Buying Advice Massey 390 questions.

Dirtleg · May 11, 2010

Saturday while picking up and moving a rake from the John Deere dealer for a friend I noticed they had a Massey 390 parked in the used tractor section of their yard. It is a 4wd with a Massey 838 loader. Looks pretty rough but that usually means it might be in my price range. If this is too large a tractor for this forum I understand and maybe a moderator will move it to the appropriate forum.

I inquired about it and they are asking 10,500 for it. So I decided to go test drive it. As far as I can tell it is mechanically solid. Loader is really smooth through it's entire range. The PTO works and the 3 point works as well. Started O.K. but it was obvious the glow plugs are not working. Neither was the tach and the hour meter was broken at 6011 hours.

I am not familiar with the transmission arrangement but it seemed to have 2 different hi-lo ranges. The front wheels however aren't going to survive another tire change. Tires are 40% so they won't need to be replaced any time soon but at over $600 each for the rims alone (checked with Massey today) it's going to be a high dollar tire change.

I am going to attempt to get it for around 9k. Am I in the ballpark here or is it worth the asking price as it sits?

Thanks for any help.

Dirtleg · May 21, 2010

So I bought it today. Agreed on 9500. Picking it up monday.

Does anyone here know where I can find maintenance and repair information for this model aside from the factory and I&T manuals? Thanks.

sweettractors · May 22, 2010

Dirtleg said:
So I bought it today. Agreed on 9500. Picking it up monday.

Does anyone here know where I can find maintenance and repair information for this model aside from the factory and I&T manuals? Thanks.

A new loader for that size tractor would cost around $7000. I think you made a good deal. I have a friend that has one of those and has had good service from it. Manuals may be found on Ebay. I have had pretty good luck there, if you are patient? Ken Sweet

Dirtleg · May 22, 2010

Thanks Ken. I am scanning Ebay as I write this.

I spoke to the service manager of my local Massey dealer and his opinion was that this particular model has no real weak areas. Any problem areas would be due to neglect/ lack of maintenance more than design flaws. It was his confidence in it that helped me decide. I know him pretty well due to past dealings and trust his opinions. When I get it home I'll have to post a group photo of "the Masseys".

sweettractors · May 22, 2010

Dirtleg said:
Thanks Ken. I am scanning Ebay as I write this.

I spoke to the service manager of my local Massey dealer and his opinion was that this particular model has no real weak areas. Any problem areas would be due to neglect/ lack of maintenance more than design flaws. It was his confidence in it that helped me decide. I know him pretty well due to past dealings and trust his opinions. When I get it home I'll have to post a group photo of "the Masseys".

Look foreward to seeing some pics. I Bought a new 393 MF a few years ago and it gave me real good service and when I sold it locally, I got a real good price for it. Took that money and added a little to it and got a New JD CHA about 90 HP. Ken Sweet

dgl24087 · May 22, 2010

Dirtleg said:
So I bought it today. Agreed on 9500. Picking it up monday.

Phillips Eq. in Rustburg?

D7E · May 23, 2010

I've had a few 390's and 390 T's , Exellent little tractors . What type of spec is it ,Cab,4wd,transmission ?. Got a pic ?

I gave $8500 for this one a few years ago .

Dirtleg · May 23, 2010

dgl24087 said:
Phillips Eq. in Rustburg?

That's the one.

Dirtleg · May 23, 2010

D7E said:
I've had a few 390's and 390 T's , Exellent little tractors . What type of spec is it ,Cab,4wd,transmission ?. Got a pic ?

I gave $8500 for this one a few years ago .

You sir got a better deal than me. Good on ya:thumbsup:

For whatever reason farm equipment seems to be extremely high in my area. Anytime I look the only things I find locally are way over priced when compared to other areas. This was by far the best deal I have seen on any MFWD tractor over 60 hp with a loader locally in 3 years of looking. Next best deal was a Zetor cab around 75 hp no loader for 8500. Then there was the 60 hp kubota around the same condition as the Massey for 14K firm.:confused2:

To answer the next obvious question. When your job requires you to work 7 days a week and if you miss a day you have to make the hours up it is hard to go anywhere to look at/purchase anything.