Trying out a MF 180

Our neighbor is offering us his Massey Ferguson 180 that he no longer uses- it's too big for his uses- He is loaning it to us to see if we like it.

It has a perkins 4-cylinder diesel, two stage clutch and Multipower, and has aprox. 8800 hours on it. It is in fairly decent shape considering it spent most of it's time outside.

Our first "Work test" in baling the last of our hay is pretty positive. It's got lots of power, and the PTO seems to work okay. We'll hook up our big CaseIH 14' disc to it and see how well it pulls it.

My (Mechanical) observations with it are:

-Engine starts fine. Occasionally likes a puff of either when starting. Smokes (light blue) a little.
-Engine does have an oil leak that seems to originate from head gasket.
-Transmission is a little noisy when moving.
-Brakes are hard to push. You need to really lean on them to get good braking power
-Fenders have a bit of corrosion on them. Seat suspension needs work (Gas shock is toast). Seat cushions - What seat cushions? -One rear tire is new; other one must have spent a lot of time on pavement.

The questions I have to ask you guys is:

Anybody have expiriences with the 180? what do you think?

What's a good test for the transmission and the Multipower? Discing sounds like a good test, but are there any others?

How does the multipower work, and how can I test it? What problem symptoms should I look for?

Any other suggestions for work tests I can try out on this guy?

There is a foot pedal on the right hand side of the operator's platform, near the seat. What does it do? I'm assuming it's a differential lock, but I can't get the pedal to move.

Is there a good MF Forum that you guys can recommend?

Thanks!

The multipower should give a good, hard jerk when you engage it. If it feels soft, it may be a dirty filter/oil, or it could need some attention. A heavy load like a disk would be a good way to expose any problems with the multi-power.

I'm sure you can get a new shock for the seat, and you can definately find new cushions from more than 1 source, or you could buy a new seat from TSC and call it good enough.

That pedal is the diff lock, but if it's been outside alot or never got used much, it's more than likely rusted tight. OUr 165's is very loose but we rarely need it on our 285, so it's awful stiff. We need to pry that one back up if we do step on it.

The transmissions can make a bit of noise, and I know our 285 does have a bit of a whine, especially in 3rd. It's always been this way. whines more with the MP in High if I remember right.

As far as forums for Mf, you're on the best one there is!!

Donovan from Wisconsin

JP.