Massey Ferguson 398 Speed-Shift Fault At JJ Farm Services, we believe in doing the job right, and that starts with a proper diagnosis. One of our recent workshop jobs was a Massey Ferguson 398 that had lost its Speed-Shift function. Here’s how we identified the problem and carried out a reliable repair. Step 1: Starting with the Basics Before we get into any major strip-down, we always begin with the simple checks. The first step was to inspect the hydraulic system, making sure the clutch pack was receiving the correct pressure. Without that pressure, the Speed-Shift can’t engage, but in this case, everything was spot on. Step 2: Electrical Checks Next, we turned our attention to the electrical side. A faulty solenoid or wiring issue could easily cause Speed-Shift failure. We tested the solenoid and confirmed that it was operating correctly. With both hydraulic and electrical systems working as they should, we were left with one conclusion… Step 3: Internal Fault – Time to Split The issue had to be internal. That meant splitting the tractor to access the Speed-Shift unit — not a small job, but necessary to get to the root of the problem. Once inside, the fault became clear: a failed Belleville spring. This small but crucial component had given out, causing the loss of function. Step 4: Repair and Replace With the Speed-Shift unit removed, we ordered the necessary replacement parts, including a new Belleville spring. While we had it apart, we also fitted a fresh set of friction plates. Preventative maintenance like this is a smart move, no point putting worn parts back in when everything's already open. Why It Matters Jobs like this highlight the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach. By checking each system methodically, we avoid unnecessary work and make sure we get straight to the root of the issue. Need help with a similar fault? With decades of hands-on experience, our technicians know exactly what to look for when diagnosing complex faults like this one. That expertise means less downtime and peace of mind for our customers. If your tractor's not shifting as it should, or you suspect something isn’t quite right, get in touch with our team. We’re always happy to help keep your machines working hard.
What We Do Before Delivering Your Machine When you invest in a new piece of farm machinery, you want it ready to work the moment it arrives in your yard. That’s why we carry out a PDI – Pre-Delivery Inspection – on new machinery before it leaves our dealership. Think of PDI as the final quality check that ensures your new tractor, topper, or implement is set up correctly, safe to operate, and fully prepared for its first job. Here’s what goes on behind the scenes: A Full Mechanical Check Our team inspects the machine from top to bottom. Every nut, bolt, hose, and moving part is checked and adjusted to make sure everything is tight, secure, and operating as it should. Fluids and Filters We check and top up all fluids, including engine oil, hydraulic oil, and coolant. Filters are inspected, so you can start working without worrying about maintenance straight away. Setup and Adjustments No two farms are the same. That’s why we configure your machine for real-world use – setting tyre pressures, calibrating hitches, and making adjustments so it’s ready for the work you’ll be putting it to. Diagnostics and Updates Modern farm machinery often comes with advanced electronics. We run diagnostic checks and install the latest software updates to make sure your machine runs smoothly and efficiently. Safety First Your safety is our priority. We carefully test lights, brakes, PTO guards, and other safety features so you can operate with peace of mind. Handover and Operator Familiarisation When your machine is delivered, we don’t just drop it off. We’ll take the time to walk you through the controls, explain key features, and answer any questions so you feel confident before you get started. Why PDI Matters PDI might not be something you see, but it makes all the difference. It ensures your machine not only looks the part but is fully prepared to perform from day one. It’s our way of making sure your investment works as hard as you do.
