MF 205 as-is

[ironhat]

This little unit has been sitting on the lot for a couple of months. I called and it's listed at $2250, as-is. It's a 2 cyl diesel, 20HP, 2WD. It looks to be in pretty rough shape so it would need some TLC. I can't speak to the engine since I haven't fired it up yet but I'm quesitoning the price for a 23 year old tractor, at best.

So, what's your opinion on pricing (I know, not much to go on) and what more should I look for when I get to go over it thoroughly. I don't know diesels from shinola. This unit would be for occassional use at my cabin, maintaining the road, dragging logs and pulling a cart is about all.

TIA,
Chiz

[LMTC]

60 year old Fords in various "N" models bring that kind of money. The larger issue is where you would get parts. I think you'll find that since Massey no longer has a contract with the manufacturer of that tractor they will have very few parts available, and I don't know of any consistent source for them. You can buy an 18HP 2wd yanmar YM1500 of the same vintage, with an OSHA approved ROPS, overrunning coupler, all new english decals, and a 6 month parts/labor warranty on the powertrain from a credible dealer for about $3600. I realize that's a bit more than the price you list, but it will have a quality paint job, be warrantied, and have a ton of aftermarket parts available (our catalog is 158 pages long now). The first time you can't get a major part for this unit will leave you with a $2000+ lawn ornament.

Definitely research the make/model before putting any money down.

[mark777]

Chiz,

I'm inclined to agree with LMTC. We have spent days researching Toyosha parts for a similar model. It was an AC 5020 which, like some Hinomoto, Simplicity and MF tractors share the same Japanese platform. It took us 2 weeks to find everything necessary for an overhaul but many of the parts dictated going back to standard bore as .020 over pistons, rings and main/rod bearings are no longer available.

By the time the parts were located, machine shop pricing and all the ancillary items totaled...it was more than the customer was willing to spend. He did, in fact, give us the tractor in lieu of the tear down and other labor.

[Durwood]

Chiz,
He did, in fact, give us the tractor in lieu of the tear down and other labor.

Awful nice of him Mark to give you a free lawn ornament. A person can make a monumental mistake if they don't do their homework on these tractors before they buy. No parts availabilty makes it no good deal at all , no matter what the price.


Dur

[mark777]

........

Definitely research the make/model before putting any money down.


Dur,

This is one of those situations where I'm guilty of NOT doing what LMTC closed with. I could have saved Norm (tractor owner) and myself lots of headaches by calling on parts availability before I tore into it. I assumed it was a typical, and well supported diesel engine that smoked badly and a re-ring, liners and valve job would have been plenty sufficient to put it back into service. Boy, was I wrong.

This is the same 2/3 rds. tractor that Cleatus picked up and is working on an alternative re-power.

Mark

[ironhat]

Now, see, this is why I belong to boards where people have more brains and experience than I do. I once looked into some of the Japanese tractors but by the time I paid the shipping to south central PA I was priced out of the market. I was so impressed with my study of these units that I considered dealing them. I lost that ambition when a friend in TN bought the 3 tractor minimum six months ago and is still sitting on two. Anyway, thanks for putting all of this into perspective. Oh yea, I'm not keen on the Ford 'N's. I had a friend years ago who couldn't keep seals in his 9-N's rear axle causing his brake shoes to be saturated and nearly useless. I don't know if it was just his sloppy mechanical ability or not - he was generally pretty capable.
Later,
Chiz