Mf 203 parts cross over with other models

[reid070]

Hello all
My first post here. I'm picking up a mid sixties 203 soon. It's in decent mechanical shape, and runs well. It's rough around the edges though. I'm not wanting to do a restoration, so I'll be looking at used parts. Wondering what parts will cross over to other models. Definitely need fenders, and the electrical and gauges are shot. Thanks Steve

 

[MF Workbull]

Welcome to this site and to the exclusive Workbull club! I've had my 203 loader/hoe for about 4 years and have done a ton of work to it. Mine was missing a fender and I bought one from a guy who only deals with Ford 8Ns and it matched the other side so there's an option. Gauges and most electrical pieces are common, too. Parts in general for these tractors aren't hard to come by (except backhoe parts are). Like everyone says, get the manuals first. Also, check agco.com by clicking on "view books" as a guest user and then you can start comparing numbers. Good luck!

 

[reid070]

Thanks for the help Mf Work bull. That website for parts is very helpful . Looks like I shouldn't have any trouble sourcing the parts I will need. My first priority will be the gauges and electrical which are a mess. It has a 1 wire alternator on it now so that is a help. Unfortunately this one doesn't come with the backhoe , which I think would have been a model 220? Some time over the last 50 years the hoe ended up going for scrap. Any idea if a model 222 hoe will fit? There is one for sale not far from here. Any problem areas you've ran into I need to be on the watch for? Thanks Steve

 

[MF Workbull]

The hoe on my tractor is the MF222. It's a little too big for me (there were optional boom lengths and mine is the longer one) but better than too small. Make sure your transmission shifter boots are in good shape and that the fill plug has an o-ring to keep water out (how are all the fluids?). It's very important to check to see if the weephole in the bottom of the bellhousing is clear by means of a cotterpin. This series of tractors are known to be built like tanks so with average use and care, they'll last a long time.

 

[reid070]

Trans/ hydraulic fluid and filter were changed recently . Oil looks good . I'll change the engine oil asap . Will need to check the oil in the planetaries though. The shifter boots have some weather cracking , I'll replace them right away . The 222 hoe for sale locally came of a 3165 which uses different sills and top links I believe . ( 3165 had model 200 loader the 203 has a model 102.) So this might require some fab work ,not sure how much. Do you need to remove the lift arms to mount the 222? I may look for a 220 hoe instead as I don't think you have to remove anything to mount it up.
Steve

 

[MF Workbull]

To remove this hoe I unscrew the nuts on the two tension rods which free up the two top links for removal, then operate the stabilizers to "lift" the hoe off the bottom sills, drive inches away, disconnect the supply/return hoses and then reconnect the tractor hoses to make the loop. It will then stand by itself on the bucket and two stabilizers.