I just bought a massey 231 and changed the fluids and filters. The transmission/hydraulic oil was contaminated with water so I drained and refilled with some leftover oil I had laying around, I didnt know it had a filter under the case so when I change the oil in a few days ill put a new filter in! thanks for a great video ! these tractors need 'universal tractor/transmission and hydraulic oil' because the trans/rear diff/ hyd system all use the same oil. DO NOT use plain old AW 32 or similar grade of oil or it will ruin your tractor over a short time.
i have this exact tractor. for anyone looking at this video down the road, if u suspect u're low on power steering fluid, note that u have TWO places u have to top it off, both in the steering box at the base of the gear shifter and also in the reservoir on the right side of the tractor. most literature i've found only mentions the 1st of those 2 which cost me a lot of time/energy.
@@MrChevelle83 there won't be a traditional dipstick at each entry point. u're basically filling it up as high as u can, leaving room for the bolt to be put back in.
@@DB-xp9px I just looked at my steering box today and It has a square plug in the center below the column, it was full of what looked to be gear oil. on the power steering I put transmission fluid in it.
Thank you for this video. So I have a now funny story about this model tractor. I am a newb starting a small farm. Went to a local tractor store because they had an early 90's Mason Ferguson tractor. Model 250. Knowing nothing I went to the store and they pulled out the keys for the tractor and it said M250 on the keychain. Salesman fired it up and within 2 turns it was running. I asked if it used diesel or gasoline. He told me the 250 uses gasoline. I kinda chuckled saying at least gas is cheaper than diesel. I really didn't care for something like a tractor what fuel it used in all reality. So I bought the tractor along with a tiller attachment and brush hog. Get it home and by this point its fall and we had a cold snap. They unloaded the tractor and it took abit of effort to get it started. Was assured this was because it was cold weather. Fast forward about a week I fire up the tractor after several cranks to start it, again this was during cold weather and I brush hoged about 12 acres of land. After I was done I parked the tractor and noticed the fuel gauge was just bouncing between empty and half. I didn't trust the gauge so decided to fill it up. Again I was told I purchased a MF 250. So I filled a 5 gallon gas can with premium gas and added it to the tank. Another few days go by and we have some warms days so I decided to fire the tractor up and use the tiller attachment. I now had some flat land that I could till and figured this was as good of a time as any. Go to start the tractor up and it took about 2 minutes of cranking over but it finally started. I figured it was because I hadn't used it in awhile and we had been through some cold weather. Once it started it seemed to run just fine. It smoked abit but knowing nothing about tractors I figured it had to do with the snow, rain we had over the past couple weeks. So I hook up to the tiller and till about 2 acres and the tractor starts running awful. The motor was knocking loudly and the smoke it was producing was awful. When I tried to engage the tiller the tractor just stopped. I tried to restart at this point it just cranked over indefinitely. I contact the place I bought it from and they agreed to send a tech out to examine it to see what was going on. He showed up and tried to crank it over as well as a few other things. He asked me about the fuel gauge and I told him it wasn't reliable but that I had just put 5 gallons of premium gas in it. He gave me a funny look and opened the fuel tank and smelled it. He turned and told me this was a diesel tractor. Even the tech mentioned there should have been a label near the gas cap stating it was diesel but it was missing. Apparently when this tractor was traded in it was labeled as a MF 250, which is a gas tractor. However this was actually a model 231 and was thus a diesel tractor. When the owner of the store realized this he basically took the tractor back, drained the fuel lines, replaced filters, added diesel, etc. He agreed to only charge me for parts and now the tractor runs great. No idea why the person who sold this tractor to the dealership had a keychain that said M250 when it was a 231. I know this was a long story but hopefully somebody somewhere will get a giggle out of it.
Once properly tuned and with the right fuel they sound like a sawing machine. They are such a forgiving machine, just make sure you keep good fluids and filters and will last for ever. I love mine.
Fantastic video and instructions. Thanks for uploading this video! The video shots are great! I own a 231 as well. The links are very helpful. Keep up the great work!
FYI. You should go to the youtube channel @cheaphomesteading, and find his playlist "Massey 231 engine rebuild". It is a great series of videos showing complete tear down and rebuild of a MF 231 engine and front end. Shows how it is put together. I need to find a 232 front loader like his.
