i've been browsing the market for a used tractor in the 50 or so hp range and the mf165 is what i keep looking for over any jd, ford, international. they seem to be priced a few dollars lower than the others when comparing the same features: diesel, decent tires, decent body. i've read several posts about the mf135 being a great tractor but have yet to read anything on here (good or bad) about the 165, is there a reason for that?
MF165 quality?
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JerryG
Super Member
The size of the 135 was a lot more popular. The 165 is almost the exact same tractor with better brakes.
Nasty135
Veteran Member
First let me say that I am NO expert, But I have been told that the two best tractors MASSEY ever made were the 135 & 165 , so you may be looking for a winner... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Good Hunting..
Good Hunting..
sweettractors
Advertiser
In my opinion,The 165 was one of the toughest tractors MF ever made. This said, it is a little bigger tractor than most hobby farmers need mowing the yard or doing small wildlife foodplots. My brother in law has one that probably has at least 12,000 hours on it and still running fine (he did do a engine overhaul at about 9000 hrs)--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Over 75 sets of used 2 and 3 bottom turning plows in stock today*
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Over 75 sets of used 2 and 3 bottom turning plows in stock today*
Charolais
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The only problems I've seen with the 165 or any MF is with the multi power option. When these units get a lot of hours/wear they tend to leak oil from the transmission in to the clutch area. If I remember right there's a hollow shaft used for the multi power units. That's whare the oil comes by once this shaft and seals wear. Other than that the MF of that time were some real tough tractors. We ran the 135 and 150 here. The 150 has the same engine as the 135 but on a larger frame with more weight. Great tractors but always had brake problems on those models. The tractors you're looking at may not have multi-power. One other - with multi-power is you can't roll the tractor down a hill or pull it to start the engine. It will also free wheel down hill with multi-power.
JerryG
Super Member
<font color="blue"> with multi-power is you can't roll the tractor down a hill or pull it to start the engine. It will also free wheel down hill with multi-power. </font>
That is only on the low side.
That is only on the low side.
Birdhunter1
Veteran Member
On the high side it will not free wheel down a hill.
The 165 is one heck of a machine!
The 165 is one heck of a machine!
thanks for all the input, now i can chew my wife's butt for not letting me bid on one at an auction that went for $2900. it had brand new tires but he power steering was out. other than that, it just looked like a good old tractor. well i'm glad to know that i'm looking in the right direction as far as a specific model goes. i'll let you all know if i find myself a great deal.
rlee6
Silver Member
May I ask about parts availability? Are there companies making new parts? Or from junk yards? Thanks.
rlee6
Silver Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( In my opinion,The 165 was one of the toughest tractors MF ever made. This said, it is a little bigger tractor than most hobby farmers need mowing the yard or doing small wildlife foodplots. My brother in law has one that probably has at least 12,000 hours on it and still running fine (he did do a engine overhaul at about 9000 hrs)--Ken Sweet )</font>
How much would it cost to get engine overhaul of this kind of machine? I am looking for the same kind of machine and would like to know approximate cost of engine repair. Thanks.
How much would it cost to get engine overhaul of this kind of machine? I am looking for the same kind of machine and would like to know approximate cost of engine repair. Thanks.
Birdhunter1
Veteran Member
Massey Ferguson isstill in business and makes new parts for the entire tractor.
As for the engine rebuild, unless it runs extremely poor do not rebuild it unless you are going to use it alot.
As for the engine rebuild, unless it runs extremely poor do not rebuild it unless you are going to use it alot.
Your best source for parts will not be from a Massey dealer but from an aftermarket dealer who gets parts from Tisco, A&I, Sparex, etc. They make "like quality" parts that sell for less $$.
About the motor job, like was mentioned unless it just won't run you should not even think about rebuilding it. However, a complete motor job can range from $2300-$2800 depending on how the crank looked.
About the motor job, like was mentioned unless it just won't run you should not even think about rebuilding it. However, a complete motor job can range from $2300-$2800 depending on how the crank looked.
sweettractors
Advertiser
<font color="blue"> How much would it cost to get engine overhaul of this kind of machine? </font>
I agree with the others, Dont overhaul, unless it is really bad and then have it done by a authorized dealer that will give you a limited warranty. I have seen $4000 spent on a lot of overhauls on these type tractors and nothing was gained, just money thown away. --Ken Sweet
I agree with the others, Dont overhaul, unless it is really bad and then have it done by a authorized dealer that will give you a limited warranty. I have seen $4000 spent on a lot of overhauls on these type tractors and nothing was gained, just money thown away. --Ken Sweet
Farmwithjunk
Super Member
Avoid the gasser version if at all possible. I was in the Massey dealer today. He said engine parts are getting mighty scarce. The last one they overhauled , they had to order all the parts individually, as opposed to a "kit". Just barely managed to scrounge up everything they needed.
But the diesel? If you find one, and DON'T want it, let me know. I've got it in my head I'm gonna own one someday. VERY fine tractor!
But the diesel? If you find one, and DON'T want it, let me know. I've got it in my head I'm gonna own one someday. VERY fine tractor!
rlee6
Silver Member
Actually, I am going to see an MF30 Industrial, which is MF165 + stiffer front axle/loader (I was told so.). The owner has just overhauled the engine and the price is up in the $8000 range, with a few other implements. It will be a learning experience. If you have any advice, please let me hear all that you have. Many thanks.
5030
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Ken:
I have to add a few things. Everyone around here knows I am a Kubota guy but I have a Massey 1085 12 x 12 multi power, dry braked with a 318 Perkins too.
I see the power steering unit is out and that can be kind of expensive especially if it is the pump which, as you know dosen't hold a lot of fluid and needs to be checked often. I'd also say that Perkins Diesels don't like either, it tends to break rings. Much better to have a block heater. I know this for a fact...I have to rebuild my 318 this summer, it's wet stacking and it's my own fault. Keep the clutch throwout bearing greased and watch the freeplay, remember, it's a twin plate and keep an eye on the outboard planetaries, they need to be checked to make sure they have enough gear oil. Perkins are great on fuel, don't smoke much and overall, all older Massey's are well built ag tractors. I can't speak for the new ones.
I have to add a few things. Everyone around here knows I am a Kubota guy but I have a Massey 1085 12 x 12 multi power, dry braked with a 318 Perkins too.
I see the power steering unit is out and that can be kind of expensive especially if it is the pump which, as you know dosen't hold a lot of fluid and needs to be checked often. I'd also say that Perkins Diesels don't like either, it tends to break rings. Much better to have a block heater. I know this for a fact...I have to rebuild my 318 this summer, it's wet stacking and it's my own fault. Keep the clutch throwout bearing greased and watch the freeplay, remember, it's a twin plate and keep an eye on the outboard planetaries, they need to be checked to make sure they have enough gear oil. Perkins are great on fuel, don't smoke much and overall, all older Massey's are well built ag tractors. I can't speak for the new ones.
