Reverse shift calibration procedure for Massey Ferguson 6110-6190 series tractors

In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at the calibration of the electric shuttle in Massey Ferguson 6100 series tractors. If you experience jerking, delayed direction changes, flashing indicator lights, or a complete lack of shuttle response when switching directions, this guide is for you. Let’s get started.

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Table of contents:

1. How the shuttle system works in Massey Ferguson 6110-6190 tractors
2. Setting the correct voltage on the shuttle position potentiometer
3. Shuttle calibration (step-by-step procedure)

How the shuttle system works in Massey Ferguson 6110-6190 tractors

Massey Ferguson tractors 6110, 6120, 6130, 6140, 6150, 6160, 6170, 6180, and 6190 were equipped with two types of shuttles, depending on the version:

• mechanical – direction change handled by a second lever next to the gear selector
• electric – direction change via a lever mounted by the steering column

In this article, we’ll focus on the electric shuttle version. Do not confuse it with the electrohydraulic shuttle (Power Shuttle): this version has no neutral position and requires the clutch pedal to be pressed every time you change direction. Additionally, the Autotronic controller locks direction changes above 5 km/h in “hare” mode and above 2 km/h in “turtle” mode for safety reasons.

Setting the correct voltage on the shuttle position potentiometer

One of the key components in the direction change system of Massey Ferguson 6100 series tractors is the shuttle position potentiometer, located on the transmission cover on the right-hand side of the tractor. It’s mounted in the same place where the mechanical shuttle lever would be. Incorrect adjustment of this component can cause jerking, delayed response, and in extreme cases, lead to excessive fork wear or loss of direction change functionality.

Adjusting the voltage on the shuttle position potentiometer:

• Start the tractor, set the gearbox to neutral, and the shuttle lever to reverse. Secure the tractor (parking brake).
• With a multimeter set to DC voltage, measure the value on the red wire of the potentiometer relative to ground. Correct reading: 2.5 V.
• Loosen the two mounting screws of the potentiometer (elongated/“oval” holes) and gently adjust its position until you obtain 2.5 V.
• Tighten the mounting screws while maintaining the achieved setting.
• Restart the tractor and check the voltage again. Make fine adjustments if necessary.
• Test the shuttle during direction changes. If symptoms persist, proceed to shuttle calibration.

Shuttle calibration (step-by-step procedure)

If both direction indicators (forward/reverse) flash alternately and the buzzer sounds, the Autotronic controller has entered safety mode. This means a fault was detected in the direction sensor or one of the solenoids. In this case, the engine must be switched off and you should wait until all dashboard lights go out before performing a new shuttle calibration.

There are four different calibration modes, depending on the Autotronic controller software version (label information: OP SOFTWARE no. 02795-00, editions F, G, H, I, K, L, or M).

Calibration – versions F and G (range: D026027-D090021)

• Press the clutch pedal and both brake pedals.
• Start the engine while keeping all pedals pressed.
• The forward/reverse direction lights will flash alternately, and the buzzer will sound for about 10 seconds.
• When the lights and buzzer turn off, calibration is complete.

Calibration – version H (range: D090022-D118021)

• Press the clutch pedal and the differential lock button.
• Start the engine while holding both the differential lock button and clutch pedal pressed.
• The direction lights will flash alternately, and the buzzer will sound for about 10 seconds.
• When the lights and buzzer turn off, calibration is complete.

Calibration – version I (range: D118022-D208008)

• Press the clutch pedal and the differential lock button.
• Start the engine while keeping both pressed. The buzzer will sound and the direction lights will flash.
• When the low hydraulic pressure warning light goes off, release the clutch pedal and move the gear lever to the left (as when selecting Turtle/Hare range). Hold it in that position.
• After 10 seconds, release the differential lock button and the gear lever, then press the clutch pedal again.
• Calibration is complete when the lights and buzzer turn off.

Calibration – versions K, L, and M (range: D208009-D265031)

• Press the clutch pedal and the differential lock button.
• Start the engine while holding both the lock button and clutch pedal pressed. The buzzer will sound and the direction lights will flash.
• When the low-pressure warning light goes off, release the clutch pedal and move the gear lever to the left (as when selecting Turtle/Hare range). Hold it in that position.
• Watch the indicator lights: when one remains steadily lit, the other continues flashing, and the buzzer still sounds – do the following:
  release the differential lock button, release the gear lever, and press the clutch pedal.
• The previously flashing light will stay on steadily, the other will turn off, and the buzzer will stop.

Shuttle calibration in MF 6100 tractors should be performed after replacing the Autotronic module, the shuttle position potentiometer, or performing transmission-related repairs. When done correctly, it ensures smooth direction changes and prolongs the life of the gearbox in the long run.