Massey Ferguson MF1250 4.50 star(s) (4)

Massey Ferguson MF1250 articulated 4x4
Model Year: 1979

Recently purchased from a farmer in Victoria Australia. He had owned it for a few years and had used it to tidy up his farm clearing scrub fencing ploughing slashing etc. I bought it because I like MF reliability and because it will do what I need not to mention it's bad arse looks lol. The tractor is in really good condition for age apart from some oil leaks and the air con not working it really only needs a respray and some of the electrics rewiring.

Pros: Tough Hardy Reliable
Cons: Still working that out

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18 Years and Flawless Performance
Model Year: 1996

I bought this new in Idaho to push a ton of snow each winter. It never failed to start and even made it through snow 2' deep. I have horses and put in a professional-style arena and this Massey 1250 moved 10 loads of sand to perfection. I am now in Arizona (brought "Little Red" and the horses with me). There is no snow, but the ground is strewn with rocks from baseball-size to massive boulders. The 1250 has a 1246 FEL and it has dug up and carried/pushed huge boulders without a single complaint. I will have this tractor until the day I die! B.T.W.. I am 64 female and divorced. Can't imagine being without my red partner!

Pros: Easy to board, reliable, strong for its size, power steering, 16 speeds, 4WD, diesel.
Cons: The paint fades badly unless waxed often. It is also peeling down to the primer around the fuel tank and seat area. The loader paint is fine.

MF1250 for Hobby Farm
Model Year: 1994

I have 21 acres, most of which is "park"; we've planted lots of trees and only mow to keep the thistles down. We have about 8 acres of pasture/hay field that I sometimes mow. I use the MF1250 with a Woods FEL and 60" BrushBull rotary mower to clear snow, move small round bales, clear brush and split wood with a 3 point attached splitter. I added an aux hydro valve on the back for a dump wagon and the splitter. I've put about 75 hours/year on it since 2006 when I bought it with 60 hours on it. The only failure I have had is when I use the manual clutch, hydro fluid leaks. If I only use the power shuttle it doesn't. It starts easily every time, even in the cold. I'm very impressed with the fuel economy compared to my gas lawn mowers (JD425 and country clipper Jazee). Underhood accessibility is an issue, especially with a Woods FEL. The battery mount didn't work well with the cheap replacement battery I put in, but since I don't make high speed corners very often, I don't think it will be a problem. I only got it stuck once. I backed it into the pond with a borrowed box blade. Other than that, I can always walk it out of any mud with the FEL. It's about the perfect size for me. The bucket just lifts to the hay loft and it's still small enough to maneuver around in the barn.

Pros: Reliable.
Cons: No beverage holder.

MF 1250 POS
Model Year: 1997

This tractor has had numerous issues. It is not meant to be a working vehicle w/o daily maintenance and repair. The western WA dealer is very small and expensive. The distance to the dealership 55 miles prevents quick repairs and service at the farm is a $200 trip. The biggest issue is the wiring. After 5 years, I finally had to replace the entire wiring harness as it was constantly breaking. The second issue was the alternator. I have rebuilt three units and replaced two. I finally had to rewire around the fuse to keep it running. I have a 25 acre livestock operation. Move hay, fertilizer, spray, etc. Get an older larger tractor. Oh did I tell you the radiator inlet deteriorated to the point it wouldn't hold pressure. It's cheap brass.

Pros: Compact.
Cons: Unreliable, bad wiring, and cheap materials.