Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 maintenance schedule and adjustment values
A Mitsubishi MT14, MT15, MT16, MT17, MT18 or MT20 will last for decades, provided you follow the maintenance schedule. On this page you'll find the complete maintenance intervals and the adjustment values from the original manual: how often to replace oil, filters and fluids, and how to set the correct play on the V-belt, clutch, brakes and valves.
Suitable for the entire series: Mitsubishi MT14, MT15, MT16, MT17, MT18 and MT20 (2WD and 4WD/D).
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 maintenance intervals
The manual works with fixed intervals based on operating hours. The first service after 50 hours is especially important: a new or recently overhauled engine needs an early oil change.
| Component | 1st time | Then every |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | after 50 h | 100 h |
| Engine oil filter | after 50 h | 100 h |
| Clean fuel filter | — | 100 h (replace ± 200 h) |
| Clean air filter | — | 50 h |
| Clean radiator screen | — | 50 h |
| Transmission oil | after 100 h | 200 h (check level every 50 h) |
| Front axle oil (4WD) | after 100 h | 200 h |
| Hydraulic filter | after 100 h | 300 h |
| Check valve clearance + injector pressure | — | 200 h |
| Grease lubrication points | — | 50 h |
Check the engine oil level, coolant level, tyre pressure and V-belt tension daily before use. The grease points to lubricate every 50 hours: connecting rod/support arm, centre pins (2×), steering knuckle pins (2×), clutch and brake pedal bushing, steering knuckle pivot (2×) and the left and right tie rods.
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 adjustment values
Use these values from the manual to set your tractor up precisely again. Always make adjustments with the engine switched off.
| Component | Adjustment value |
|---|---|
| V-belt (fan belt) deflection | 10–13 mm under finger pressure at the centre of the longest section |
| Clutch pedal play | 20–30 mm |
| Brake pedal play | 20–30 mm (equal on left/right) |
| Valve clearance | 0.25 mm |
| Injector opening pressure | 120 kg/cm² |
| Toe-in (front wheel alignment) | 2WD: 4–8 mm · 4WD: 0–5 mm |
You adjust the V-belt by loosening the two alternator mounting bolts and tilting the alternator outward for more tension (inward for less), then retightening the bolts. Clutch and brake pedal play are adjusted via the pin and adjuster with lock nut. If in doubt, have the valve clearance and injector pressure adjusted at a workshop.
Getting the big service right in one go
Want to clear a maintenance backlog all at once? Then replace the engine oil and oil filter, the fuel and air filter, the transmission and hydraulic oil, the front axle oil (4WD) and the coolant all at the same time, and readjust the V-belt and pedals. For the exact oil types and quantities you need, see the article on engine oil and fluids.
