Looking at the MF 245's

[TexasAirCooler]

Hello all,

Yea I new to the site, I'm on a quest to get a better tractor than the 2010 JD I'm ready to see go. I only learned of it's many problems after I got one because at that time there weren't any forums to educate myself on.

I'm looking at the 45 - 55 hp range to handle my 22 acres and power my bailer. What are the problems with the 245 - 255's I should know about?

Any help would be great.

Thanks

 

[Farmwithjunk]

245 is essentially a modernized MF135. Really good tractors. Check front axle pivot and steering for excesssive wear, then the usual "used tractor" items. Nothing stands out as problematic on that tractor. The 255 is an updated version of the 165. There was an engine upgrade in late 70's. A "good engine" was replaced with a "better engine". Check condition of brakes. 255's will have wet brakes. They're all that when in good shape, but not so much once worn out. Time for new brakes means time to spend a few bucks. Otherwize, not much to complain about with 255's either. VERY sound tractors.

 

[TexasAirCooler]

Thanks, I checked out a 245 today... While testing it out I quickly remembered what I didn't care about on my old 8N, the PTO set up. So I'm going to have to set my level a little higher.

 

[rankrank1]

Thanks, I checked out a 245 today... While testing it out I quickly remembered what I didn't care about on my old 8N, the PTO set up. So I'm going to have to set my level a little higher.

An 8n and 245 PTO set-up are different so I am not sure what you mean. Either 245 PTO set-up possibilities will be far superior in comparison to an 8N.

8N = Push foot clutch in and tractor stops, PTO stops working, and hydraulics stop working.

245 (8 speed model): Most have what is known as 2 stage clutch. Push foot clutch in halfway and tractor stops, but both PTO and hydraulics still work. Push foot clutch in the rest of way and then PTO and hydraulics both stop working too.

245 (multi-power equiped models): Will have independant PTO operation that is not affected by pushing in the foot clutch at all.

FWIW: I just test drove a 245 last week. I liked the tractor okay enough, but the aftermarket loader that was on it prevented the rear wheels from being adjusted in narrow enough for my preferences - plus the price was too high.