MF 165

[ab2ma]

What is everyones thoughts on the MF 165?I have a chance to pick one up reasonable.It comes with a loader and has a newly rebuilt gas engine and new brakes. tnx,ab2ma

 

[knute_m]

I've never owned one, but I've spent a lot of seat time on 65s, 135s and 165s. I've put in a few hours working on them too. Except for the tin work, there isn't much difference between the 65 and the 165.

If you need a good general purpose 2WD tractor, and are willing to do regular maintenance, they are hard to beat. At least a gazillion of each was built. Lots of parts are available, and they are real easy to work on. You just have to keep after the distributor and the carburetor unless you run the thing a couple of times a week.

They aren't fancy, but they will work real hard.

Good luck,

Knute

 

[Fredex]

I had a 165 for 8-9 years; 1970 model with the Perkins gas engine. Don't know what year they switched the gas models from Continental to Perkins. I liked it. Traded because I didn't want to deal with the major repairs that were becoming necessary. If it has the Multipower tranny make sure it works before buying. If it's gone you only get low range and no engine braking. Also take it out for a high speed run and check for front wheel shimmy. They seem to be prone to that problem when some of the stuff around the power steering control and cylinder get worn. That was one of the issues with mine. But the Multipower was very handy.
Fred

 

[hlpdobro]

I've had my 69' w/Continental gas motor for about 12 years. I'd opt for the diesel if you see one. Operation is very straight forward. Multi-Power operation is a necessity IMHO.

My only recurring issue is that the disti/points seem to be prone to moisture. I my case it might very well be because the tractor is, well...tired.

Other than that and weak brakes, it has served me well.

This will be it's last season on the homestead. I'm trading it for a compact.

Manuals and parts are readily available.

hp

 

[Wayne165]

I would recommend this model depending on condition of unit. We have & still own a 1972 model with perkins gas & multi-power.The above replies are good advice as well. Check for oil leaks by cotter key breather hole under trans & that should tell you of any multipower issues. Test drive & multipower should be quick & firm. Keep us posted & do you have any pictures of the tractor.Hope this helps.

 

[Wayne165]

We are also fortunate to have the model 32 industrial loader on it. What loader is on the one you are looking at ?

 

[Farmwithjunk]

What is everyones thoughts on the MF 165?I have a chance to pick one up reasonable.It comes with a loader and has a newly rebuilt gas engine and new brakes. tnx,ab2ma

Gassers aren't known to be Econo-Kings, where-as the diesel is. It'll burn a good bit of gas in a short order if you're doing any heavy work. Still a good tractor. The front end is a bit proned to wear if a loader has been on it for a while. Check front axle pivot and steering for "slop".

Personally, I prefer the Perkins gasser over the Continental, but both are decent engines. I've heard parts are getting scarce for the Perkins gasser, but I don't know that for fact.

Does the loader run off of the internal hydraulic pump? Or does it have a front pump/PTO pump? The internal pump is a bit small for a loader, making it slow cycling. As long as you're not in a big hurry, it will get the job done.

Any of the "100 series" Masseys have TONS of aftermarket parts available. Look on EBAY.

Get the owners manual, shop/service manual, and parts manual from Massey Ferguson/AGCO. DON'T rely on the I&T manuals available at TSC. They aren't worth the paper they're printed on for MF tractors. Too much valuable info left out and some erronious info included. (BTDT) Parts manual is invaluable when doing anything major. It has "exploded views" of major component groups. If not used for part #'s, it still makes a great supliment to the service manual.

Also, get on Yesterdays Tractors. Go to the Massey Ferguson forum. Find "Big Dean" Austin, and get his CD on the 100 series Massey's. Big Dean was an MF dealer mechanic for years. He is semi-retired due to health reasons now. He is THE MAN on Massey's. He has a way of explaining things so even a rank amature can understand the most complex issues. His CD has picures and descriptions on how to diagnose ANY problems, and make needed repairs. It is especially helpfull in the hydraulics area. (Massey hydraulics are "different" than any other tractor. I've seen a BUNCH of good Ag mechanics that cut their teeth on Deere and IH hydraulics that could only screw up a Massey hydraulic pump.)

Look UNDER the transmission/bellhousing area. There will be 2 "weep holes" that SHOULD still have cotter pins sticking out. (bent over) Those will indicate oil leaks from the transmission front seal, Multi-Power seals, or engine oil pan rear gaskets/rear main seal. The cotter pin is to keep the hole from closing up (with dirt?) A slight turn on the cotter key will re-open a clogged hole. SOME oil dripping from those holes isn't the end of the world. (Maybe a drop or 2 after prolonged use isn't uncommon) Much oil is a bad sign. Identify "engine oil" or "tranny/hydraulic oil" to let you know which is the culprit. The Perkins engines, PRIMARILY the diesels, but sometimes the gassers is proned to rear oil pan gaskets leaking into the bellhousing. New replacement gaskets (from AGCO) eliminate that issue. Old gaskets were cork. They dried out in time, allowing oil in the bellhousing. That is indicated by engine oil leaking out the weep hole AFTER you shut down the engine. If there's much oil from either tranny or engine leaking into the bellhousing, you get an oiled down clutch pack (drive clutch and PTO clutch)

If the Multi-Power shifts correctly, with a nice FIRM feel, it's OK. If not, get your wallet tuned up, 'cause you'll be doing the cash marathon before you're done. In working order, Multi-Power is/was about as good as ANY hi-low shifter from ANY brand.

Yes, I DO like my Massey's! In it's day, the 100 series was the best small to mid-sized tractor built. They still hold their own in todays world. A good one is EASILY worth more now than when it was new. Loader is a plus.