- Safety first (read before doing anything)
- Disconnect battery negative terminal and tag it.
- Use wheel chocks, jack stands rated for the tractor weight, and block the wheels; never rely on a hydraulic jack alone.
- Wear safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection when using power tools.
- Work on a flat, well-lit surface with a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit nearby.
- Obtain the factory service manual for the Massey Ferguson MF50B and follow its safety cautions and torque/clearance specs.
- Get the right documentation
- Factory service manual / workshop manual: required to find torque values, bearing preload, endplay, synchro clearance, exploded diagrams, and correct part numbers.
- Parts catalog / diagram: helps identify seals, gaskets, bearings, and part numbers you may need to order.
- Diagnosis (what to look for before tearing into the transmission)
- Symptoms that indicate internal transmission repair: grinding when selecting gears, gears pop out, difficulty engaging certain gears, unusual noises from gearbox, metal shavings in fluid, visible leaks.
- External issues to rule out first: worn shift linkage, clutch not releasing properly, low or contaminated gearbox oil, external leaks, bent shift rods.
- Tools you already have (basic tools) with detailed descriptions and how to use them
- Socket and ratchet set (metric & SAE): removable fasteners; use correct size, pull straight to avoid rounding heads. Use extensions for hard-to-reach bolts.
- Combination wrench set: tight or angled spots where a ratchet won't fit. Use box end for torque application and open end for quick turns.
- Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips): remove small fasteners and pry clips; use correctly sized tip to avoid stripping.
- Pliers (slip-joint, needle-nose): grip, pull cotter pins, hold small parts. Use locking pliers (Vise-Grip) for stubborn items.
- Hammer and rubber mallet: light persuasion; use rubber mallet for assemblies to avoid damage and ball-peen for drifts/punches.
- Punch and drift set: drive out roll pins, drift seals or align parts; support part on solid block to avoid bending.
- Files and gasket scraper: clean mating surfaces; scrape gently to avoid changing sealing surface geometry.
- Drain pan and fluid pump: catch old oil and refill new oil cleanly.
- Torque wrench (click-type): essential to tighten fasteners to spec—set the readout to the manual value and apply smooth, steady force until it clicks.
- Breaker bar: extra leverage to loosen tight fasteners safely.
- Wire brush and shop rags: cleaning metal surfaces before reassembly.
- Extra / specialized tools likely required (why they’re required and how to use them)
- Floor jack and heavy-duty jack stands: to lift and support the tractor safely while accessing transmission; place jack under correct lift points and set stands before working under vehicle.
- Transmission jack or engine hoist / block and tackle: to support and lower the transmission safely during removal and installation because the gearbox is heavy and awkward.
- Bearing puller / gear puller: remove pressed-on bearings, gears, and bushes without damaging shafts; attach puller evenly and turn center screw slowly to extract.
- Hydraulic or arbor press (shop press): to press bearings and seals on or off shafts and hubs squarely; use appropriate adapters and press slowly, supporting parts to avoid misalignment.
- Snap-ring / circlip pliers (internal and external types): remove and install circlips that hold bearings or gears; choose correct type (internal vs external) and use steady pressure.
- Seal driver / socket set sized for seals: install oil seals squarely without distorting them; use a socket the same diameter as the seal lip and tap evenly.
- Dial indicator with magnetic base: measure shaft endplay and gear backlash accurately; mount base to housing and measure runout or play per manual.
- Micrometer or caliper: measure shaft diameters, bearing journals, and gear thickness to check wear against specs.
- Feeler gauges: set and check clearances and endplay.
- Gear marking compound (Prussian blue or similar): check gear mesh/contact pattern after reassembly.
- Thread locker (medium strength) and anti-seize: secure bolts per manual and prevent galling.
- Cleaning solvent / parts washer and compressed air: clean parts thoroughly and dry before inspection and assembly.
- Replacement gearbox oil / hydraulic fluid of correct spec.
- When professional help or shop tools are required (be honest)
- If you don’t have a press, transmission jack, or skill with bearing installation, take the gearbox to a transmission shop—pressing bearings and setting preload or backlash incorrectly can cause immediate failure.
- Major damage (broken gears, severely scored shafts, deep pitting, cracked housing) usually requires machining or parts replacement only a shop can perform reliably.
- General step-by-step workflow (bullets only; follow service manual for specifics)
- Prepare and document: take multiple photos of linkage and cable routing; label bolts and small parts in bags; drain gearbox oil into a drain pan and inspect for metal flakes.
- Remove peripherals: disconnect PTO, drive shafts/axles, shift linkage, clutch linkage, hydraulic lines and any attachments preventing access; cap hydraulic lines to keep contaminants out.
- Support and separate: support transmission with transmission jack; remove bellhousing or crossmember bolts per manual; lower gearbox slowly and clear of tractor.
- Clean external surfaces: wipe grime to prevent contamination when opened.
- Open gearbox: remove covers, fill plugs, and then gearbox main cover; expect fluid spill—use rags to keep work area clean.
- Inspect internals visually: check gears for chipped or broken teeth, look for pitting, scoring, discoloration (overheat), and wear on synchromesh cones and keys.
- Inspect bearings and races: rotate shafts by hand—listen/feel for roughness or play; check bearings for axial and radial play and noise.
- Inspect shift forks and shafts: look for wear on fork pads, bent forks, worn splines, and damaged shift rails.
- Inspect seals and gaskets: any soft, torn, or hardened seals/gaskets should be replaced.
- Measure critical clearances: use micrometer/dial indicator/feeler gauges to measure shaft journal diameters, gear backlash, and endplay as the manual prescribes; compare to service limits.
