MF40... Should I buy it?

[rissacher]

I'm looking at a MF with >7000 hours. The guy is pretty sure its a MF40 from around 1970. Supposedly runs great.

-Anybody have some advice for this tractor?
-How much should I offer?
-Where can I find specs on this model?
-Does it have power steering?
-Any other major differences between this tractor and modern tractors I should be aware of?
-How hard is it to do my own repairs? To get parts? To get someone else to repair it?
-Should it work just fine with most modern implements?
-Can I find a backhoe that will fit it if I want one someday?
-Can I find a new FEL for it? How much would it cost?
-Could I find turf tires that would fit it if I need them someday?
-Any "gotchas" I should look for when I inspect and test drive?

Sorry for all the amateur questions... I'm obviously a newbie.

Basically, I'm looking to buy 20-70 acres of land for my next house. Want to be able to move gravel/sand/soil around. Maybe need to make my own driveway, do some of the excavation for the home. Move brush and stumps. Mow a large lawn/field. Might even try to built my own grass runway for an airplane I can't afford.

 

[JerryG]

The MF 40 is a very heavy industrial tractor. They aren't any harder to work on than any other tractor and the tractors from that era are normally much easier to work on than newer tractors. Or at least they are easier for me to work on. If you want to learn about this tractor go to Big Dean Austins Internet site. He is a Massey Industrial guru. He even has CDs on how to repair them and tips about them. He is a member here, but doesn't post ofter but he will answer e-mail and try to help anyone that needs help. Here is his specifications page.
Massey Ferguson Industrial Specification
Which transmission does this tractor have?

 

[rissacher]

OK, another dumb question... what does it mean that its "industrial"?

And by very heavy, you're saying a lot of weight for the HP? I think this is about 4000lbs, but I'm not sure. I assume more weight to be good all-around (for balance with heavy bucket loads, more momentum for grading, better traction and stronger thicker metal components)? I guess disadvantages would be towing weight and impact on my lawn if I try to use it for mowing.

 

[JerryG]

The Industrial models were made heavier duty than the agri models so that they would stand up to the everyday work of construction. Such as backhoe and loader work. The front axles are heavier and normally they are a set width as are the rear axles. Some of them had special transmissions and even the hydraulic were set up different. They have heavier casting and almost every thing else. All these things were designed for a heavy work environment.

 

[rissacher]

Thanks for all the help Jerry....

Anybody else have some input for me? How much should I offer for this thing? Is a 40 year old tractor going to break every few months? Any thoughts on my other original questions?

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I can't add to much as far is info goes but I had this picture of a MF 40 and a working scale version of it also. These brothers did some great work. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/vintage-tractors/10463-big-little-ferguson-40s.html