Brakes, transmission, electrics and lighting are among the groups listed for the Massey Ferguson 290. More than 250 parts fit this tractor from the 200 series.
An MF 290 usually has plenty of seasons behind it, and any repair starts best at the type plate, which confirms you are dealing with a 290. Keep the old part to hand too: the reference number on it makes comparing far easier, especially with shaft seals and gears that look almost identical.
This page carries more than 250 replacement parts for the type, from GRANIT, Eaton, MAHLE, LUK and Cobo.
For the driveline there are gear wheels for the rear axle planetary drive, a synchro shaft for the gearbox, thrust washers and bushes. The clutch can be renewed with an organic clutch plate, and there is a contact switch for the driving clutch as well. Sealing rings, seals, gaskets and O-rings make sure everything stays dry after the rebuild.
On thrust washers: with the gearbox open, measure the end float of the gears. A worn washer lets a gear wander, which you will later hear as whining or knocking. Dropping in a new washer is a small job compared with splitting the tractor a second time.
Starter motors, alternators and an oil pressure switch cover the electrical side. If the oil light stays on while the engine sounds healthy, check the actual pressure with a gauge first. If the reading is fine, the switch is to blame, and replacing it is a far smaller job than pulling the oil pump. Ball joints for the steering and pins round things off.
If the starter turns slowly or only clicks, check the battery, the terminals and above all the earth strap to the block first. A corroded connection produces exactly the same symptoms as a worn starter motor. Only when the voltage at the starter itself holds up while cranking is the starter really to blame. Clean the mounting faces to bare metal before bolting a new one in. With a new alternator, set the belt to the correct tension: too slack and it slips, too tight and it loads the bearings.
The 290 is part of the Massey Ferguson 200 series. Its siblings each have a page with their own parts: the Massey Ferguson 265, the Massey Ferguson 245, the Massey Ferguson 250 and the Massey Ferguson 275. That way you never have to guess which part belongs to which machine. The full brand range starts at Massey Ferguson parts.
