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Massey Ferguson MF20 baler factory workshop and repair manual download

- Safety first
- Wear safety glasses, heavy gloves, closed-toe/steel-toe boots and hearing protection as needed.
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, block wheels, remove key, disconnect PTO/drive and any power to the baler.
- Do not work under unsupported panels. Always use a mechanical prop, jack with saddle block, or a second person to hold the panel/door open — gas struts can fail suddenly and the door will fall.
- If the strut is gas filled, do not puncture or incinerate; treat as pressurised.

- Identify the strut you have and whether replacement is required
- Visually inspect the component: gas strut looks like a hydraulic/rubber-covered cylinder with a piston rod; mechanical leaf or spring strut is curved metal.
- Check for oil leaks, bent rod, weak or no support (panel falls or slowly drifts), cracked mounts, worn ball/socket ends or detached clips — any of these indicate replacement is required.
- Note the end fittings (ball-stud with snap clip, threaded stud, eyelet, or clevis) and measure extended length (center-to-center of fittings) and compressed length if possible; record stroke (extended − compressed) and look for a force rating stamped on the body (Newtons, N).

- Parts you may need and why
- Replacement gas strut with matching specifications (required if the old strut is leaking, bent, or no longer supports load)
- Must match extended length, stroke, and force (N) and have the same end fittings (ball stud diameter / thread or eye/clevis style).
- If you cannot get exact OEM part, match length, stroke and force within close tolerance and ensure correct end fittings.
- Replacement mounting hardware (recommended)
- New ball studs, bolts, nuts, washers, and retaining clips/circlips — old hardware often corroded or weakened and should be replaced to ensure safe retention.
- Bushings or sleeves
- If mounts use plastic or rubber bushings that are worn, replace to avoid play and premature wear.
- Locking hardware or threadlocker (medium-strength) if specified — to prevent loosening in vibration.
- Disposal: return old gas strut to authorised recycling or hazardous waste collection; do not puncture.

- Tools you will need (basic set plus a few extras) and how to use each
- Safety gear (described above)
- Use as protection during all steps.
- Wheel chocks and sturdy props or a jack with a wooden block
- Wheel chocks prevent roll. Use a jack with a saddle and a block under the panel as a backup support; never rely solely on the strut to hold the panel.
- Penetrating oil (e.g., PB Blaster, WD-40 Specialist)
- Spray on rusty bolts and joints, wait 5–10 minutes, tap lightly with hammer to help penetrate.
- Adjustable spanner (large adjustable wrench)
- For turning nuts/bolts where socket access is limited; set jaw snug to fasten, pull toward the stationary jaw to avoid slipping.
- Metric and imperial wrench set (combination wrenches) and sockets (common range: 8 mm to 19 mm and 5/16" to 3/4")
- Use sockets on a ratchet for faster removal/tightening of bolts. Keep back-up open-end wrench to hold the opposite side of a bolt.
- Ratchet handle and extension bars
- For socket use in tight spaces; apply steady force, avoid sudden jerks.
- Torque wrench (click-type) — recommended
- To tighten bolts to manufacturer torque spec if available; set to specified torque and tighten until it clicks.
- Snap-ring / circlip pliers (internal and external)
- For removing/installing retaining clips on ball sockets or circlips on strut ends. Choose pliers that fit the clip and expand/compress gently.
- Small flat screwdriver and pick set
- To pry off small retaining clips or remove dust caps. Use carefully to avoid bending parts.
- Long-nose pliers and slip-joint pliers
- For holding and manipulating clips, pins and small hardware.
- Hammer and brass or nylon drift/punch
- Tap out corroded pins or align holes; use brass/nylon to avoid deforming steel.
- Bench vise or clamp (optional)
- Useful for holding small components while changing ball studs or fitting new clips.
- Threadlocker (medium strength, blue) and anti-seize (optional)
- Use threadlocker on bolts that must not vibrate loose; anti-seize on bolts exposed to corrosion for future removal (do not use both on same thread).
- Replacement bolts, nuts, washers, and ball studs (matching sizes)
- Match diameter and thread pitch. Replace if original is corroded or damaged.

- Step-by-step removal and installation (use props and care)
- Secure the baler and prop the panel/door in the open position with a jack and block or have an assistant hold it; never rely on the failing strut.
- Apply penetrating oil to both mounting points and let soak where bolts or ball studs are rusty.
- Remove retaining clip or circlip at the strut end:
- If there is a snap clip on a ball-socket end, use a small flat screwdriver or long-nose pliers to pry the clip away and pop the socket off the ball stud.
- If there is a threaded stud, hold the nut with a wrench and turn with the socket/ratchet or breaker bar as needed.
- Support the strut as you remove the second end; lower slowly — do not let the supported panel drop.
- Inspect mount brackets and ball studs for wear or damage; replace any rounded, rusted or loose studs/bolts.
- If installing a new gas strut:
- Compare new strut to old for length, stroke and end fittings.
- Fit any required ball studs or mounting brackets first, tighten snugly or to torque spec.
- If ball studs are threaded, apply medium threadlocker or anti-seize per manufacturer guidance and torque to spec.
- Snap the strut onto the lower ball stud first (if easier), then compress slightly by hand and snap onto upper ball stud; ensure retaining clip engages fully.
- If the strut uses bolts instead of ball studs, fit bolt through end eye, install washer and nut and tighten to spec.
- If you must use bolts where clips were used (temporary measure), use grade-matched bolts, lock washer or nylock nuts, and check regularly — not ideal for long-term.
- Remove props slowly while verifying the strut supports the panel correctly. Cycle the panel several times to check smooth operation.
- Tighten all fasteners to manufacturer torque if specified; otherwise tighten securely, use threadlocker on bolts subject to vibration, and recheck after first few uses.

- Testing and final checks
- With baler still secure and PTO disconnected, open and close the panel slowly several times to verify correct operation and no binding.
- Check all mounting hardware after first few uses and retorque if necessary.
- Inspect for leaks (gas strut should not leak oil) and ensure clips are fully seated.

- Extra tool recommendations and why they matter
- Torque wrench — ensures nuts/bolts are tightened to correct spec; prevents under/over-tightening that could cause failure.
- Snap-ring pliers — many gas struts use small retaining clips that standard pliers can damage; snap-ring pliers make removal and installation safe and fast.
- Penetrating oil and brass drift — old baler hardware is often corroded; these increase chance of removal without breaking studs.
- Replacement ball studs/mounts — old or corroded studs are weak points; replacing prevents future failure and ensures correct fit for the new strut.

- Disposal and safety with old gas struts
- Do not puncture, open or attempt to re-pressurise gas struts.
- Take to hazardous waste recycling or return to an authorized parts dealer for safe disposal.

- Quick measuring checklist when buying a replacement
- Measure extended length (center-to-center of end fittings).
- Measure compressed length and calculate stroke.
- Note end fitting types and sizes (ball-stud diameter and thread pitch, eye size, clevis, etc.).
- Note force rating (N) if stamped; if unknown, approximate by comparing the old strut or consult dealer for correct MF20 spec.

- Final notes
- If mounts or brackets are bent or excessively corroded, replace them — new strut on bad mount will fail.
- When in doubt about correct part number or torque specs for MF20, obtain OEM part number from a Massey Ferguson dealer or parts manual; replacing with an incorrect-size strut can cause unsafe operation.


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