buying an older massy

dieselsmoke1 · Jan 10, 2010

I believe the term Dieselmatic indicates a diesel with a multipower transmission. The gearbox gives 3 forwards x 2 ranges, the multipower is a shift on the go clutchpack that gives 6 more in between speeds.

If memory serves me correct, when you test drive the tractor there should be a chrome lever at your right knee. If it works, you will detect a definite change in speed when shifting from low to hi. If it doesn't work, the tractor has low only.

Not a big deal for the use you describe but there is a down side. There is no engine braking in low so the tractor will coast like the clutch is disengaged, and it cannot be pulled to crank.

Multipower was an expensive option to buy or to fix. Not many of that era had it.

flusher · Jan 10, 2010

ohiooutdoorsman said:
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!

That's a good price. In Jul06 I paid $3600 for a 1964 MF-135 diesel with multipower, no FEL or other implements included.

Check for oil in the coolant, coolant in the oil, water in the transmission and hydraulics reservoirs.

Check the play in the steering especially since that FEL puts a strain on the front axle/steering assembly.

Check the tranny in all forward and reverse gears (easy shifting into and out of gear, no funny noises, etc).

Check the operation of the pto engagement mechanism and pto clutch. The pto clutch on my 135 needs adjustment. If I can't fix it that way, I'll have to split the tractor and see what's going on in the clutch pack.

Check the 3pt hitch operation, preferably with a large implement attached (lift capacity, speed of up-down motion, etc).

There probably are two small weep holes on the bottom of the clutch housing. These are usually clogged with dirt. Take a piece of 0.030" dia wire and ream out these holes. If you get a few drops of oil, no problem. If there's a steady flow, that means the rear crankshaft seal is leaking. You have to split the tractor to fix that. It's a common problem on the 3-cyl Perkins diesels like the one in my 135. It may be a problem in the 4-cyl model also.