Buying Advice MF 202 loader/backhoe

[Carl in CT]

Hi, I'm new to TBN and could use some advice. I am thinking of getting an older loader/backhoe and I found a Massey Ferguson 202 for $4,000. I am hoping to go look at it tonight. It seems like a decent price if everything works but I don't know a real lot about tractors and was hoping for a little advice.

The guy said it has been well maintained and the only issue is the backhoe has a slight leak in the cylinder so it leaks down in about 30 seconds from full upright. Sounds like more than a minor leak to come down that fast but he swears the backhoe still has tons of power, he just chains it up to move the tractor around. I'm OK with that as long as it really is OK to keep running it like that for a while until I can get the cylinder rebuilt. I don't know how much that would cost.

Are there any obvious red flags I should look for without being a tractor mechanic? Does that seem like a fair price if it's in decent shape? I tried to attach pics, hopefully they came through.

Thanks

- Carl

 

[jlsmith]

Thats not a bad price but it will cost 3 to 5 hundred to fix the cylinder depending on which one it is. just check for knocks and keep plenty on hyd fluid in it till u get it fixed. Im a MF dealer and would b glad to help u any way i can.

 

[Carl in CT]

Thanks jlsmith. I'm hoping to bring my friend who is a tractor mechanic with me but I can't get ahold of him so I may be on my own. The owner of this machine says he looses about a teaspoon of hyd fluid every time he uses the backhoe for a while (not sure how long "a while" is) but it is not gushing out by any means. Are you near CT if I need to get a cylinder rebuilt and I can't hire my buddy to do it?

 

[Carl in CT]

Anyone else have any thoughts on the price if it's in decent shape or any general opinions on that model tractor?

 

[Carl in CT]

Well, I did not get a chance to look at this tractor as I had hoped but maybe that's for the best. The guy has changed his ad to include details he did not share with me over the phone. It's a 1958, it smokes a bit/burns oil, he thinks it needs new rings and it says it has it has a few leaking hydraulic cylinders. He has reduced the price to $3,500 firm. Turns out it is not in CT as he stated before but it's in RI so it may not be feasible for me to go get it either. So now the question is in light of these new negative details does $3,500 seem fair assuming there are not other issues that we know about?

 

[doall]

I think you should look around some more. Don't want to build an engine and a cylinder do you? But its not a terrible price.

 

[Carl in CT]

No, I don't want to rebuild an engine right now. Actually it might be fun if I had a garage to work in, time to work on it, etc. Hard enough working on my cars, lawn mowers and house nights/weekends as it is. I dunno, if it doesn't smoke too bad maybe I could put off the rebuild for a while. It's just for homeowner use, digging out some stumps, rearranging one of our wonderful New England stone walls, etc.

 

[racerboy832]

Not to Jump in but, My Father in Law has a 1957 350 International Utility Tractor with front loader and backhoe. He's getting ready to sell it cause he has no use for it. He is in Danbury Connecticut. He said he wanted $4000 but would take $3500 for it. If you or anyone is interested let me know. I can pass on his #. Thank.

 

[jlsmith]

Not a bad price but would check around. Like the other guy said, may need alot of work and money.

 

[Carl in CT]

Busy week, anyway now the guy has dropped the price to $3,000, here is his latest ad.

"strong unit in operational condition. Everything is functional. It has a very easy to work on 4 cylinder gas engine. This tractor will need an overhual in future. It has a couple leaky hydraulic cylinders and it smokes quite a bit. It has had three new hydraulic lines installed, fuel tank flushed out and oil changed. Also has aftermarket alternator. Sold with manuals. Rebuild kit costs $700 for this unit. Hydraulic seals are $15 each. I am letting this go for $3000 because I am moving and need money. I will not go any less then that, so please don't call with the intention of getting an awsome deal when I am already giving one."

So the price seems OK as long as I don't mind either overhauling the motor in the near future or hoping it holds together long enouigh for me to do my work. Then I could sell it and let the next guy know the problems so he can deal with it. I'd probably want a tractor for a while though, maybe the overhaul would be worth it in the next year or so, just don't have time to deal with it right away.