Considering a MF 245

DrRod · Apr 26, 2005

Greetings,

I want a tractor for brush-hogging or mowing about 12 acres plus some occaisional log pulling. Might also want to disk a field for game plots but that's purely optional. In any case, I found a MF 245 gas tractor with 800 hours on it. The dealer has gone over it (it shows new belts and filters) and repainted the engine and underbelly. But even in good condition, its still got some age on it. They are asking $6500 for it. I'm looking for comments pro and con on the tractor or the wisdom of this deal.

Thanks,

Rod

Nasty135 · Apr 26, 2005

DrRod, I really don't know that particular tractor but I will say that it will cost you about twice as much to operate a gas tractor than a diesel tractor for work performed! So IMO that is a con /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

gamble77 · Apr 26, 2005

MF245's are awesome, basic, utility tractors. My only concern here is the gas motor, I would much rather have the diesel. Again, a great machine (and if has truly been gone over then you don't have much to worry about), but the gas motor would run me off.

DrRod · Apr 26, 2005

Greetings,

Thanks for the comments. Just some other thoughts...

Actually, I really like the idea of a gas engine because it simplifies my fuel inventory -- which is sort of a problem given my location. Also, somebody else warned me about the higher fuel consumption of a gas engine. I don't think that will be much of an issue in that I don't work that many acres. So I'm still leaning toward this unit -- can't someone talk me out of it?

Thanks again,

Rod

Nasty135 · Apr 26, 2005

DrRod, You like it ,don't mind it being gas....Buy IT! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

That was easy Ehh! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Birdhunter1 · Apr 27, 2005

The 245 with a gas engine should be a Continental Z-145 engine (4-cyl 145 cubic inch displacement, about 47 engine hp and 42+/- pto hp). It will use about 2 gal/hr at pto speed, the deisel really doesn't use much less fuel and given the price of deisel vs. gas right now you will be about the same in fuel price. Also the deisel engine for that is a 152 cubic inch 3 cyl. with 43 hp engine and 38 pto hp.
This is the link to find the tractor data for the 245 with a deisel but the Z-145 engine is not listed for any of the tractors it could be in. If the 245 has a 4-cyl gas engine it is the Z-145 with hp ratings as I stated above. I woudl go for it, it is a good strong tractor that sounds as if it is in good shape and they are durable and dependable. One tip, if it has the old generator system then take it off and replace it with a 1 wire alternator, you will be much happier if you use it at night alot.
http://www.tractordata.com/td/td760.html

rcraft · Apr 27, 2005

I operate a MF 245 diesel and I am very happy with it. It is a little bigger version of the 35 and 135. As far as fuel consumption I have found that it uses about 3/4 of a gal. per hour doing normal jobs. But when it is working hard like "down on its knees" sort of thing then it uses about 1 gal. per hour. It is my experience that the diesel will use about half the amount of fuel and will out-live a gas engine about twice as long. It is true that the gas engine has a little more HP but for hard work the diesel will shine.

tough451 · May 2, 2005

I say that if you are happy with the deal go for it. If what you say about your limited use and fuel situation are true it is a good decision. For that same I would like to have a Kuboata Deisel ZTR. Guess I have too wait though.