MF65 info needed

[Ingersoll444]

Well, looks like I have a chance to pick up a "new" tractor. :bannana:

It is an old MF65. Dont know too much about it other then it runs, has a new clutch, and wille dirty, and faded is in REAL nice shape Tin wise.

Now to get this, it would mean replacing the old N I am working on. Realy the only way I can justafy getting it, is if it will do all I need a tractor for. What are my limitations with this tractor? I know it has a two stage clutch, what will give it live PTO right? What about the hydro? Are they live in this model. I know it has MUCH more hp then the little N, and will do fine with my 5' cutter,[probably a 6 footer would be better] but what about other attachments? A post hole digger, a loader maybe? Any info would be great!! Thanks!

[Alleyyooper]

My dad had a 1960 model diesel MF 65. It did have live PTO and I think the 3 point lift was also live. Dad pulled a 3 bottom trailer type plow In high range 3d gear on most of the farms clay loam fields. It handled a 12 foot wheeled disk with ease as well as an older 10ft feild cultivator. He had a 5 ft rototiller that he used to work moms garden with. That tractor just crawled so slow you needed to set up match sticks to see it move when tilling. Needless to say with the Live PTO and the low range making two speeds in reverse it worked the Ber Vac 6 foot snow blower with ease.
My humble option:: it is a much better tractor than the N just on the horse power stand point. Not to mention the power steering, two speed high low ranges to the trans Plus the mutli power. Live power and bigger sized PTO shaft also go a long way.
With the power steering it would make useing a Front loader a nice addition to the equipment for it.

[Ingersoll444]

No PS on this one. Not sure if it could be added though. Sounds like it would be MORE then enough tractor to keep me happy for a LONG!!!!! time!!!!!


Any thing else? Anything to look for?

[parts man]

Paul, although I'm not a big Massey fan, that 65 is a fine tractor, big jump up from an N IMHO. Is it gas or diesel? Not that that matters much for home-owner use, one is as good as the other, and a gas will actually start easier for snow removal duties etc.
A gas would have a Continental G176 engine, if diesel, a Perkins AD 4.203, both are good strong engines, and parts are readily availlable for either.
It will easily handle a loader ( a real plus to me personally), but don't overload the bucket, a 65 has some front axle issues. One thing to check is the bushings in the front axle pivot, and the knees. Not a deal breaker, just some maintenance stuff to be aware of. :fing32:

[Ingersoll444]

Its a gas powerd tractor. For my use a diesel would be nice, but realy not needed for my use.

Great info on the loader. See to "sell" this to the CFO, I have to convence her it is not something I am going to grow out of, and that it would do all I need. So far it's looking that way.

[Alleyyooper]

Yes you have to watch the spindle bushings on the wide front end models. Dad bought the tractor used and the spindles were loose then. He was going to do a spindle bushing replacement in the fall but one spindle broke. He did it in mid summer and found the parts at a local dealer. His PTO also stopped working, The clutches just wore out and was a farily simple job to fix.
I might add that even though my dad is no longer living that 65 is. My brother has it and uses it in his garden and also runs the Ber Vac yet every winter.
I also am not a Ford N basher, they are fine tractors. I just have to say in this neck of the woods they are very over priced for the power and years compaired to other uitlty tractors such as the MF 65, Oliver 55, & 555, IH 300, 350 and 400, Case vac's with 3 point as well as the 300and 400 series. More modern tractors at less money in most cases with more features.
The N's sell so well due to their great rep and size.

[Ingersoll444]

OK, well I might be swinging by to look at this tractor agean this weekend. Anything I should look for, or check out? Any problem aeras on the old MF's that I should keep an eye open for?

[Mickey]

I had a 165D for a few yrs and it was one sweet tractor. Don't know what real changes were made on this upgrade but in all the yrs I had it the only thing that needed fix'n was a worn out seal on the PTO shaft. When I had this tractor I was in the custom haying business and this tractor earned its keep. The first cut is always heavy and there were times I was mowing grass as high as the top of the hood. Pulled a 7' mower/conditioner and new JD bailer. Could bail over 30 tons a day with this set-up. Never had any problem starting the diesel in the winter but typ only get to low 30's here. Had a hard time getting it to burn gal/hr while working. Freind had same tractor with the gas engine and except for increased fuel usage in the gas model his tractor was a real work horse as well.

I can't speak well enough about my Massey.

[parts man]

OK, well I might be swinging by to look at this tractor agean this weekend. Anything I should look for, or check out? Any problem aeras on the old MF's that I should keep an eye open for?


Paul, mainly check for the usual things, no smoke, no unusual noises from engine or tranny, and check the hydraulics, go up and down OK, lift and hold a reasonable amount of weight, and of course the front axle.
The front axle and hydraulics are not deal breakers, just to be aware of maintenance stuff that may need attention shortly that will jack up your actual $$ into the tractor. ;)

[Ingersoll444]

Well I lost out on the 65. It sold two days ago. BUT!! see my other post. I found something just as good!!