Your videos are great need to do one showing inside the dash I’m currently tracking down wiring that’s been hacked up previously and yours looks pretty complete 🤣
Hi thanks, thank you. I'll be pulling the dash very soon, since I have to rebuild the power steering control valve, will install new gauges, and some other improvements.
I thought that of the wing nuts get loose the stays will stay still hooked and would not loose them. If I'll do the other way around and the wing nut get loose, they both , nut and rod will fall and most likely be lost.
Great video. Thank you. I have a 231 (am also new to tractors) and am trying to figure out how to change the hydraulic fluid. The more I read the more I am starting to realize the transmission system and hydraulic system use the same fluid? Is that correct? This would mean that changing the transmission fluid and filter like you did is also changing the hydraulic fluid. Am I understanding this correctly?
Yes, hydraulic and transmission is the same fluid, as a matter of fact it is all the same tank. Two drain plug but inside it is all one big space where hydraulic pump and gear box are submerged in the same oil.
What kind of fluid goes in the transmission/rear end, and how many quarts does it take? How do you know when it's full? Great video, full of useful information!
I used VP racing ultra J20A Plus utility tractor fluid, 8 gallons. You need to check the dip stick to check the final level. Thank you for your comment.
Hi, thank you for your comment. I put links to the parts I use in the description box. Mainly amazon and some tractor stores such as yesterday tractors, very rare ebay.
Hey I have a MF255 and I am adding transmission fluid and power steering fluid. I wonder if Ultra J20A plus is the correct fluid for those two applications? Thank you
Cześć RZMofficial, yes this is an URSUS licensed tractor. The draft and position levels writing is all in Polish. I don't understand a world but is a lovely well build tractor.
Hola genial video yo tengo un MF 240, me podrías decir que aceite de trans lleva y dar un link donde pueda comprar el filtro de transmisión. Espero puedas ayudarme 🙏🏽
Thank you. I mostly mow my 10 acres farm, do lots of drilling fencing the property, entrance gate, fencing orchard etc. This year I will try to get a box blade to smooth out the surface and eventually one day I would like to have a tiller. I'm also looking for a trailer I can pull with the tractor so I can haul, fire wood, feed bags, logs barbed wire etc.
@@BUTTEWORKS Awesome. I have 7 acres and bought the tractor for similar purposes. I have a long dirt driveway that I maintain w/ my Masset Ferguson 231 and a boxblade. I also want a tiller one of these days. Best regards.
Have you had any thermostart (glow plug heater) problems with the 231? I installed a new ignition switch and a new glow plug and I don’t think it’s working. I’m not 100% sure though.
I don't know if mine work. The tractor start well in cold weather so I would think so. But I will bring a amp meter next weekend and will check if there is current going to the heater. Electrical will be the next step after I put all the body panels back.
Massey fergusson 240, The engine start very properly but it don't accelerate above 1400rpm. I was cleaned the tank also the pipes and filter. The problem still remain. I wander if i must change the fuel feed pump before i check the high presure pump
I think that would be the next step, looking at the pump. I understand that all with the throttle linkage is good right?. All adjusted correctly. Check also de air cleaner.
Hello how many total grease points are on your 231 tractor? I think I may have missed a few points on mine and have watched a few of your videos and have not seen you do one about grease points totals. I can't find anything online about it thank you.
That I recall one on each front wheel bearing, two left to the oil filter to lub the front axle pivot point, one on the steering column, another one on the rear brake lever pivot point and in the leveling box in the back. I think that is all.
What happened to our country that now we dont have an american accent speaking video? How would he like me to go to his country and take over his videos. If this was the only issue its ok but it aint and thats why it upsets me inside
@@BUTTEWORKS Yes , why are you here? Our country is being invaded and destroyed by migrants . How would you like Americans to invade your country with our accent ,language, culture , crime,out vote your people,lower your wages and make you the minority ? Stay in your homeland and make your country great again..as i said its not your accent its what it triggers inside me now because of it.
@@BUTTEWORKSdon’t worry about the haters buddy. I get hated on all the time because I have a spine full of arthritis. Haters will hate, regardless! I absolutely LOVE the videos of your 231!!!
