MF 175

jachamar · Dec 12, 2009

I've been lurking for awhile and I am learning a lot so far (thank to all knowledgeable people here).
For all the reading I believe the perfect size of tractor for my situation should be MF 150 ( I want a loader,that the reason I am not looking for MF 135),but I can't find any.Many MF 165 & 175 in this area. Question ,What It should be the drawback of buying a bigger one (I read all stat about size ,HP,etc )

Thank you in advance

PS . Little information about myself.17 acres becoming 41 soon .3000 ft long driveway (very bad shape)

Aqualize · Dec 19, 2009

The MF 150 was never marketed in Sweden but after looking at tractordata I see it's basically a MF 135 size engine in a 165/175 tractor.
Naturally the 150 weights a bit less but it will be the same size. With a 165 or 175 you can have bigger implements, both the power part and the extra weight (make it more stable).
As I see it the MF 150 is not such a great alternative, I say you should go with a 165 or 175.

Only downside I can think of is that they would probably use some more fuel but as said you can compensate with bigger implements or not worry as I guess you're kind of using it for hobby, the difference in fuel consumption won't be vital.

jachamar · Dec 20, 2009

Thank you for the replied.I know the question sound a little weird,but the reason It was your same thought.What don't go higher .Here in USA ,you can get cheaper a tractor with 60 HP than one with 35 or 40.
Another question How hard is driving a tractor this size,with loader & no power steering?. I found 3 without. Some people told me It was ok and another said no way

Aqualize · Dec 20, 2009

Same here in Sweden, MF 35/135 size tractors are popular. They are the same price as a MF 65, 165 or 175.

I have a 175 with loader. I haven't done much loader work but it was standard equipped with power steering. I also have another smaller tractor (Swedish make), weights like a MF 135, with a FEL. I think it is OK but I grew up using that one. A MF 175 (at least diesel) weights around a ton more and would have a heavier loader. I wouldn't want to use that for FEL work. I say go - look for another tractor until you find one with power steering if you are going with 175 sized with FEL.

jachamar · Dec 20, 2009

This one It is going to be my first tractor (that's the reason I am not sure).Like I told you for the same price ,I think It would be better.
do you think I can bale hay in the future with the MF 35 or 135

Aqualize · Dec 21, 2009

Yes MF 35 och 135 can handle a baler (small square bales, not round bales), except for some high capacity balers (New Holland also sells some that have really high PTO specs, otherwise "everyone" has 35 PTO HP and the MF 35 has 37 PTO HP and the 135 has 38 PTO HP. Dad borrowed a 135 one year to use with our small square baler while baling straw and had a wagon behind the baler, it worked well (our baler in the specs says "30-40" PTO HP).
Here the power is not an issue but if you are using a wagon connected behind the baler you can have problem with traction while going uphill. I was baling straw this autumn with the 175 and when the wagon was nearly full I went up a tiny slope and the wells started to slip. I would think that would have happend sooner with a lighter tractor as a MF 35.
Other than that there are no real downsides with these MF 35/135 for baling, except that the baler will shake the tractor a bit more.

jachamar · Dec 21, 2009

Thank a lot ,there is nothing like "real world" experience .Specifications & brochures don't tell the whole true...
Can you tell me about the "multi power" transmission ? That scare me a little bit.I heard terrible story about it

Aqualize · Dec 21, 2009

jachamar said:
Thank a lot ,there is nothing like "real world" experience .Specifications & brochures don't tell the whole true...
Can you tell me about the "multi power" transmission ? That scare me a little bit.I heard terrible story about it

Here is a link about the technical part.
How Does Massey Ferguson Multi Power Work | Vintage Tractor Engineer

It is hard to repair, I think you have to divide the tractor in the middle. As it will be your first tractor I say get a MF with working multi-power or get one without it.