The Massey Ferguson 290 (MF 290) is built like a tank. It is famous for surviving in the toughest conditions on earth, from the dry heat of Sudan to the humid fields of UAE. However, even the toughest machine has a breaking point.

As a farmer, your tractor is your most valuable asset. When your tractor stops, your income stops. The secret to keeping your MF 290 running for 20, 30, or even 40 years is not luck, it is Preventative Maintenance.

At Aeco Export Company, we don’t just sell tractors; we want you to succeed with them. We often see tractors break down simply because the owner ignored a small oil leak or forgot to change a dirty filter. To help you avoid expensive repairs, our technical experts have created this comprehensive maintenance checklist.

Why Maintenance is Cheaper Than Repair

Many farmers think they are saving money by skipping a service or buying cheap, fake oil. This is a mistake.

• A litre of oil cost: $5 – $10.
• A new engine rebuild cost: Thousands of dollars.

Maintenance is an investment, not an expense. A well-maintained MF 290 also holds its resale value. When you eventually decide to upgrade to a newer model like the MF 385 4WD, a tractor with a full service history will sell for a much higher price.

The Daily “Walk-Around” (Every 10 Hours)

Before you turn the key in the morning, spend 5 minutes walking around your tractor. This simple habit can save your engine.

1. Check Engine Oil Level

Pull the dipstick. The oil should be between the “Min” and “Max” marks.

• Tip: Never run the tractor if the oil is low. The Perkins engine is durable, but it cannot run without lubrication.

2. Radiator and Coolant

Check the water/coolant level in the radiator.

• Warning: Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. You could get burned.
• Check the radiator screen (grill) for chaff, leaves, or mud. If air cannot pass through the radiator, your engine will overheat within minutes. Clean it with a soft brush or compressed air.

3. The Air Cleaner (Crucial!)

Dust is the biggest enemy of a tractor engine.

• Oil Bath Type: Check the oil level in the cup at the bottom. If the oil is thick with mud, clean the cup and refill it with fresh oil.
• Dry Type: Check the dust unloader valve. If the “Service Air Filter” indicator on your dashboard is red, it is time to clean or replace the element.

4. Fuel Sediment Bowl

Look at the glass bowl under the fuel tank. If you see water (which looks like a clear bubble at the bottom) or dirt, drain it immediately. Water in the fuel can destroy your injection pump.

The Weekly Service (Every 50 Hours)

Once a week, or after every 50 hours of work, you need to do a slightly deeper check.

1. Greasing (The Life of the Joints)

Your MF 290 has several “Grease Nipples” or zerk fittings. Use a grease gun to pump fresh grease into these points until you see old grease squeezing out.

• Key Points: Front axle kingpins, steering linkage, brake pedals, and the 3-point linkage at the back.
• Why? Grease is cheap; steel is expensive. Without grease, metal rubs on metal, wearing out parts rapidly.

2. Tire Pressure

Incorrect tire pressure kills fuel economy.

• Too Soft: Increases drag (rolling resistance) and burns more diesel.
• Too Hard: Causes wheel slip and creates a bumpy ride that hurts your back.
• Check the manual for the correct PSI, usually around 12-16 PSI for rear tires depending on the load.

3. Fan Belt Tension

Press your thumb on the fan belt. It should move about 10mm to 15mm. If it is too loose, the fan won’t spin fast enough to cool the engine, and the battery won’t charge properly.

The Monthly Service (Every 250 Hours)

This is a major service interval. At this stage, you are replacing fluids and filters.

1. Engine Oil Change

Old oil loses its ability to lubricate and cool the engine. Drain the old oil while the engine is warm (it flows better) and replace it with high-quality diesel engine oil.

2. Replace Oil Filters

Never put clean oil through a dirty filter. Always replace the oil filter canister when you change the oil.

• Pro Tip: Buy Genuine MF Filters from Aeco Export Company. Cheap filters often have poor paper quality that lets dirt pass into your engine.

3. Fuel Filters

The MF 290 usually has two fuel filters (Primary and Secondary). Change them both.

• After changing fuel filters, you must “bleed” the air out of the fuel system using the lift pump, or the tractor will not start.

4. Battery Check

Check the water level in the battery cells. If low, top up with distilled water (not tap water). Clean the terminals with hot water to remove any white corrosion powder.

The Annual Service (Every 1000 Hours)

Once a year, or every 1000 hours, your tractor needs a full health checkup.

1. Transmission and Hydraulic Oil

This oil does double duty: it lubricates the gearbox and powers the hydraulic lift. Over time, it gathers moisture. Drain and replace the transmission fluid.

2. Valve Clearance (Tappet Setting)

As the engine wears, the gap between the valves changes. Have a qualified mechanic adjust the tappets. This restores engine power and reduces fuel consumption.

3. Injector Service

If your tractor is blowing black smoke or lacks power, your fuel injectors might be clogged. Remove them and have them serviced or replaced.

4. Brake Adjustment

The MF 290 uses oil-immersed brakes. Check the pedal travel. If the pedals go too far down before the brakes engage, adjust the linkage to tighten them up.

Troubleshooting: What is Your Tractor Telling You?

Your MF 290 talks to you. You just need to listen.