buying an older massy

[ohiooutdoorsman]

hello everyone, I have been lurking on this site since I discovered it about a week ago and have found it to be very informative. I`am in the market to buy an affordable tractor to use on my 17 acres,I do not want a loan so my choices are limited, I found this one and I quote what the seller said about it. quote..((This is I believe a 1963 Massey Model 65 Dieselmatic tractor. 4 cylinder Perkins diesel. 50 plus horse power. Ford 720 loader,nice clean job attaching it,not all boogered up like many you see. 7' back blade. Live p.t.o. Add on hydraulic pump to run loader and other gear. Tires are decent all around. Has power steering. 3 low,and 3 high speeds. Is a tank,will pull down a house, move your dirt, stone, snow. Runs top notch,starts in any weather or temps with one revolution of starter.12 volt system.

If you want a good reasonably priced work horse, this tractor will fit the bill. No disappointments.))quote He is asking 3500.00 obo. now to me this sounds like a great buy, granted I have not gone to look at it, I will be going to look at it within the next week, did talk to the owner on the phone and I did not get any bad vibbs, any advice?? what to look for when I do go take a look at it... ect. opinions appreciated!

 

[ToadHill]

It sounds like a reasonable price. Check the tires and wheels. If you need new rear tires figure about $350 each and another $150 each for wheels. If the tractor has been left outside and it is almost 50 years old you may find a lot of rust on the wheels where the bead contacts the rim.

 

[GPintheMitten]

That does sound like a great deal, provided it is in the condition that he says. Keep in mind you will need to put money into it regardless, things will breakdown from time to time and everything needs maintenance, but you will get that with any machine, just more of it in older equipment.

But that's a lot of utility for the money. Just think a new loader on a tractor will cost that much.

 

[ohiooutdoorsman]

I did see 2 pictures of it, the tires are still in good condition from what I can see, its stored inside, very little rust... looks clean...

 

[ohiooutdoorsman]

here are a few pictures of it, looks decent to me.

 

[DANOCHEESE]

Parts are still available if needed. I would take the deal. I have a 1960 gas MF65. The tractor runs like a champ and we did not treat it well at deer camp.

 

[gpflepsen]

Well, to pick it apart... for a better footing for a better price The rears are almost gone, not much tread left. Tires are expensive to replace. The suicide knob is broke, take off $200 for that.

 

[ohiooutdoorsman]

thanks for all your opinions guys, appreciate it! gpflepsen whats the suicide knob? growing up on a farm years ago it rings a bell and thats about it, is it my imagination or does one of the back tires have more wear then the other? have hopes of making a trip out to take a look at it by the end of this week if the snow ever stops!!! have about 2 feet and they keep moving the lake effect snow warnings out, its getting a little outa hand

 

[gpflepsen]

Suicide Knob = steering wheel spinner.

 

[JoeinTX]

Just from the pics it isn't terrible looking.

It does appear to have varying shades of paint on it...........was the hood replaced or have different parts been used to assemble it? I understand the loader has been repainted. Hood and fenders are different tones of "sun-baked." Could be nothing.

Rears are less than great but if you're just messing around on your 17 acres....a little mowing here, a little loader work there, etc.......then as long as they hold air they should still work well for you for a while to come.

I'm all about the fluids. I look for leaks on the tractor. I want to know where it's usually parked and I want to see that for obvious sign of leaks on the ground. Check all dipsticks and the radiator to see if any big red flags go up with any of them.

Turn it over, run it a bit, see if it feels and sounds right, etc.

If all is as it appears and it's just an honest, used 40 year old tractor with all the things that go with it..........then 3500.00 clams is a good buy.