If the hydraulics are just slow,then this is normal for this tractor.
put the stick on the right in the middle and turn the key
Since the 1977 model serial numbers start at: 9A254045, and the 1978 model numbers start at: 9A276935, my best guess would be that your MF-285 is a 1977 model. Source page: http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/7/7/775-massey-ferguson-285.html
new battery installed . push starter and all I get Is a humming sound . wont turnover though
I'm not sure, but it looks to me like a 1951 Ferguson TO-20 with gas engine. The "G" in the serial stands for gas engine. All the TO's were built in Detroit, MI even though Ferguson was actually British. (TO = "tractor overseas") Note that this would actually pre-date any of the Massey-Ferguson tractors, since they didn't start that name till 1957 (unless memory fails).
September 6th
I dont have a clue but, I have a massey ferguson 298 1983 tractor that has a 24v starting system. I have resorted to disconnecting the terminals from one battery and then placing both batteries , one at a time on a trickle charger. Once you disconnect the terminals from one battery you can leave the other battery connected charge both then reconnect.
1986
1939
is the hydraulic relief valve stuck closed.
Alex Ferguson
their are 2 screws,one large and one small. screw both in until you feel restiance,dont overtighten.back both off one complete turn. The large one is for the gas,small screw is air,start engine and adjust air and gas until it runs smooth.
It is a hydraulic camshaft, Not a roller cam. Chevy did not start using roller cams until late 1995