- Decide on parts replacement: replace any parts outside service limits or with visible damage (see part replacement section below).
- Remove bearings/gears needing replacement: use puller/press; remove circlips first; document orientation and spacer/shim placement as you go.
- Replace wear items: install new bearings, seals, gaskets, syncro rings, and any gears or forks that failed inspection; use press or drivers for bearings and seals; install circlips fully into grooves.
- Reassemble with correct shims and clearances: install spacers/shims where specified and set bearing preload or gear backlash per manual using feeler gauges and dial indicator.
- Apply correct lubricants: coat bearings and synchro surfaces with assembly lube where recommended and refill gearbox with specified oil to the correct level.
- Torque bolts to manual specs: use torque wrench and thread locker as called for; tighten in correct sequence.
- Reinstall gearbox to tractor: use transmission jack to lift into place, align bellhousing with clutch/engine, and bolt up; reconnect linkage, driveshafts, PTO and lines.
- Adjust linkages and test: adjust shift linkage/clutch per manual; test by running tractor slowly, shifting through all gears; check for leaks, noises, and correct engagement.
- Break-in and retest: after initial hours of operation, recheck oil level, torque on accessible bolts, and inspect for leaks.
- Common parts that often require replacement (what they are, why they fail, and what to buy)
- Gearbox oil and filter (if applicable)
- Why: Contaminated or old oil causes gear and bearing wear; metal in oil indicates internal wear.
- Replacement: drain and refill with manufacturer-specified oil (type and capacity in manual).
- Oil seals and gaskets
- Why: Seals deteriorate, leak, or are damaged on removal; a leak invites contamination and oil loss.
- Replacement: front and rear output seals, input shaft seal, case gaskets.
- Bearings (mainshaft, countershaft, input shaft)
- Why: Bearings wear, develop play, roughness or heat damage leading to noise, vibration and shaft runout.
- Replacement: replace any noisy or loose bearings; replace mating races or swap-in a full bearing kit if available.
- Synchronizer rings and sleeves (if the gearbox uses synchromesh)
- Why: Worn synchro cones cause gear grinding, hard shifts and slipping.
- Replacement: synchro ring sets, sleeves, and keys; always inspect mating cones on gears for wear.
- Shift forks and shafts
- Why: Worn fork pads or bent forks cause poor engagement or gear popping out.
- Replacement: fork assemblies and shift rail bushings.
- Gears (countershaft and mainshaft gears)
- Why: Chipped or worn teeth cause noise, skipping or inability to stay in gear.
- Replacement: damaged gears must be replaced; often sold as gear sets or individual gears—match part numbers exactly.
- Bushings and thrust washers / shims
- Why: Worn bushings increase endplay and misalignment.
- Replacement: new bushings, thrust washers and correct shims per manual to restore clearances.
- Input shaft or main shaft (in severe cases)
- Why: Deep scoring, broken splines, or severe bending requires shaft replacement.
- Replacement: full shafts as OEM parts; may require special tools to press new shaft in.
- Snap rings, fasteners, and dowels
- Why: Circlips weaken, bolts stretch or corrode; dowels can shear.
- Replacement: replace with new snap rings and proper grade bolts; use thread locker where specified.
- Signs a full rebuild or replacement is required (instead of minor repair)
- Multiple gears with broken or severely worn teeth, cracked housing, extensive scoring across shafts or gears, or metal filings throughout the gearbox typically mean a full rebuild or replacement is needed.
- Cost/skill tradeoff: if specialized machining, replaced shafts, and heavy labors are required, a used or remanufactured gearbox or pro shop rebuild may be more reliable and cost-effective.
- Final checks and maintenance after repair
- Fill to correct oil level and use correct oil type.
- Start tractor and run through gears under light load; listen for abnormal noise and check for leaks.
- Re-torque accessible fasteners after first few hours of operation per manual.
- Periodic oil changes and inspecting external seals extend gearbox life.
- Practical notes for a complete beginner (keeps you safe and realistic)
- Buy or borrow the service manual first—it’s not optional.
- If you lack a press or transmission jack, plan to have the gearbox rebuilt at a shop or rent the tools.
- Take many photos during disassembly and bag/label every bolt to ensure correct reassembly.
- If any critical measurement (backlash, preload, endplay) is required and you don’t have a dial indicator or feeler gauges, take the gearbox to a shop—these settings must be correct to avoid instant failure.
- Parts sources and verification
- Order OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts using OEM part numbers from the parts catalog in the service manual.
- When replacing bearings or gears, verify dimensions with your micrometer and compare to manual tolerances.
- Summary (minimal)
- Follow the manual, use the right tools (press and transmission jack are key), replace worn bearings, seals, syncros, forks or gears as found, and measure/set clearances per specs. If any specialized machining or precise preload/backlash setting is needed and you lack the tools/experience, have the gearbox professionally rebuilt.
- Safety repeat (short)
- Never work under the tractor unsupported; use stands and a transmission jack; if unsure at any step, stop and bring the gearbox to a qualified shop. rteeqp73
Massey Ferguson 50B put thru it's paces in Derbyshire in 2015 Massey Ferguson 50B put thru it's paces in Derbyshire in 2015 NEW!!! See more of Neville here at his new Tractor Driving ...
Massey Ferguson 50B - Cold start, front wheel bearing adjustment and test drive
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The workshop manual,operators manual and repair manual for the following Massey Ferguson Tractors : MF6110, MF 6120, MF 6130, MF 6140, MF6150, MF6160, MF 6160, MF6180 and MF 6190.