MF-35 cold weather 3pt hitch

AndyS · Feb 10, 2013

Twice now my 3 pt hitch has stopped working in cold weather.( around 20 F) I start the tractor the 3 pt works and then after a little while it won't even lift up the rear plow. I could get it to lift with high rpms (1400) but just barely. After letting it run for an hour it worked fine. Anyone have some ideas on why it would work sporadically in colder weather? Thanks for any suggestions.

MKinOntario · Feb 10, 2013

Perhaps excess water in the trans/diff housing or a filter that's in need of replacement/cleaning. I found it easier to replace than clean filter.

maxwell99 · Feb 10, 2013

Would be good if you could get the hyd / trans oil hot then drain system.
replace oil and filter

If this does not correct the problem, then you will have new oil if you must have the system repaired.

Have you drained water off the bottom drain????
Tractor needs to set for a few days before you attempt to drain off water.

Be sure to buy the correct hyd oil from dealership.
do not use cheap off the shelf oil

Inno · Feb 10, 2013

Or drain and put in 10W30. It maintains it's viscosity better in cold temperatures and stays more consistent. It is also yellow metal safe which is very important for these old tractors. I put the recommended GL-1 mineral oil in my 202 and it's like molasses even on a good day, when it gets cold it takes LONG time to warm up to the point of being useful. I will be putting 10W30 in my TO35 when it goes back together.

AndyS · Feb 11, 2013

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't see any evidence of water on the dip stick, but I will first try draining some hydraulic oil out to make sure no water in the system. Then change out the filter. I will have to leave a full oil change or rebuild until warmer weather arrives as I don't have a heated area to work.

to_many_irons · Feb 11, 2013

not right but will work .
dump methol alchol [cant spell ether me lol ] in till it warms up .
then dump it out in the spring .
flush with fuel .
fresh oil in .
check the shifter boots if bad replace .
cheaper to change the lube than doing the bearings front to wheels .

AndyS · Feb 15, 2013

FYI
I drained off a couple of gallons of transmission fluid and refilled with fresh. It seems to be working fine now, but also warmer temperature. There has been lots of talk about the right transmission/hydraulic oil to use and where to get it. I found NAPA would order Gl-1 90 part# 65-205 for $62.99/5 gallon pail. TSC had GL-1 90 labeled as "All Mineral SAE 90 Ford transmission oil" in their store brand - 2 gallon jugs for $18.99/jug. However, the store only had three jugs so I went to second TSC that also had 3 jugs. It isn't easy to find the right fluid.

MF-35 cold weather 3pt hitch

AndyS

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MKinOntario

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maxwell99

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Inno

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AndyS

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to_many_irons

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AndyS

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