kubota v. massey

[ddb123]

It kind of sounds like you are buying a new tractor just for the **** of it. Which is cool! I like that old MF50, too.

I have an L series Kubota with a loader. My dad has a Massey 245 without a loader. I think they are both great tractors. I would go with the Massey in this case because it's cheaper, has a loader, and has that great "tractor" look you mentioned. If it has the 3 cylinder Perkins diesel it will run forever (of course, the Kubota will probably run forever, too). One issue with my dad's 245 is that the rear hydraulics have lost a lot of strength with age. And if the tractor isn't in motion, the rear won't pick up much at all. He has also had some problems with the front end (nothing major), and it seems like I've read somewhere that 135s with loaders see the same front end issues. These problems could be unique to my dad's tractor, too.

Around here, a really nice 135 with loader would get $6-7k. At that age, the fact that it has lower hours doesn't do much for me. I just wouldn't want one with a ton of hours on it.

The Kubota, as everyone mentioned, is overpriced without a loader.

Around here you could get $2-3k for your 50 looking as nice as it does. They usually sell with a brush hog or mower included, though. Is there a specific reason you don't want to just keep using your 50? I only ask out of curiosity. It sounds like it does everything you want.

 

[frankroberts]

First off let me thank you all for such helpful replies. My wife used the computer after me and she saw the whole thread. She commented on the replies and how thoughtful they all were. So thanks again.

I am planning on going to look at the Massey 135 on friday. If I can make a decent deal I am going for it.

No doubt the Kubota is a good tractor but for one thing it is 4,000$+ more and has no FEL. No FEL isn't a deal breaker for me but in price comparison it matters.

Several guys have asked for more info. Here is what I have on the 135.
__________________
Perkins Gas, 8x2 Transmission, Live PTO, Power Steering, 3 PT.
Dual Hydraulic Valve, 13.6-28 Tires on Spin-Out Rims, All Hydraulic Quick-Attach Dunham-Lehr Loader.
___________________

Thanks again for the replies (public and private). I'll let you know what happens friday.

frankroberts.

 

[easygo]

I own a Kubota but in this case I would buy the MF-135. If it were me and I had the money I would also keep that MF-50...what a great looking nice old machine. You did quite a job restoring it.:thumbsup:
Just imagine: you could hook a trailer to the 50 and load it with the 135 and elegantly hop on the old gal and drive away.

 

[D7E]

OOH i did'nt realize it was gas, that blows it for me....next !

 

[Martian]

Frank,

Gas definitely hurts the value of the MF. Not quite a deal breaker, but has the possibility. That drops the price for me. If I where you I'd take a step back and compare all your options. Go looking at a bunch of dealers nearby. I think you can get a similar diesel for a similar price. It may be something closer to the Kubota - although I don't believe that Kubota is worth it I think there might be a better deal with it being gas.

I'd really try and keep your MF50 as well - it's a beautiful machine and still have some fun and life left on your property:thumbsup:

 

[ddb123]

I've always heard that gas sucks. When I was tractor shopping the most common advice I heard was buy diesel.

 

[frankroberts]

What is wrong with gas? The current owner said it was a 3 cylinder Perkins and altho rated as the same hp as my MF50 it (the 135) would out pull it (the 50).

Thanks.

 

[Martian]

What is wrong with gas? The current owner said it was a 3 cylinder Perkins and altho rated as the same hp as my MF50 it (the 135) would out pull it (the 50).

Thanks.

Gas isn't bad but a diesel delivers more power.

 

[Mike476]

Don't let gas scare you off, have used mine with a 4 cyl Continental for the past 11 years without an issue. Have used new or newer MF, JD and NH scuts here at my property, saddle clubs doing grounds maintenance and larger tractors helping with haying operations. While power steering, HST / Dyna or shuttle shift make for a less fatiguing day, the simple truth is there's a reason these older tractors are still around, they're engineered and built to last.

I've sometimes wanted more weight on the front end of mine but am limited with the smaller 135 front axle, which I've also been advised here on TBN is why a front end loader for moving material of any weight is not a good idea.

 

[Volfandt]

The Perkins 3 cyl gas is a good engine. I wouldn't be scared off just because its a gas. Like someone posted earlier, I also ran a gas contnental 4 cyl in my 48 TE20 for over 15 yrs without any major engine problems. What problems I did have would be the same as a diesel would have had, R&R the water pump, replace the battery etc. I did have to do a couple tuneups but those parts weren't bank breakers and were easily found at my local TSC. Diesels need occasional fuel filter changes so it's a break even type thing

I brush hogged weekly disc'ed and plowed. It was a good tractor. Hate I sold it. I will allow that I do like my smaller diesel better, but it won't do nearly what the old TE20 did...

Anyways, as with any engine, give it a good going over when ideling & at pto speed, makeing sure theres no extensive knocking or pinging at those speeds.
Make sure theres no oil or smoke blowing out the valve cover vent pipe (a good indicater of the rings are shot). Check all water type connections for anti freeze trails as well as around the head etc for oil leak trails. Check all the gauges.
Go through all the gears and work the hydraulics. You'll know if it's good.

Good luck
Dave