MF 1643

[Kal130]

I recently looked at one and instantly fell in love. Only problem I found is that I couldn't justify the size. Still want one someday. Massey definitely got it right on the 1600 series.

 

[HSSC]

I have a 1547/Challenger 285B same tractor, different color. I purchased a factory block heater for around $ 75 bucks. Installs in one of the freeze plug holes. First try it leaked. Second try a bit of prem-a-tex #2 around the o ring and the leak was gone.
Plug it in for an hour and it starts in and instant. No clatter out of a cold diesel motor. She likes to warm up before start. All diesels do.

I added the two factory remotes. Maybe a two hour job. Get ready for some cash to go out of the wallet. Everything fit as it should.

My labor, free, personal satisfaction,free. Can't put a price on that.

Thats how I'd do it.

 

[tpoole12]

Does yours start well in cold weather?

I also have a 1643 CL. Like Wayne in the previous post. Hit the glow for about 15 seconds and it will start. It will blow some smoke and rattle but it will start. I feel sorry for it till it warms up....:thumbsup:

I also have a MF245.. If I didn't have a block heater it would be unusable in the winter. I have a magnetic heater and a block heater that I've used in the past. The magnet heater has a thermostat and can be left on for long periods. I used it primarily over the last few years. I would leave it on when the tempatures would get down below freezing. When the 1643 moved in the 245 lost its parking place at the barn and now resides at the hay barn. I do not power there but in a bind I will carry a portable generator up there and plug in the block heater. After a few min. it will start. but it takes forever for the fluids to warm up. When I had the magnet heater on it, it warmed the whole machine. Just jump on and go. Don't forget to take the heater off the oil pan or it will un hook it's self and tear up the plug.. Please don't ask me how I know that..:ashamed: I may try it on the 1643 but so far I haven't felt the need.

tpoole12

 

[roger 4400]

I recently looked at one and instantly fell in love. Only problem I found is that I couldn't justify the size. Still want one someday. Massey definitely got it right on the 1600 series.

Ask your wife YOU CAN ALWAYS JUSTIFIE THE SIZE.....:laughing::laughing:
I have a block heater on mine (live in Quebec)and even if it sleeps in my garage I will plug it before firing up ( an hour or so) and it fires immediatly very small black smoke and runs very smooth.
Just before buying my 1643 I went to a Kubota and tried a L4400 , it was vibrating and did not run smooth, it's what decided me to go to a Massey dealer......thank God .....this 1643 is a dream.
The only thing Massey could have put on those would have been another control arm in the back of the tractor to control the 3 pt lift arms. There would be no need to go back to the control on the fender to raise or lower the 3pt making it easy for us to attach some equipment. Have a nice day. Roger

 

[the6shooter]

I really feel sorry for the tractors of other colors, massey just got the 1600's
right out of the box. gee, metal not plastic feels so much better
david