Tafe 45DI Reviews
TAFE 45DI
Model Year: 1999
I bought my TAFE 45DI 17 years ago and have had nothing but great service from this dependable tractor. The only items I've ever replaced are the filters and other maintenance parts. My local tractor parts dealer said all of the parts are available by cross-referencing it to a Massey-Ferguson 231, which I have done.
Pros: Tough and reliable
Cons: Should have bought it with a hydrostatic transmission; my fault
Model Year: 1999
I bought my TAFE 45DI 17 years ago and have had nothing but great service from this dependable tractor. The only items I've ever replaced are the filters and other maintenance parts. My local tractor parts dealer said all of the parts are available by cross-referencing it to a Massey-Ferguson 231, which I have done.
Pros: Tough and reliable
Cons: Should have bought it with a hydrostatic transmission; my fault
If you find a Tafe, buy a Tafe
Model Year: 1995
Little do I know about tractors. This is my first one, but I will post my impressions. I've used older tractors before, but this is the first that I have owned. The Tafe tractor seems strong. It runs well. I've had initial problems with the hydraulic cylinder for the power steering leaking. It's in the shop now to be fixed with new seals. The shop 'guy' told me they do a lot of them and it should take no time. I hope not. I use the tractor for bush hogging mostly, and some plowing for a small garden. It seems to love working, does not overheat, and works longer than I want to. One of the other reviewers said that they seem made for smaller persons/operators, and I agree. I'm 6'1", so it's a little cramped. It's no big deal, though. It's not a car, it's a tractor so there are no long road trips. I bought it used from the father of one of my daughter's friends. He said he hated to sell because it is so stable. I asked what he meant, and he said he has a name brand that feels much more uncertain on un-even ground, but that the Tafe was very sure footed. But, he did sell and I feel it was a good deal. I saw a Tafe 35DI at a local farm and stopped to talk to the man about it. He told me Tafe tractors are great and when found can be bought for less than something newer. He said his name brand tractor had konked out and he'd bought the Tafe as a fill in, but was considering selling the name brand! Overall, I'm pleased with mine. I haven't had to replace anything yet, so I haven't had the parts problems that others are complaining about. I could care less about resale. I won't be. I will use it until it costs too much to repair. The 2-wheel drive means you have to use caution when cutting near creeks - I found out the hard way. It got stuck easily and I had difficulty getting it out. It never seems underpowered. It always seems to have the power to spare to do whatever I need it to do.
Pros: Strong, powerful, rugged, starts easily, never overheats, solid, stable
Cons: Small operator's area, unsure about positive traction - not 4-wheel drive, no front bucket
Model Year: 1995
Little do I know about tractors. This is my first one, but I will post my impressions. I've used older tractors before, but this is the first that I have owned. The Tafe tractor seems strong. It runs well. I've had initial problems with the hydraulic cylinder for the power steering leaking. It's in the shop now to be fixed with new seals. The shop 'guy' told me they do a lot of them and it should take no time. I hope not. I use the tractor for bush hogging mostly, and some plowing for a small garden. It seems to love working, does not overheat, and works longer than I want to. One of the other reviewers said that they seem made for smaller persons/operators, and I agree. I'm 6'1", so it's a little cramped. It's no big deal, though. It's not a car, it's a tractor so there are no long road trips. I bought it used from the father of one of my daughter's friends. He said he hated to sell because it is so stable. I asked what he meant, and he said he has a name brand that feels much more uncertain on un-even ground, but that the Tafe was very sure footed. But, he did sell and I feel it was a good deal. I saw a Tafe 35DI at a local farm and stopped to talk to the man about it. He told me Tafe tractors are great and when found can be bought for less than something newer. He said his name brand tractor had konked out and he'd bought the Tafe as a fill in, but was considering selling the name brand! Overall, I'm pleased with mine. I haven't had to replace anything yet, so I haven't had the parts problems that others are complaining about. I could care less about resale. I won't be. I will use it until it costs too much to repair. The 2-wheel drive means you have to use caution when cutting near creeks - I found out the hard way. It got stuck easily and I had difficulty getting it out. It never seems underpowered. It always seems to have the power to spare to do whatever I need it to do.