I just bought a massey 231 and changed the fluids and filters. The transmission/hydraulic oil was contaminated with water so I drained and refilled with some leftover oil I had laying around, I didnt know it had a filter under the case so when I change the oil in a few days ill put a new filter in! thanks for a great video ! these tractors need 'universal tractor/transmission and hydraulic oil' because the trans/rear diff/ hyd system all use the same oil. DO NOT use plain old AW 32 or similar grade of oil or it will ruin your tractor over a short time.
Thank you for your comment. I bough all parts and fluids as per the manual. The one I used is specific for old tractors.
Great tip on the rubber boot around the air cleaner. Mine was shot and there is no factory replacement, what you suggested works great.
i have this exact tractor. for anyone looking at this video down the road, if u suspect u're low on power steering fluid, note that u have TWO places u have to top it off, both in the steering box at the base of the gear shifter and also in the reservoir on the right side of the tractor. most literature i've found only mentions the 1st of those 2 which cost me a lot of time/energy.
Thanks for the info, Ill be checking my 231 when I use it next time. No issues with it, but I didnt know it had a level check on the gear box.
@@MrChevelle83 there won't be a traditional dipstick at each entry point. u're basically filling it up as high as u can, leaving room for the bolt to be put back in.
@@DB-xp9px I just looked at my steering box today and It has a square plug in the center below the column, it was full of what looked to be gear oil. on the power steering I put transmission fluid in it.
@@MrChevelle83 i've had that reservoir be full but the main one be missing quite a bit. definitely check 'em both
Excellent video. The instructions were quality. I just service my Massey Ferguson's transmission fluid and this video was very helpful.
I'm glad the video helped you. Thank you for the positive comment.
Great video - thank you. Buy new shifter boots from the dealer, that is one way the water enters the trans. Thank you.
Thank you, already did, much better now with new boots.
Excellent video.
Thank you for your comment, I’m glad you found it useful.
I can tell you take great pride in your work. I learned a few things for sure. Servicing my 231 soon. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, good luck with you 231. I still have a couple more maintenance videos coming soon.
I’ve had my 1998 Massey Ferguson 231 for 15 years… Love it! Good video.
Thank you, learning as I go.
Great information and showing demonstration
Thank you, I'm glad it was helpful to you.
Thank you very much for sharing this!
Thank you for checking the video, I'm glad it helped you.
I always fill my oil filter with engine oil to keep it from running dry until system primed. Old diesel mechanic gave me that advise.
Yes, that is always a good idea. Thank you for checking the video.
thank you so much i was looking how to do servicing on tractor you show me
Glad I could help
Thank you for this video. So I have a now funny story about this model tractor. I am a newb starting a small farm. Went to a local tractor store because they had an early 90's Mason Ferguson tractor. Model 250. Knowing nothing I went to the store and they pulled out the keys for the tractor and it said M250 on the keychain. Salesman fired it up and within 2 turns it was running. I asked if it used diesel or gasoline. He told me the 250 uses gasoline. I kinda chuckled saying at least gas is cheaper than diesel. I really didn't care for something like a tractor what fuel it used in all reality.
So I bought the tractor along with a tiller attachment and brush hog. Get it home and by this point its fall and we had a cold snap. They unloaded the tractor and it took abit of effort to get it started. Was assured this was because it was cold weather. Fast forward about a week I fire up the tractor after several cranks to start it, again this was during cold weather and I brush hoged about 12 acres of land. After I was done I parked the tractor and noticed the fuel gauge was just bouncing between empty and half. I didn't trust the gauge so decided to fill it up. Again I was told I purchased a MF 250. So I filled a 5 gallon gas can with premium gas and added it to the tank.
Another few days go by and we have some warms days so I decided to fire the tractor up and use the tiller attachment. I now had some flat land that I could till and figured this was as good of a time as any. Go to start the tractor up and it took about 2 minutes of cranking over but it finally started. I figured it was because I hadn't used it in awhile and we had been through some cold weather. Once it started it seemed to run just fine. It smoked abit but knowing nothing about tractors I figured it had to do with the snow, rain we had over the past couple weeks. So I hook up to the tiller and till about 2 acres and the tractor starts running awful. The motor was knocking loudly and the smoke it was producing was awful. When I tried to engage the tiller the tractor just stopped. I tried to restart at this point it just cranked over indefinitely.
