MF 175

[21hunter]

I would like to get a utility tractor for loader work and mowing that"s around 50-60 HP. It looks like a 175 Diesel is one of the best in fuel efficiency amongst the different makes. I see some are listed as a square axle. Is this a better transmission/ differential on these tractors with a square axle? Also; are there any years that are better than others? Are there any other problems that I should steer clear of? A local tractor jockey says that hydraulic systems are a weak link on many Massey"s, don"t know if there is any truth to that. Any advice on the 175 or similar model would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
 

[samn40]

Most but not all square axles are wet brakes and this is the best axle.You will know if it is a wet brake axle if there are notches on the trumpet housing flange, the number of notches equals the number of brake discs.Although my photo is of a new tractor it still has the type of axle that is best, note the 4 notches. These hydraulics set the standard that others tried to follow!!! But the flow rate of the linkage pump is slow for a loader. Look for a tractor with an auxillary pump inside and combine the flows to get fast loader cycles or fit a front mounted pump.
Sam

 

[gbs]

175's were good tractors just make sure the power steering works right even if the rest of the tractor is ok, if not you will be sick of it with a loader if the steering isn't right,i would look for the newer models 255,265,275 to start with, they are basically the same tractor but most came with hydrostatic steering,different pedal types, wet or dry brakes,wet brakes are the best,most came with an auxiliary pump and at least one remote valve, yes the hyd flow isn't as much as some others but some have a valve that ties the lift pump to the auxiliary giving more flow i have a loader on a 255 it works fine for even though it's not quite as fast as some others i've used i like it
 

[21hunter]

Thanks for the good advice. I wonder why the 175's were better on fuel than the newer models (255, 265, 275) with the same engine? Different pump settings? More advance?
 

[jogl]

We like our 175's for working in vegetables. But I don't think that I would use one for a loader tractor. The steering is the weak link on these.

The later models had a better steering set up (only one spline on the steering shaft, not two).

As mentioned look for the better hydraulics too.

JP.
 

[EJ 70]

I like mine. I use it for loader work, moving bales and mowing. I have a front mounted aux. pump that just runs the 34 loader. It is very good on fuel. 3900 hours and going strong despite being abused by its former owner.
 

[21hunter]

That's good. I'd like to find a decent one for sale in the Ohio area.
 

[EJ70]

MF31 is basically the same tractor as the 175 except it's the industrial version w/ non adjustable front axle. Just incase you see one advertised. I have a 31 and it does a great job for my needs as well.