Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 maintenance schedule: intervals and adjustment values
Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 maintenance schedule and adjustment values
Good maintenance is the reason why so many Mitsubishi MTX13 and MTX15 tractors are still working daily after more than thirty years. In this article you'll find the complete maintenance schedule for the Mitsubishi MTX13 and MTX15 as prescribed by the factory, including all official adjustment values. Print out the tables and hang them in the shed.
Suitable for the entire series: Mitsubishi MTX13D and MTX15D.
Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15: daily check before starting
Before every working day, check: engine oil level, coolant level, fuel supply, tyre pressure (front 1.2 / rear 1.0 bar), the operation of levers and pedals, the play in the clutch and brake pedal, and whether all bolts and nuts (especially wheel nuts) are tight. That may sound excessive, but a diesel engine running with too little oil or coolant is damaged beyond repair within minutes.
Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 maintenance schedule by operating hours
| Component | Interval | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Change engine oil | First time after 50 hours, then every 100 hours | 2.9 litres, see oil article |
| Replace engine oil filter | First time after 50 hours, then every 100 hours | Included in the filter set (SKU-100119) |
| Fuel filter | Clean every 50 hours, replace every 200 hours | Bleed the fuel system afterwards |
| Clean air filter | Every 50 hours | Daily in dusty conditions |
| Clean radiator net/mesh | Every 50 hours | Daily in dusty conditions |
| Check/tension V-belt | Every 50 hours | Deflection 10–13 mm (see adjustment values) |
| Check battery | Every 50 hours | Maintenance-free battery; recharge monthly during storage |
| Grease all lubrication points | Every 50 hours | 8 lubrication points, see below |
| Adjust clutch and brake pedal | Check every 50 hours | See adjustment values |
| Change transmission oil | First time after 100 hours, then every 200 hours | 12 litres (transmission + hydraulics combined) |
| Change front axle oil | First time after 100 hours, then every 200 hours | 2.5 litres |
| Replace hydraulic filter | First time after 100 hours, then every 300 hours | In the hydraulic suction circuit |
| Check electrical wiring | Every 100 hours | Before and after the season |
| Adjust valve clearance | Every 200 hours | 0.25 mm — job for the specialist |
| Check injector pressure | Every 200 hours | 140 kg/cm² — job for the specialist |
| Adjust toe-in | Every 200 hours | 0–5 mm |
| Clean fuel tank | Every 300 hours | Prevents dirt in the fuel system |
Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 adjustment values from the manual
| Adjustment | Value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| V-belt (deflection) | 10–13 mm | Measured by pressing down in the middle of the belt. A slack belt causes charging problems and overheating. |
| Clutch pedal (free play) | 20–30 mm | Too little play makes the clutch slip, too much play makes it drag when shifting. |
| Brake pedal (free play) | 40–50 mm | Always adjust left and right equally, otherwise the tractor pulls to one side when braking. |
| Front wheel toe-in | 0–5 mm | Incorrect toe-in causes heavy steering and rapid tyre wear. |
| Valve clearance | 0.25 mm | Factory specification; leave this to a workshop. |
| Injector opening pressure | 140 kg/cm² | Factory specification; test and adjust on an injector test bench. |
| Tyre pressure | 1.2 / 1.0 bar | Front / rear. |
Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 lubrication points
The manual lists eight lubrication points that need grease every 50 hours: the track rod (2×), the drag link (2×), the brake pedal, the clutch pedal, the brake shaft bushing on the clutch housing, and the front axle centre pin. The grease nipples are standard PT 1/8 — if a nipple is broken off or clogged, it's easy to replace. Also don't forget the pivot points of the lift: a drop of oil prevents play and squeaking.
Why the first service after 50 hours is so important
The schedule prescribes the first oil and filter change after just 50 hours. If you buy a second-hand tractor, you usually don't know when the last service was done. Our advice: treat every purchase as a "first 50 hours" and immediately change the engine oil, oil filter, and fuel filter, and check the transmission and front axle oil. It costs a few tenners and prevents the most common faults.
🔧 Everything for the major service in one go
The filter set Mitsubishi MTX13/MTX15 (SKU-100119) contains the oil, fuel, and air filter. Combine with engine oil 15W40 (SKU-15W40) and transmission/hydraulic oil GL-4 (SKU-15W402) for a complete service.