I contact the place I bought it from and they agreed to send a tech out to examine it to see what was going on. He showed up and tried to crank it over as well as a few other things. He asked me about the fuel gauge and I told him it wasn't reliable but that I had just put 5 gallons of premium gas in it. He gave me a funny look and opened the fuel tank and smelled it. He turned and told me this was a diesel tractor. Even the tech mentioned there should have been a label near the gas cap stating it was diesel but it was missing.
Apparently when this tractor was traded in it was labeled as a MF 250, which is a gas tractor. However this was actually a model 231 and was thus a diesel tractor. When the owner of the store realized this he basically took the tractor back, drained the fuel lines, replaced filters, added diesel, etc. He agreed to only charge me for parts and now the tractor runs great. No idea why the person who sold this tractor to the dealership had a keychain that said M250 when it was a 231. I know this was a long story but hopefully somebody somewhere will get a giggle out of it.
Once properly tuned and with the right fuel they sound like a sawing machine. They are such a forgiving machine, just make sure you keep good fluids and filters and will last for ever. I love mine.
That wasn't funny.
THANKS! Video helped me out tremendously! Professional job!
Thank you for the feedback William, I’m glad it was useful to you.
Fantastic video and instructions. Thanks for uploading this video! The video shots are great! I own a 231 as well. The links are very helpful. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for your comment, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. More MF 231 videos on its way.
great video , specially when removing the trans fluid. it will be great to identify the water source.
Thank you, yes, I forgot to take some samples to send it to the lab.
Excellent job! Love your attention to detail!
Thank you very much!
FYI. You should go to the youtube channel @cheaphomesteading, and find his playlist "Massey 231 engine rebuild". It is a great series of videos showing complete tear down and rebuild of a MF 231 engine and front end. Shows how it is put together. I need to find a 232 front loader like his.
This was very enjoyable to watch. Hope to see more videos on the tractor, just subbed.
Thanks for the sub. More MF 231 content is on its way, I'm glad you enjoyed.
Your videos are great need to do one showing inside the dash I’m currently tracking down wiring that’s been hacked up previously and yours looks pretty complete 🤣
Hi thanks, thank you. I'll be pulling the dash very soon, since I have to rebuild the power steering control valve, will install new gauges, and some other improvements.
I think the battery bolts were were put in upside. Wing nuts go on to top to be able to remove the battery. When the cover is put back on.
I thought that of the wing nuts get loose the stays will stay still hooked and would not loose them. If I'll do the other way around and the wing nut get loose, they both , nut and rod will fall and most likely be lost.
Great video. Thank you.
I have a 231 (am also new to tractors) and am trying to figure out how to change the hydraulic fluid.
The more I read the more I am starting to realize the transmission system and hydraulic system use the same fluid? Is that correct? This would mean that changing the transmission fluid and filter like you did is also changing the hydraulic fluid. Am I understanding this correctly?
Yes, hydraulic and transmission is the same fluid, as a matter of fact it is all the same tank. Two drain plug but inside it is all one big space where hydraulic pump and gear box are submerged in the same oil.
Great vid and to the point.Thanks.
Thank you for your comment, I appreciate it.
What kind of fluid goes in the transmission/rear end, and how many quarts does it take? How do you know when it's full?
Great video, full of useful information!
I used VP racing ultra J20A Plus utility tractor fluid, 8 gallons. You need to check the dip stick to check the final level. Thank you for your comment.
Hi, Love the videos you've made about the MF 231! I love the tractor, but I find it's hard to find parts for it, where do you get yours?
Hi, thank you for your comment. I put links to the parts I use in the description box. Mainly amazon and some tractor stores such as yesterday tractors, very rare ebay.
Transmission filter part number please ?