Pros: Strong, powerful, rugged, starts easily, never overheats, solid, stable
Cons: Small operator's area, unsure about positive traction - not 4-wheel drive, no front bucket
Hard To Find Parts, But It Just Keeps On Going
Model Year: 1995
My parents bought this from a used dealer in Georgia. "It is just like a Massey Ferguson" the dealer would say. Well, maybe but no one seems to know which Massey Ferguson it is "just like" and parts are hard to come by. The engine is strong and easy on fuel. It is definitely made for small people. My dad always had a hell of a time getting on and off. I have broken the cast foot rest at the throttle assembly, but it was fixed by a good welder. We replaced the seat to make it more comfortable. If I can find a starter solenoid I am going to run it until the wheels fall off as the things have very little resale value. For food plots and land management, it works great. I doubt it is an everyday, hard use piece of equipment, but it should serve me just fine.
Pros: Strong engine, drive-line, and 3-point
Cons: Uncomfortably small
Model Year: 1995
My parents bought this from a used dealer in Georgia. "It is just like a Massey Ferguson" the dealer would say. Well, maybe but no one seems to know which Massey Ferguson it is "just like" and parts are hard to come by. The engine is strong and easy on fuel. It is definitely made for small people. My dad always had a hell of a time getting on and off. I have broken the cast foot rest at the throttle assembly, but it was fixed by a good welder. We replaced the seat to make it more comfortable. If I can find a starter solenoid I am going to run it until the wheels fall off as the things have very little resale value. For food plots and land management, it works great. I doubt it is an everyday, hard use piece of equipment, but it should serve me just fine.
Pros: Strong engine, drive-line, and 3-point
Cons: Uncomfortably small
Great Tractor
Model Year: 1995
I bought a TAFE 45 DI used from a friend. It has two-wheel drive and no bucket. It seems to have plenty of power to do whatever I need it to. I have used tractors with a bush hog before, and have to say this one excels at it. I really like the handbrake and the foot throttle. Both are very handy ideas. The three-point works well, and at only 1500 RPMs you are turning 540 on the power take-off, which means the strong diesel engine is barely working hard. It is also stingy on fuel! Overall, I think if you can find one of these for the right price, you should get it.
Pros: Features, value, reliability, price
Cons: Age means more maintenance, but that should be expected
Model Year: 1995
I bought a TAFE 45 DI used from a friend. It has two-wheel drive and no bucket. It seems to have plenty of power to do whatever I need it to. I have used tractors with a bush hog before, and have to say this one excels at it. I really like the handbrake and the foot throttle. Both are very handy ideas. The three-point works well, and at only 1500 RPMs you are turning 540 on the power take-off, which means the strong diesel engine is barely working hard. It is also stingy on fuel! Overall, I think if you can find one of these for the right price, you should get it.
Pros: Features, value, reliability, price
Cons: Age means more maintenance, but that should be expected
Great tractor
Model Year: 2001
I've had JD, MF and Kubota and I have to say this TAFE is as good as the Kubota...I admit parts can be a problem but if you call the TAFE dealer in London Kentucky and ask for Susan she'll hook you up with ANY part you need. I have a tractor mechanic that comes out and fixes anything I need and he gets most part from a MF dealer.
Pros: Tough and convenient
Cons: parts
Model Year: 2001
I've had JD, MF and Kubota and I have to say this TAFE is as good as the Kubota...I admit parts can be a problem but if you call the TAFE dealer in London Kentucky and ask for Susan she'll hook you up with ANY part you need. I have a tractor mechanic that comes out and fixes anything I need and he gets most part from a MF dealer.
Pros: Tough and convenient
Cons: parts
Unreliable and Unsafe
Model Year: 1999
Hard to find parts, hard to find service and repairs. Cast parts on tractor are weak. Like steering arms rod ends that wear out in only a few hours. I started the tractor this morning and the engine ran away could not shut it off. The flywheel came apart blowing the side of the engine case apart and blowing holes thru the barn walls. If any one had been standing beside the tractor they could have been seriously injured or killed. I am lucky that I was not seriously injured or killed today by this tractor. This is a poor quality and unsafe tractor. I would not recommend this tractor at any price. You can't get parts any where but London, KY. And their parts are limited. If you have one of these tractors becareful!
Pros: None.
Cons: Everything unreliable and unsafe.
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Model Year: 1999
Hard to find parts, hard to find service and repairs. Cast parts on tractor are weak. Like steering arms rod ends that wear out in only a few hours. I started the tractor this morning and the engine ran away could not shut it off. The flywheel came apart blowing the side of the engine case apart and blowing holes thru the barn walls. If any one had been standing beside the tractor they could have been seriously injured or killed. I am lucky that I was not seriously injured or killed today by this tractor. This is a poor quality and unsafe tractor. I would not recommend this tractor at any price. You can't get parts any where but London, KY. And their parts are limited. If you have one of these tractors becareful!
Pros: None.
Cons: Everything unreliable and unsafe.
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