MF 165 vs. new kubota

[gmacy]

I am looking to purchase a tractor to maintain 15 acres in Texas ... mainly bush hog, some discing, front end loader work ... I looked at the a new kubota, but, they are close to 16K for a 35 hp tractor ...

I found an used massey ferguson 165 that is going for 1200 ... I am going to look at it tonight, but, this is what I know about it ... the wiring to the starter may be bad - the owner has to jump it off his new tractor to get it running, but, once warm it will start up fine. It does smoke quite a bit - diesel engine - so much so, the actually rotated the muffler to point towards the front so the exhaust wouldn't be so bad. The clutch supposedly shifts fine and the PTO is fine ...

I plan on checking the following ..

> serial number of tractor
> hours of operation
> checking for any oil seeping from weeping holes under bell housing
> see how it shifts from low to high

it does not have a FEL, but, it supposedly has the hydraulic pump mounted for it on the front - is this standard for this tractor?? What about mounts for a FEL, are those standard??

What else should I look at? thanks.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

That's EXTREMELY cheap for a 165. That's a red flag to me. They're GREAT tractors if in good shape, but anything that sounds too good to be true usually is....

The stinger pump (front mounted auxilary) is NOT normal unless it had an aftermarket loader. I'd question why that's there.

Excessive smoke may be a bad sign (at least "not a good sign...")

Aftermarket loaders are still available new to fit that tractor. Not ALL loaders will fit though (if I understand your question correctly)

Check function of PTO...under load if possible.

Check function of 3-point hitch, also under load if possible.

Check for MultiPower. If so equipped, does it work? (Avoid if it's there and does NOT work)

 

[gmacy]

Thanks for the reply - the tractor is actually owned by a family friend - his dad owned it and passed away, and this tractor has been sitting idly for a few years ... they are just trying to sell it and move on ...

can you elaborate on the stinger pump?? is that an extra pump that is traditionally added for FEL's?? If so, I would agree that it shouldn't be there otherwise.

when checking the PTO, do I want to verify it will run the implement smoothly?? in other words, I should essentially hook it up to a bush hog and make sure it runs it smoothly?
I could check the 3-point hitch at the same time correct??

The MultiPower is just switching from H to L and vice versa correct??

Could the excess smoke be an indication of a faulty seal or something more serious??

Thanks, I grew up with a MF135, but, it has been a while since I have owned a tractor and this seems like it would be a great starter tractor IF it is in good shape. Thanks.

 

[gmacy]

also, is power steering standard on these tractors?? how would i check to see if it is fuctional besides turning the wheel while running - thanks.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Thanks for the reply - the tractor is actually owned by a family friend - his dad owned it and passed away, and this tractor has been sitting idly for a few years ... they are just trying to sell it and move on ...

can you elaborate on the stinger pump?? is that an extra pump that is traditionally added for FEL's?? If so, I would agree that it shouldn't be there otherwise.

when checking the PTO, do I want to verify it will run the implement smoothly?? in other words, I should essentially hook it up to a bush hog and make sure it runs it smoothly?
I could check the 3-point hitch at the same time correct??

The MultiPower is just switching from H to L and vice versa correct??

Could the excess smoke be an indication of a faulty seal or something more serious??

Thanks, I grew up with a MF135, but, it has been a while since I have owned a tractor and this seems like it would be a great starter tractor IF it is in good shape. Thanks.

Under normal circumstances, a decent 165 would bring $4500 to $6000 here. I've paid more'n $1200 for non-runners. (Engine block core is worth almost that for a diesel)


The front pump is almost always used to power a loader. Those tractors have high pressure/low volume internal pumps. (2250psi @4.6 GPM) Loaders were slow without an auxilary pump. There are other possibilities, but most likely a loader was on that tractor at one point. (Check front axle pivot for excessive wear if a loader was mounted at some point)

Yes to both scenarios on pto and 3-point hitch.

Those MF's will ALL have a hi/lo shifter on the tranny. (either 3X2 speed, or 4X2 speed) MultiPower was/is a SECOND hi/lo, shifted with a lever on the dash. It's a hydraulically actuated hi/lo. MP was only available on 3X2 speed tranny, giving a TOTAL of 12 forward speeds. They can be problematic (due in part to age) 4X2 speed (aka...8-speed) is more desirable, but fairly rare on 165's.

Excessive engine smoke is USUALLY an indication of worn rings, coolant leaking into engine, or injector pump issues. It COULD be simply from sitting for a prolonged period.....

MOST 165's had power steering, but it wasn't standard equipment. If equipped, you'll find a single cylinder behind grill/in front of radiator. If Power steering isn't working, steering will be heavy. Also check for equal steering in both directions. If it steers easier to one side than to the other, usually a simple adjustment will solve that problem.

Is this 165 a "standard" or row crop model? (standard uses 28" or 30" rear wheels. Row crop uses 38"s) Standards are worth more around here.

 

[gmacy]

great - I am a bit confused on the MultiPower ... if there is a hi/lo on the tranny, what is the purpose of the MP ... also, how do i check that for function?? Thanks

 

[gmacy]

also, could i use a FEL that was taken from a MF 245 on this tractor?? thanks

 

[studor]

Here is the link to "Big Deans" website -- he has a number of tips and comment on buying a MF 100 series -- you might find it valuable

http://web.archive.org/web/20050317033942/hometown.aol.com/bigdean62/index.html

 

[gmacy]

awesome - i kept seeing him referenced but I could never find his site -thanks for the link

 

[Farmwithjunk]

great - I am a bit confused on the MultiPower ... if there is a hi/lo on the tranny, what is the purpose of the MP ... also, how do i check that for function?? Thanks

MultiPower simply gives you MORE options as far as gear ratios. MP is a "shift on the fly" hi/lo, where the 2-speed of the tranny requires clutching (and therefore, loss of drive)