Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Switching Control Patterns on the Massey Ferguson 965 Excavator
#1
The MF 965 and Its Place in Massey Ferguson’s History
The Massey Ferguson 965 excavator, produced in the mid-1990s, was part of the brand’s effort to expand beyond its agricultural roots into construction-grade machinery. Massey Ferguson, founded in 1953 through the merger of Massey-Harris and Ferguson Company, had long been a dominant force in tractors and farm implements. By the 1990s, the company was exploring hydraulic excavators and backhoes to compete with JCB, Case, and Caterpillar in the European and global markets.
The MF 965 featured joystick controls, a compact swing radius, and a robust hydraulic system tailored for utility work, trenching, and light demolition. Though not produced in massive volumes, the 965 gained a loyal following in Ireland, the UK, and parts of Eastern Europe, where its simplicity and mechanical reliability were appreciated by independent operators.
Control Pattern Confusion and Operator Preferences
One of the most common frustrations among excavator operators is the mismatch between control patterns. The MF 965 was shipped with a joystick configuration that resembled ISO layout for slew and bucket crowd, but reversed boom lift and dipper functions—creating a hybrid “plus” pattern that confused seasoned operators.
Terminology:
  • ISO Pattern: International standard where the left joystick controls boom up/down and swing, and the right joystick controls dipper in/out and bucket curl.
  • SAE Pattern: Common in North America, with the left joystick controlling swing and dipper, and the right joystick controlling boom and bucket.
  • Slew: The rotational movement of the upper structure of the excavator.
Operators who trained on ISO systems found the MF 965’s layout unintuitive, especially when muscle memory led to incorrect movements. In one case, an Irish hobbyist who purchased a 1995 MF 965 for restoration found the control pattern so disorienting that he refused to operate it until it was corrected.
Mechanical vs. Electronic Solutions
The most direct mechanical solution is to swap hydraulic hoses at the valve chest. This reassigns joystick movements to different actuators, effectively reconfiguring the control pattern. However, this method can be risky:
  • Hose routing may not match factory specifications
  • Incorrect flow direction can damage valves or cylinders
  • Safety interlocks may be bypassed unintentionally
A more elegant solution involves reprogramming the control system via the machine’s onboard diagnostic terminal. Massey Ferguson equipped the 965 with a calibration unit (Part No. 3621167M2) that allows technicians to switch control patterns electronically. This tool connects to the machine’s ECU and offers menu-driven configuration options.
Terminology:
  • ECU (Electronic Control Unit): The onboard computer that manages hydraulic logic, joystick inputs, and engine parameters.
  • Calibration Unit: A diagnostic interface used to adjust machine settings, including control layout and sensor calibration.
DIY Connectivity and RS232 Protocol
For tech-savvy owners, it’s possible to connect a personal computer to the MF 965’s diagnostic port using RS232 protocol. This serial communication standard is still used in industrial equipment and allows for low-level data exchange.
Connection parameters:
  • Baud rate: 9600
  • Data bits: 7
  • Parity: Even
  • Stop bits: 2
Once connected, the machine sends an ENQ (enquiry) message in hexadecimal (0x05). The user must reply with an ACK (acknowledge) message (0x06) to initiate communication. After handshake, the system prompts with “ENGLISH TYPE Y OR N,” allowing access to configuration menus.
Terminology:
  • RS232 Protocol: A serial communication standard used for data exchange between computers and industrial devices.
  • ENQ/ACK: Control characters used to initiate and confirm communication between devices.
One operator in Croatia successfully used this method to reconfigure his MF 965, bypassing the need for a dealer visit. He built a custom connector using TX (transmit), RX (receive), and ground wires, and used terminal emulation software to interact with the ECU.
Software Compatibility and Troubleshooting
Not all terminal programs are compatible with the MF 965’s ECU. Users have reported issues where the ENQ message is received but no ACK response is accepted. This may be due to:
  • Incorrect parity or stop bit settings
  • USB-to-serial adapters lacking true RS232 voltage levels
  • Software lacking auto-reply functionality
Recommended software features:
  • Customizable serial settings
  • Hexadecimal input/output
  • Auto-reply scripting
  • Logging for diagnostic review
In Germany, a technician attempting to use a generic terminal emulator found that the ECU rejected his ACK message. After switching to a program with auto-reply scripting, the connection succeeded and control pattern switching was completed.
Field Anecdotes and Operator Adaptation
In Denmark, a contractor purchased a used MF 965 for site prep work and found the joystick layout nearly unusable. After learning about the RS232 method, he built his own cable and reprogrammed the controls in under an hour. He later trained his crew on both ISO and SAE patterns to ensure flexibility across machines.
In Canada, a retired operator recalled the early 2000s when control pattern switches were rare. He had to retrain his reflexes every time he switched between a Case backhoe and a Hitachi excavator. Today, most modern machines offer pattern switching via a toggle switch or touchscreen menu—something the MF 965 lacked but can now emulate with a bit of ingenuity.
Conclusion
The Massey Ferguson 965 excavator may be a product of the 1990s, but its control system can be modernized with a blend of mechanical and electronic solutions. Whether swapping hoses or interfacing via RS232, operators now have options to tailor joystick behavior to their preferences. With the right tools and a bit of patience, the MF 965 can be transformed from a confusing relic into a responsive, intuitive machine ready for serious work or hobby restoration.
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  Komatsu PC200LC-6 Excavator Overview MikePhua 0 11 6 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Caterpillar 302.5: A Compact Excavator for Tight Spaces MikePhua 0 10 6 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Komatsu hybrid excavator blends electric assist with diesel efficiency MikePhua 0 10 6 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Is a 120-size excavator the right choice for land development MikePhua 0 10 6 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Takeuchi TL12V2 Performance Review and Control System Insights MikePhua 0 10 Yesterday, 03:14 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Bobcat 331 Mini Excavator Overview MikePhua 0 13 Yesterday, 02:59 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Exploring the Massey Ferguson Industrial 30 Backhoe MikePhua 0 10 Yesterday, 02:21 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  How Do You Find a Reliable Used Excavator Without Breaking the Bank MikePhua 0 12 Yesterday, 01:55 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  What Should an Excavator Operator Know When Switching to a CAT D6M LGP Dozer MikePhua 0 12 Yesterday, 01:52 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  How Much Swing Play Is Too Much in an Excavator MikePhua 0 13 Yesterday, 01:44 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Takeuchi TB250 Mini Excavator Overview and Considerations MikePhua 0 12 10-18-2025, 07:47 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Test Driving the SANY SY16C Mini Excavator MikePhua 0 12 10-18-2025, 07:46 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Choosing the Right 8-Ton Excavator for Your Projects MikePhua 0 8 10-18-2025, 05:43 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  The Caterpillar 325L Excavator: A Reliable Heavy-Duty Workhorse MikePhua 0 9 10-18-2025, 05:42 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Is There a Better Way to Attach a Strengthening Arm to an Excavator Dipper Arm MikePhua 0 7 10-18-2025, 05:41 PM
Last Post: MikePhua

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: