INBOX

Inbox Letters, e-mails, tweets & posts STAR LETTER

MF starter motor

Dear T&M, Regarding the starter motor overhaul on the Massey Ferguson 550, although the fault was indeed with the motor, it is always wise to carry out several simple checks before removing the motor.

Battery condition and cables are quite often the cause of poor starting. It always pays to start at the battery terminals and follow the cables towards the motor. Always ensure that the battery connections are clean and tight.

The earth lead connection to the tractor body is often neglected, but this can be the cause of poor starting. The best way to check this is to connect a jump lead from the battery earth terminal directly to a mounting bolt on the starter.

This was a common problem with MF 500 Series tractors, as the earth lead was attached to the hard nose mounting bolt, rather than the engine block. I recall that MF’s service department issued a bulletin suggesting that a new, extended earth cable should be made up and connected directly to the body of the starter to overcome any high resistance issues.

Keep up the good work with the magazine.

Robert Allen, via e-mail

SL: Checking the simple things first is wise advice and thank you for your knowledge specific to the MF 500 Series.

WIN!

In each issue the Editor will select a star letter and the sender will receive either a 3W rechargeable inspection lamp or a 5W rechargeable aluminium torch, courtesy of Jack Sealey Ltd. www.sealey.co.uk

Combine conundrum

Dear T&M, Have you ever seen a combine like this before? This photo was taken in the very early ’50s on a Box Brownie camera, hence the poor quality! My dad is driving dear old BUD 704, which in those days was the workhorse of the farm. The farm owner’s brother is on the back, bagging.

If my memory serves me right, the sacks in those days held 2cwt. Try lifting those onto a trailer with no hydraulic lifts!

I have no idea of the make of the combine. It could be a oneoff, as I have never seen another in my 78 years .I wonder if BUD 704 made it to preservation?

Tony Elliott, via e-mail

SL: Calling all knowledgeable folk! What is it?

MF 30

Dear T&M, I read with interest the ‘Machinery milestones’ article on page 34 of the January issue. The MF 30 drill was a machine that I was heavily involved with during my time at Massey Ferguson.

Of interest was the reference to the 1972 Fisons ‘Spreaders in action’ event, held south of Tetbury in Gloucestershire that year, in which the MF 30 drill had the accolade of being the most accurate machine (under one per cent inaccurate if I remember correctly) in the test plots.

It was operated by me as an MF Company Demonstrator at the time, so I take full credit for it! MF did use this result as a sales and marketing tool for subsequent publicity and, interestingly, the 30 drill was also sold by Ford Tractor dealers during that period, whose customers preferred it to the Bettinson machine, which many of them held a franchise for.

Chris Clack, via e-mail

SL: I doff my cap to you, Chris! It is a great achievement and even more astounding considering that it was 50 years ago!

Bentall spreader

Dear T&M, I continue to receive and read T&M and in the November 2021 issue I came across a manufacturer’s name (Bentall) that took me back to my childhood on our home farm in Co. Tyrone.

I would be interested in finding out more about a Bentall BSM 4 manure spreader, which I recall my late father owning and using. He often commented on how hard it was to keep the chain in repair. I might be interested in locating one for sale, if salvageable.

Will Doran, via e-mail

SL: I think you are referring to the BMS4 spreader – a PTOdriven model with a centrallymounted axle. I have never seen one ‘in the metal’, but I am familiar with its appearance. I am sure that readers will be able to tell you more about it.

If you can help Will, please get in touch: tm.ed@kelsey.co.uk