And great video Mr
I save the video
There is a link in the description to the filter under hydraulic system. Thank your for your comment.
good job
Thank you STS37090
Hey I have a MF255 and I am adding transmission fluid and power steering fluid. I wonder if Ultra J20A plus is the correct fluid for those two applications? Thank you
That is the one I used and was recommended in the manual
Hi, I'm from Poland and I would like to ask if your massey ferguson was produced in URSUS under the MF license?
Cześć RZMofficial, yes this is an URSUS licensed tractor. The draft and position levels writing is all in Polish. I don't understand a world but is a lovely well build tractor.
Hola genial video yo tengo un MF 240, me podrías decir que aceite de trans lleva y dar un link donde pueda comprar el filtro de transmisión. Espero puedas ayudarme 🙏🏽
Gracias por el comentario. Yo use "VP racing Ultra J20A plus" utility tractor fluid y lo compre en Tractor Supply.
Great video. Thanks! I have a Massey Ferguson 230 Diesel. Do you know what type of coolant it needs?
Yes, it is in the description, I use green Valvoline
Thanks.
My air breather😮s busted, where did you get the new one.
There is a link in the description. It is a bit pricey but fits and works great.
Where does the black oring go that come with the filter
I never found out, I think that filter is generic and fits some other models. I looked and looked and there was no place for it anywhere.
Thank you for all the tips, what kind of work do you mostly do with your MF231?
Thank you. I mostly mow my 10 acres farm, do lots of drilling fencing the property, entrance gate, fencing orchard etc. This year I will try to get a box blade to smooth out the surface and eventually one day I would like to have a tiller. I'm also looking for a trailer I can pull with the tractor so I can haul, fire wood, feed bags, logs barbed wire etc.
@@BUTTEWORKS Awesome. I have 7 acres and bought the tractor for similar purposes. I have a long dirt driveway that I maintain w/ my Masset Ferguson 231 and a boxblade. I also want a tiller one of these days. Best regards.
Do you know if the MF 236 loader works the MF 231 tractor?
I don't know, I have been looking for a front loader as well.
Have you had any thermostart (glow plug heater) problems with the 231? I installed a new ignition switch and a new glow plug and I don’t think it’s working. I’m not 100% sure though.
I don't know if mine work. The tractor start well in cold weather so I would think so. But I will bring a amp meter next weekend and will check if there is current going to the heater. Electrical will be the next step after I put all the body panels back.
Massey fergusson 240, The engine start very properly but it don't accelerate above 1400rpm. I was cleaned the tank also the pipes and filter. The problem still remain. I wander if i must change the fuel feed pump before i check the high presure pump
I think that would be the next step, looking at the pump. I understand that all with the throttle linkage is good right?. All adjusted correctly. Check also de air cleaner.
How many times did you have to change the hydraulic/transmission oil and what type of oil did you use?
I did changed once using VP Racing ultra J20A plus
What viscosity or oil type did you use in the hydraulic/transmission system? Thanks
I Used "VP racing Ultra J20A plus" from Tractor Supply
Hello how many total grease points are on your 231 tractor? I think I may have missed a few points on mine and have watched a few of your videos and have not seen you do one about grease points totals. I can't find anything online about it thank you.
That I recall one on each front wheel bearing, two left to the oil filter to lub the front axle pivot point, one on the steering column, another one on the rear brake lever pivot point and in the leveling box in the back. I think that is all.
Thank you very much I have missed the one on the steering column for the last 30 years I will let you know how that works out thanks again.
lots of info
Thank you.
❤
What a beautiful pink color, ahhaaahaha
What happened to our country that now we dont have an american accent speaking video? How would he like me to go to his country and take over his videos. If this was the only issue its ok but it aint and thats why it upsets me inside
I don't think I get your point. Are you upset because my accent?.
@@BUTTEWORKS Yes , why are you here? Our country is being invaded and destroyed by migrants . How would you like Americans to invade your country with our accent ,language, culture , crime,out vote your people,lower your wages and make you the minority ? Stay in your homeland and make your country great again..as i said its not your accent its what it triggers inside me now because of it.
@@BUTTEWORKSdon’t worry about the haters buddy. I get hated on all the time because I have a spine full of arthritis. Haters will hate, regardless! I absolutely LOVE the videos of your 231!!!
@@travisricks3436 Thank you very much Travisricks3436, I really appreciate your comments, always.