Massey Ferguson 243 opinions

[geneP]

Stripping and painting the sheet metal, reversing the lift arms, repairing /replacing the tach, and a seat are pretty much it. I can disassemble and strip/prep the metal this winter. I would probably have the sheet metal professionally painted with a good grade of paint since red fades do badly.

It just seems rare to find a MF in this size/age tractor with the horsepower, synchronized trans, and hydraulic remotes in my area anyway.

I think I'm going to wait for the owner to return from off shore and ask him to go over it with me.

 

[masseyrider]

I had a 243 and it was a very good tractor. The 8x8 tranny is synchronized in the 1-4 gear choice but not H to L. The shuttle is mechanical and you must stop to change direction. The Pto could be either live or independent. The first time you clutch you'll know if it is a 2 stage or not. Only thing I didn't like is that it sounds like a can of rocks until it warms up. The emission controls ****** the timing until it reaches temp. You can audibly hear it change sound when that happens. Do not engage the pto at rpms over 1500. When disengaging let it wind down to maybe 12-1400 to avoid damage. This is true of other tractors to with independent pto. The red paint is chronic for fading thanks to the newer environmentally friendly paints. I know 70s Masseys that have retained better color than my 3 that are circa 2007 and always barn kept. Good on fuel, reasonable parts cost, good power to weight, if it is truly 600 hours or even a 1000 sounds like it should be a decent tactor.