't think that is the problem.

 

[grayrider]

I have a TS300 on a Massey. It is set up to run a single acting remote cylinder. The hose for the remote coupler is hooked to the front port, which is plugged in your TS300, and the lever has to be in the forward position to operate the cylinder using the quadrant levers. The rear ports are plugged in my valve as we don't use those ports (rear lever position.

It is simple to check the valve function. You know the loader is not working with the lever forward. Try the center position (lever straight up), that should be 3-point only using the regular quadrant levers. Then try the rear position with the quadrant in constant pumping to see if the loader works.

Ok I’ll give that a try and pull the lever to the rear , although I must say I’ve always pushed it forward since I’ve owned the tractor and it worked , will post back later with the results, thanks

 

[grayrider]

Jim.ME, thanks for your comments, I went out to the barn and flipped the lever over to the rear and my front loader came alive and functions like it should, I don’t understand why it quit working though in the forward position as that’s the way I’ve been using it for years and was told when I bought it to push it forward, anyway I must say there is less resistance pulling it to the rear position, much appreciative for your help in this matter , like Jed Clampett said “Well doggies”

 

[grayrider]

The only thing I’ve ever done to it mechanically was to replace the alternator , only gets used to pick implements up and occasionally push a brush pile

 

[Jim.ME]

Jim.ME, thanks for your comments, I went out to the barn and flipped the lever over to the rear and my front loader came alive and functions like it should, I don’t understand why it quit working though in the forward position as that’s the way I’ve been using it for years and was told when I bought it to push it forward, anyway I must say there is less resistance pulling it to the rear position, much appreciative for your help in this matter , like Jed Clampett said “Well doggies”View attachment 143934

I cannot begin to say why your loader would work with that isolation valve in the forward position, nothing in the instructions or any of those I have or had supports that happening.

It works now so all is good.