Opinions on MF 263 - Please!

wjb-49 · Jun 17, 2012

Hi everyone!

I am in the market for a good used tractor in the sub $10,000 range to use primarily for haying and bush hogging. I went this afternoon (Sunday is a good time to look - no salesmen) to our local used ag equipment lot and found several interesting tractors. Of the Fords, New Hollands and Massey Fergusons I saw, the MF 263 looked like it would be one to seriously consider. I have tried to research this tractor, but have not found a plethora of information on line. TractorData.com says it was only manufactured from 1998-99 and does not have where it was built. Was it only manufactured for two years because it is a lemon?

Does anyone know if this tractor has any weaknesses I should look for? Also, how can I determine if it has a sliding gear or synchro shuttle transmission?

Thanks for any knowledge shared about the 263!

HCJtractor · Jun 21, 2012

I felt sorry for you! No replies yet. Unfortunately, I can't help either. I've never seen much about that model. Can anyone help wjb??? I had the same need as you and wanted another basic tractor, and bought a Massey 240. You might look for that model. It's very common, easy to work on, and has a great reputation. I also saw a nice Massey 231 on Craigslist recently in Kings Mountain. Do a Craigslist search in your area and I think you will find many Massey Fergusons in your price range. I would rather find one that is more common than the 263, and from an individual rather than a dealer. Nice thing about these Masseys is that most mechanics find them easy to work on and with good parts availibility. Good luck!

wjb-49 · Jun 22, 2012

HCJtractor, Thanks much for your concern regarding my inquiry about the MF 263. It is now a moot subject. At the same dealer I found the MF 263, I saw a nice Ford 4610 and bought it yesterday. It is to be delivered tomorrow and I plan to do some rotary cutting tomorrow afternoon. I liked the MF 263, but was concerned that it is not a Cat. II tractor. Thanks again!

HCJtractor · Jun 25, 2012

You can't get out that easy. We need to see some pictures of your new Ford and some details! When I bought my Massey, I also was considering a Ford. I like those!

SDT · Jul 3, 2012

wjb-49 said:
Hi everyone!

I am in the market for a good used tractor in the sub $10,000 range to use primarily for haying and bush hogging. I went this afternoon (Sunday is a good time to look - no salesmen) to our local used ag equipment lot and found several interesting tractors. Of the Fords, New Hollands and Massey Fergusons I saw, the MF 263 looked like it would be one to seriously consider. I have tried to research this tractor, but have not found a plethora of information on line. TractorData.com says it was only manufactured from 1998-99 and does not have where it was built. Was it only manufactured for two years because it is a lemon?

Does anyone know if this tractor has any weaknesses I should look for? Also, how can I determine if it has a sliding gear or synchro shuttle transmission?

Thanks for any knowledge shared about the 263!

The 263 is an earlier and almost identical version of the later 563 and is a very good small tractor. It has a turbo charged version of the Perkins 202 CI three cylinder engine. Both engine and tractor are well regarded.

I have a 533, smaller 2WD model with non turbo 202 CI Perkins engine, and am currently looking for a good low hour FWA 563 with synchro-chuttle.

SDT

wjb-49 · Sep 1, 2012

HCJtractor said:
You can't get out that easy. We need to see some pictures of your new Ford and some details! When I bought my Massey, I also was considering a Ford. I like those!

Well . . . It has taken a while, but I finally got around to posting pics of my "new-to-me" 4610 Ford tractor.

I really like this tractor, but am having a relatively minor problem with the engine that I am going to post on the Ford\New Holland Forum:
"Could This be a Burned Valve?"

By the way, HCJtractor, I see you are in Columbia, SC. I need to buy a larger rotary cutter for this tractor, the Modern Ag 5' cutter I now have is too small for the 4610 and I am looking at the Hardee 1198W - which, as you know, is made in Loris, SC. That's practically in your back door. Does Hardee have a good reputation in your area? I am concerned that it may be too heavy for the 4610.

Thanks for your interest!