Need advice on inspecting a Massey150

[richief]

Looking for first tractor, and found a MF150 I can swing pricewise, but would like some specific things to look out for regarding this model. I am a veteran mechanically, but new to tractors, besides starting her cold looking for smoke and how she sounds, testing clutch, and visually looking for defects, what should I be taking a look at on a MF 150 with 4cyl Continental, 6x2 grbx? Its a few hr trip each way, and will prob bring my trailer, but want to have a punch list to go through her, and what to walk away from.
Any and all pointers welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[richief]

I guess I,m wondering if their is anything charesterically to look for on this particular tractor, and how to test it.
Is there a sticky on the general testing out of a used tractor?
I,ve got a lot of bits and pieces from searching but not much in particular for the 150

 

[richief]

Ok, spoke with dealer that has it, about zero history on it, except that 4k hours on clock but not sure if its working, its in primer, no paint, was a high clearance but small rear wheels and tires on now, so front spindles need to be shortened, which would prob be better on E. KY hills anyhow, but 400 for new spindles bush, thrust washers. Rear tires look 30-40 percent, lights in fenders missing, and not sure what else till I look at it. Might not be cost effective as dealer seemed firm at 3k.
Any thoughts?

 

[aarolar]

Ok, spoke with dealer that has it, about zero history on it, except that 4k hours on clock but not sure if its working, its in primer, no paint, was a high clearance but small rear wheels and tires on now, so front spindles need to be shortened, which would prob be better on E. KY hills anyhow, but 400 for new spindles bush, thrust washers. Rear tires look 30-40 percent, lights in fenders missing, and not sure what else till I look at it. Might not be cost effective as dealer seemed firm at 3k.
Any thoughts?

What's your budget? Personally I would run not walk in the opposite direction...

 

[GManBart]

Are you trying to stay away from a diesel (since that 150 is a gasser)? If not, I think I'd look for something else. For example, this guy is only asking $2500 for a diesel Massey 135 that sounds like it needs a little work, but isn't a basket case:

Massey ferguson 135 Diesel Tractor

If you can swing something like $4500 the options open up, and some pretty decent machines are available. I just used the Knoxville CL ads as they're at least somewhere in your general vicinity.

Ford Tractor Diesel 26

1986 Massey Ferguson

 

[richief]

Thanks for the replys, I think I'll hold out till I find a diesel one.
I did pick up a lil jd LX176 for around the house. Needs some work but I got it running.

 

[flusher]

Ok, spoke with dealer that has it, about zero history on it, except that 4k hours on clock but not sure if its working, its in primer, no paint, was a high clearance but small rear wheels and tires on now, so front spindles need to be shortened, which would prob be better on E. KY hills anyhow, but 400 for new spindles bush, thrust washers. Rear tires look 30-40 percent, lights in fenders missing, and not sure what else till I look at it. Might not be cost effective as dealer seemed firm at 3k.
Any thoughts?

I paid $3600 for a 1964 MF135 diesel with Multipower in 2006. Showed 4600 hours. It ran fine. The sheet metal needed work.



I stripped it down and repainted it.



The previous owner had modified it to squat low for mowing and discing work in his olive orchard. The rear tires are 18.4-16 6-ply (16" dia rims) that he salvaged from an old combine. The front axle spindles were shortened to keep the tractor level.

There's a weep hole on the bottom of the clutch housing. There should be a loose fitting cotter pin in the hole. A few drops of oil or transmission fluid leakage is normal for a 60+ year old tractor. If there's more leakage it probably means that the rear crankshaft seal or a transmission seal is leaking. It's a major job to fix these since you have to split the tractor.

Check the 3 point hitch for proper operation. This can be a problem area for those old MFs.

If that 150 has Multlipower, check it out thoroughly in all gears. The MP on my 135 only operated in the Low range--High Range was not operative. No problem for me since I used the 135 as a parade tractor.

Good luck.