MF 231?

[slingworks]

I've decided lately I need a new to me cute little but "real" tractor, and a few days ago I came across a MF231.

It's a Polish built 231 that looks pretty sharp. about 1500hrs.

Now after checking it over, I thought was a reasonable little tractor, would be good for hay raking/cutting I think. Maybe pulling a 5' bush hog/finish mower.

But all I see online is a bit of hate for the model? Is it because it's "Pole" built or what?

Seems most of the complaints are about leaky/hard to find steering cylinders..But after a few seconds of online searching I see these cylinders for sale and priced as far as I'm concerned, pretty cheaply. Am I missing or misunderstanding something?
Any thoughts or input?

I have a Zetor low profile 5211, so I'm fairly familiar with tractors of this 40-50hp class. I actually like my Zetor better than the Ford 3000 I've mowed with as it's more comfortable to use and has a full range of low gears. (the 3000 is 4sp) I'm kinda thinking maybe a 231 would be a good little tractor as a compliment?

We just do small time farming just a little above the hobby level and the largest field is 10ac.

 

[5030]

Used I take it? Keep in
mind that anything pre owned for the most part will come with issues.

 

[masseyrider]

I've never personally owned one but I helped a friend with a nursery who had a herd of them, mostly for pulling trailers.
They were pretty solid machines. Never any big problems. The Perkins was easy on fuel.
The 6x2 tranny could have used a couple extra gears and the tractor lacked any hydraulic remotes, which are easy to install.
Biggest issue as an operator was the clutch and brake pedals were a bit awkward.
Other than that it ran a 6' Bush Hog, pulled a 10' disk 2 furrow plow A OK.
Ran out of steam though trying to turn an orchard sprayer with a 32" blower fan.
If you work it within it's capabilities it's a good utility tractor.
I know they ran them easily more than 4000 hours

 

[dusty3030]

Can’t get much simpler or heavy built. Engine parts are dirt cheap and plentiful. Wet sleeved engine as long as you don’t crack block or head can be easily overhauled and used indefinitely.

 

[slingworks]

Used I take it? Keep in
mind that anything pre owned for the most part will come with issues.

Probably 25 years old, but looks like it was shed kept. Everything I own pretty much is from an auction, flea market or garage sale, so I love fixing issues! LOL