Author [expand]	[Modern View]
Alan K 11-20-2009 07:29:29 206.146.93.176 108995 Report to Moderator	Were there any problems to look for on tractors that have multi-power? Did they stand up well? New to them but have always liked them. Looking at a 180 diesel. [Reply]   [No Email]
Superturbodiesel 11-25-2009 10:55:36 69.207.64.47 109148 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Troy Boyd, 11-20-2009 07:29:29   Alan K said: (quoted from post at 18:02:43 11/25/09) Ive always liked the 285s 1085 and 1105s. I sat in a 1105 at a dealer about a month ago. Decent shape, long axles, but they wanted around $14,000 for it. What was the main difference between the 285 and 1085? Answer: Physical size and weight of the tractor. Both the 285 and 1085 have the exact same powerplants. The 285 is a smaller frame/chassis tractor, built on the same designs as the smaller Hp 275, 265, and so on. The 1085 is a large frame/chassis tractor. It is built on the same designs as the 1105, 1135, 1155 tractors. The 1085 is just a much larger and more massively built tractor. It was the "baby" of the 1000 series MF beasts back then. They are both great tractors. I've owned 285's and 1105's. Never saw the point in having a 285 and a 1085 at the same time, since they had the same Hp output. $14,000 is wayyyyy too much for a 1105 tractor. It would have had to have been completley rebuilt, reworked, repainted, and then some for that kind of money. That dealer must have been smoking crack. I bought a really nice & straight low hour MF 1105 with cab/heat/air/radio just a couple of years ago. I had it shipped from Iowa to New York. Only paid $6,800 for it, INCLUDING shipping. It was a bit faded, and coming due for a paint job, but it had great rubber, ran great, and everything worked as it should have. I really, really didn't want to, but I was forced to sell it this past spring due to some financial woes. I actually MADE money on it, and sold it for $7,500. Still, that's 1/2 of what your dealer was asking. ~ AJ   [Reply]   [No Email]
Alan K 11-25-2009 18:54:44 206.146.93.176 109169 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Superturbodiesel, 11-25-2009 10:55:36   Sounds like my kind of deal on a 1105. Wouldnt mind having one of those. Ive always wondered too why the 285 and 1085 were built at the same time.   [Reply]   [No Email]
red power m-f 11-24-2009 19:37:39 208.126.180.223 109125 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Alan K, 11-20-2009 07:29:29   Hi just thought i'd add something. I just recently bought a 1155 with multi-power that had a pretty hard life b4 i got it but i couldnt stand to see it go to the scrap yard. the multi-power worked driving around the yard but when I pulled it in the field it wouldnt hold so i limped it through spring and tore it apart later. found out that the splines on the inside of the clutch discs were gone on about half of them so i asked a guy at my dealer and he said that it was from coasting in low down hills and then throwing it in high before the engine and travel speed were equal so be careful with it   [Reply]   [No Email]
AlanK 11-25-2009 08:54:51 206.146.93.176 109140 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to red power m-f, 11-24-2009 19:37:39   Ive heard something similiar on the MMs. People would coast down a hill and then the AT would either be shoved in high or if used in low it would go in and out of low range constantly with hilly ground. I had also heard on the older MM torques, if they were left in low range and shut off, if the engine kicked back some it would weaken the springs in the clutch assembly on the torque eventually.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Superturbodiesel 11-24-2009 08:07:25 69.207.64.47 109110 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Bill U., 11-20-2009 07:29:29   Alan K said: (quoted from post at 03:10:26 11/24/09) I have to shift the ampli-torque to low range on my M670 Super MM for easier shifting so I know what you are referring to. I have noticed something similiar on my cousins 1850 Oliver with hydra shift (underdrive). It keeps your hands busy sometimes but you get used to it. Were any of the problems with Multi-power hydraulic most of the time or something else? I know on my 670 MM the oil has to be warmed up or it will slip and will wear out faster. Honestly, I've only run into one problem on a MF Multi-Power unit, and that was when it developed an internal hydraulic leakage problem. (The entire tractor was pretty tired, so it was no real suprise.) Remember, as with any clutch pack system, they are a wear item and they all will eventually wear out sooner or later. From my experiences, they are pretty darned reliable overall. Multi-Power units can last a very long time or a shorter time based upon how often they are used, how and when they are shifted, and how well the maintenance on the fluids and filters is kept up. I myself have had (3) MF tractors with Multi-Power transmissions