Massey Ferguson 1736 Review

The bloodlines of Massey Ferguson run back well over 100 years, with the brand itself running back to 1958. They have become renowned for building sturdy tractors that can survive the rigors of farm work, but are also easy to use. This has given Massey a great reputation in both the ag community where they are relied on to power a farm, as well as for part-time tractor users.

Under the Hood

The 1736 sports a Mitsubishi K38 engine under the Massey Red hood. This 1.7L, 3-cylinder diesel is rated at 36.2 horsepower at 2500 RP, and it is intercooled and turbocharged. Through the use of electronic engine management, it works smoothly and efficiently. The engine meets Tier 4 requirements for clean air emissions, through the use of an automated diesel particulate filter.

The engine needs to be powerful, to power the four-wheel drive tractor along. The front axle is cast steel, with a center drive line. A differential lock is engage through a heel pedal to the right of the driver seat. The brakes, meanwhile, are internal wet disc brakes with individual control through independent foot pedals.

Two Distinct Transmissions

Massey recognizes that different applications may need different types of transmissions. That’s why two distinct types are available on the 1738, either the mechanical transmission, or the hydrostatic transmission.

The mechanical transmission is a 12×12 power shuttle transmission, with a wet multi-disc clutch. It has four synchronized gears across three non-synchronized ranges. It is controlled through a pair of shift levers to the left of the seat. A power shuttle, which is to the left side of the steering wheel, allows the operator to shift from forward to reverse with one throw – perfect for loader work.

The 3-range hydrostatic transmission, on the other hand, allows for simplicity and control, letting you go at infinite speeds through using the foot pedal, and choosing the range through the in-line lever to the left of the steering wheel. This transmission comes with push-button cruise control, auto throttle, and a stall guard function for ease of use.

Operator Platform

The ergonomically sound operator platform features a flat deck with rubber mat for grip getting in out of the driver’s seat, as well as cushioning during use. The open-air platform features a foldable ROPS with marker lights that protects in the case of a rollover, but can be folded for storage or where lower clearance is needed.

The platform has left and right side steps, so the user can get in and out from either side. Suspended foot pedals and a suspended vinyl seat with armrests make for steady driving even over rough terrain. The tilt steering wheel can be adjusted for comfort, and the front dash is a mix of analog and digital readouts.

The controls themselves are well-labeled, and color coded. Many of them are mounted on the solid steel fenders, with the 3-point hitch controls and loader joystick on the right hand side. The hand throttle and PTO controls are right next to the steering wheel, so you don’t have to take your hand off for too long.

PTOs and 3-Point Hitch

Every 1736 sports an independent rear PTO that operates at 540 RPM, which is pretty much the industry standard. It is engaged electro-hydraulically, through the use of a twist knob on the front dash. A wet clutch improves the durability of the PTO, but the most impressive feature of the PTO system is the modulation button that feathers the start-up to avoid shock load damage

An optional mid-PTO is perfect for driving power brooms, snow blowers, mid mowers, and various other attachments that need to be powered. The operator can select the gear through the use of a hand lever, and they use the rear PTO button to engage the PTO. The three point hitch, with its fender-mounted controls, is rated at 2,535 pounds at 24”.

Design and Measurements

The 1736 falls under the “compact utility” designation, and certainly fits the bill. Its impressive list of features is squeezed into a length of only 122 inches. The wheelbase is 69.7 inches, while the width is 64.2 inches, providing for a stable base for the tractor to operate on. The overall weight with the ROPS is 3,362 pounds; with the Cab, the base weight rises to 3,803 pounds.

Available Cab

While all Massey Ferguson 1736 models come with the open platform as standard, the available cab allows the tractor to be used year-round for folks who might want to plow or blow snow. It has two lockable doors, and opening side and rear windows. A 6-post ROPS protects in the case of rollover. Front and rear working lights make dusk and night work easier, while amber marker lights make the tractor more visible.

A cab isn’t just about protection, it’s also for comfort. The cab that is available on the 1736 comes with HVAC and a replaceable cabin air filter standard. To help visibility, there are mirrors on both sides, as well as front and rear windshield wipers. Finally, if the user want to hear tunes instead of the chugging engine, the cab is pre-wired for a stereo unit, and comes with speakers.