Why Coolant System Care Matters Recently, our workshop welcomed a Massey Ferguson 7618 for a scheduled transmission repair and service. What started as a routine job soon highlighted the importance of preventive maintenance – and why small issues left unchecked can lead to costly downtime. The Service & What We Found After carrying out the service and running the engine, our technician noticed that the tractor wasn’t reaching its optimal operating temperature. Instead, it was running cold – a clear sign that something wasn’t right. The most likely cause? Faulty Thermostats. To confirm, we removed the thermostat housing and found the root of the problem: a significant build-up of sludge in the cooling system. Why Coolant Maintenance Matters Sludge in a coolant system forms when coolant isn’t regularly changed or maintained properly. Over time, it can: Restrict coolant flow Prevent the engine from reaching normal operating temperature Lead to overheating or further component damage In this case, the thermostats had failed and stuck open, preventing the engine from running as it should. While the Massey Ferguson 7600 series are reliable workhorses, even the best machines need regular coolant checks to stay in top condition. The Outcome With replacement parts fitted and the system flushed, the tractor was soon repaired and back to work. Thanks to catching the issue during a service, downtime was limited to just a couple of days – far less than the costly delays that can come from ignoring coolant maintenance. The Takeaway This repair is a great reminder that preventive maintenance is always cheaper than downtime. Regular servicing and coolant system checks not only keep tractors running efficiently, they also prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
Massey Ferguson 398 Speed-Shift Fault At JJ Farm Services, we believe in doing the job right, and that starts with a proper diagnosis. One of our recent workshop jobs was a Massey Ferguson 398 that had lost its Speed-Shift function. Here’s how we identified the problem and carried out a reliable repair. Step 1: Starting with the Basics Before we get into any major strip-down, we always begin with the simple checks. The first step was to inspect the hydraulic system, making sure the clutch pack was receiving the correct pressure. Without that pressure, the Speed-Shift can’t engage, but in this case, everything was spot on. Step 2: Electrical Checks Next, we turned our attention to the electrical side. A faulty solenoid or wiring issue could easily cause Speed-Shift failure. We tested the solenoid and confirmed that it was operating correctly. With both hydraulic and electrical systems working as they should, we were left with one conclusion… Step 3: Internal Fault – Time to Split The issue had to be internal. That meant splitting the tractor to access the Speed-Shift unit — not a small job, but necessary to get to the root of the problem. Once inside, the fault became clear: a failed Belleville spring. This small but crucial component had given out, causing the loss of function. Step 4: Repair and Replace With the Speed-Shift unit removed, we ordered the necessary replacement parts, including a new Belleville spring. While we had it apart, we also fitted a fresh set of friction plates. Preventative maintenance like this is a smart move, no point putting worn parts back in when everything's already open. Why It Matters Jobs like this highlight the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach. By checking each system methodically, we avoid unnecessary work and make sure we get straight to the root of the issue. Need help with a similar fault? With decades of hands-on experience, our technicians know exactly what to look for when diagnosing complex faults like this one. That expertise means less downtime and peace of mind for our customers. If your tractor's not shifting as it should, or you suspect something isn’t quite right, get in touch with our team. We’re always happy to help keep your machines working hard.
What We Do Before Delivering Your Machine When you invest in a new piece of farm machinery, you want it ready to work the moment it arrives in your yard. That’s why we carry out a PDI – Pre-Delivery Inspection – on new machinery before it leaves our dealership. Think of PDI as the final quality check that ensures your new tractor, topper, or implement is set up correctly, safe to operate, and fully prepared for its first job. Here’s what goes on behind the scenes: A Full Mechanical Check Our team inspects the machine from top to bottom. Every nut, bolt, hose, and moving part is checked and adjusted to make sure everything is tight, secure, and operating as it should. Fluids and Filters We check and top up all fluids, including engine oil, hydraulic oil, and coolant. Filters are inspected, so you can start working without worrying about maintenance straight away. Setup and Adjustments No two farms are the same. That’s why we configure your machine for real-world use – setting tyre pressures, calibrating hitches, and making adjustments so it’s ready for the work you’ll be putting it to. Diagnostics and Updates Modern farm machinery often comes with advanced electronics. We run diagnostic checks and install the latest software updates to make sure your machine runs smoothly and efficiently. Safety First Your safety is our priority. We carefully test lights, brakes, PTO guards, and other safety features so you can operate with peace of mind. Handover and Operator Familiarisation When your machine is delivered, we don’t just drop it off. We’ll take the time to walk you through the controls, explain key features, and answer any questions so you feel confident before you get started. Why PDI Matters PDI might not be something you see, but it makes all the difference. It ensures your machine not only looks the part but is fully prepared to perform from day one. It’s our way of making sure your investment works as hard as you do.