over the years. (2) MF 285's and (1) MF 1105. All were great tractors and I never had a problem with the Multi-Power on any of them. Wet clutches do significantly outlast dry clutches due to their ability to run cooler, and better "removal" of the debris (generated from the clutch discs) via the tranny oil and filter. Of course, you should keep your fluids and filters changed at the recommended intervals in order to keep everything working as it should. Sounds like on your MM Super 670, you might have too heavy a viscosity of oil in the tranny/clutch packs. Perhaps you are running old & dirty fluid, or just the wrong type of fluid. That is not good, and I would recommend changing it to an oil that doesn't need "heated up" in order for your the Ampli-Torq to work properly. Also, when was the last time all of your filters (and screens) have been changed and/or cleaned (if applicable)? It's also possible that your Minne-Mo is just getting "tired" and the clutches are wearing out, leading to slippage and also leading me to believe it's nearing time for a new/rebuilt Ampli-Torq. Sounds like DavidP from South Wales knows what he's talking about. I'd recommend using his "test" method on the MF 180 that you are interested in buying. You will then know the condition of the Multi-Power. Oh, and if there are no hills around where you are with your potentially "new-to-you" MF 180 to test on, then here's my "method" of testing the Mult-Power out: Drive along in 2nd or 3rd gear, high range. (Yes this is a "fast-speed" test, so please be careful, and give yourself PLENTY of room to do this. You may have to do it on the local roadway for smoothest operation and best "feel".) Now, I suppose there's no reason you can't do this in the slower gears as well, but I personally prefer to do it in the higher gears, for a more significant "feel" of what is going on with the Multi-Power unit. Ok, so you are now traveling along at a pretty good clip, 3rd gear, say @ around 2,500 rpms. Now, bring the throttle back down to idle quickly and as the tractor is throttling down, you should feel the tractor "free-wheeling" or "running" (as DavidP, stated). As the tractor is returning to idle, move the Multi-Power lever to high and begin to throttle up the tractor again. (You want to move the Multi-Power to high BEFORE you get all the way down to idle, otherwise, the engine will be forced to sustain a heavy surge of "braking" load to attempt to slow the ground speed.) That is both hard on the tractor and hard on you, as it can literally "throw" you forward towards the steering wheel. I'd say probably around 1,500 rpms would be a good place to "throw her into High" as she's slowing down towards idle. There really is not "set speed" that you have to worry about. Truth is, I'm guesstimating, as I rarely look at the tach when I'm shifting, I do it all by the "sounds" and the "feel" of the tractor. Anyhow, once you are in "high" of the Multi-Power, you can throttle up the tractor and get zipping along. When you slow the throttle, you will feel the engine braking the tractor quite well, assuming that the Multi-Power is working and that the motor isn't a worn-out pile with no compression (LOL). You can shift back out of "High" back to "Low" at any time. When shifting back into "Low", you should instantly feel a loss of speed (almost as if you briefly pushed in the clutch). Now when you throttle up or down the rpms, there will be no engine braking, and the tractor will "roll along" at what ever speed it wants to when you throttle down from higher rpms. Depending on where your engine rpms are at as you make the shift from Low to High on the Multi-Power, the tractor will either "buck" a little and immediately begin to slow down with the engine braking, or it will "surge" a little and begin to accelerate quickly due to the 33% increase in speed that the Multi-Power provides. (We called it the "turbo-boost" lever when we were kids - LOL.) Once you "learn" your tractor's "happy zone" of shifting - (as I call it), you can shift the Multi-Power in and out pretty smoothly by simply changing your throttle (engine rpm speeds). This just comes with practice. In turn, you will not be thrown from your seat and also not "beat up" on the clutches, tranny, and engine. Have a good one, ~ AJ   [Reply]   [No Email]
Alan K 11-25-2009 09:02:43 206.146.93.176 109142 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Superturbodiesel, 11-24-2009 08:07:25   They sound quite similiar to the ampli-torque. MM used a heavier oil in the transmission and ampli-torque (80-90w). It was always stated in the operators manual to make sure the oil is completely warmed up before engaging the AT or it will slip and damage will result. They are mechanically engaged. My 670 A-T is good yet as the previous owner had it rebuilt. My older 5 Star is a different story, low is completely gone as you come to a stop in low range. I have wondered about using a thinner oil in mine but I dont use it in colder weather so I havent done anything with it yet. I may have to try to check out the Massey as you stated as I can relate to what you are talking about the "feel" of it. I know if Im plowing with mine I have to make sure if Im in low and shift to high there isnt much of a load as I will pop a wheelie. Ive always liked the 285s 1085 and 1105s. I sat in a 1105 at a dealer about a month ago. Decent shape, long axles, but they wanted around $14,000 for it. What was the main difference between the 285 and 1085?   [Reply]   [No Email]
Superturbodiesel 11-23-2009 00:58:09 69.207.64.47 109089 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to DavidP,South Wales, 11-20-2009 07:29:29   135 Fan said: (quoted from post at 20:14:41 11/20/09) Like anything else they can have problems. Check the archives on here. Some people disconnect the multi-power and some really like it. I have it on my 135 and think it's great. Dave Why the hell would anyone ever disconnect it? That would be foolish, as the tractor will still work fine with the Multi-power disengaged, if you were unable to afford, or just plain too cheap to get it fixed. MF's "Multi-Power" is basically the same thing as MM's "Ampli-Torq" and IH's T/A (which stands for "Torque Amplifier" by the way...). They all do the same thing, using hydraulic clutch packs to add additional speeds and torque, as well as provide for much needed engine braking. Most people that don't like Multi-Power (or the like) are people that don't know or were never taught the correct way to use them. Most tractors when "on" or in "high" are almost impossible to shift the tranny without struggling. You should always try to shift the transmission when the lever is in "off" or "low", and then the transmission will shift much smoother and easier, particularly when you are at a complete stop. Enjoy, ~ AJ   [Reply]   [No Email]
Alan K 11-23-2009 18:10:26 206.146.93.176 109104 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Superturbodiesel, 11-23-2009 00:58:09   I have to shift the ampli-torque to low range on my M670 Supper MM for easier shifting so I know what you are referring to. I have noticed something similiar on my cousins 1850 Oliver with hydra shift (underdrive). It keeps your hands busy sometimes but you get used to it. Were any of the problems with Multi-power hydraulic most of the time or something else? I know on my 670 MM the oil has to be warmed up or it will slip and will wear out faster.   [Reply]   [No Email]
135 Fan 11-20-2009 21:49:47 68.149.56.30 109016 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Alan K, 11-20-2009 07:29:29   Should mention that a multi-power tractor cannot be pull started. Dave   [Reply]   [No Email]
DavidP, South Wales 11-20-2009 11:51:44 92.26.137.32 109000 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Alan K, 11-20-2009 07:29:29   Hello Alan, A few simple checks; As Steven says; check for engine braking. Drive down a slope, somewhere safe in 2nd or 3rd high in MP High. Move lever to Low. you should feel the tractor start to run. Apply the brakes a little to reduce to original speed and shift to High. You should feel the engine braking come in. Drive on the flat in 2nd or 3rd high in MP Low. Shift to High. Again you should feel a nice sharp surge as your speed increases by approx 33%. If its sluggish be careful. Park facing downhill. Engage reverse. With the clutch in the first stage release the brakes. The tractor should remain stationary until you press to the bottom of the second stage. Vice versa, park facing uphill in forward gear. Should hold until clutch pressed all the way down. If there are any serious problems with it you could be looking at a repair of $1000 or more. DavidP   [Reply]   [Send Email]
AlanK 11-20-2009 21:57:33 206.146.93.176 109018 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to DavidP, South Wales, 11-20-2009 11:51:44   Are these units similiar to the MM ampli-torque or the IH TA's? Are they a hydraulic engaged unit?   [Reply]   [No Email]
Steven, Avilla MO 11-22-2009 20:04:07 64.85.211.92 109083 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to AlanK, 11-20-2009 21:57:33   Yes, similar to a IH T/A. There is a pump that supplies oil to the Multi-power clutch pack. The oil pressure is what engages the clutch pack.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Steven, Avilla MO 11-20-2009 11:18:58 69.55.159.109 108998 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Alan K, 11-20-2009 07:29:29   Make sure that it's working because there will be no engine braking without it and you will free-wheel down hills.   [Reply]   [No Email]
135 Fan 11-20-2009 11:14:41 68.149.56.30 108997 Report to Moderator	Re: Multi-power question in reply to Alan K, 11-20-2009 07:29:29   Like anything else they can have problems. Check the archives on here. Some people disconnect the multi-power and some really like it. I have it on my 135 and think it's great. Dave   [Reply]   [No Email]