231 massey

[scott-in-mich]

Gentlemen, I'm a farmall guy, but looking to trade a couple of them for a 231 massey. Any help you can give,I'd be thankful for. Is it a good,sound tractor? Will be using it mostly for snow plowing and brush hogging. It has a Perkins 3cyl. diesel, 807 hrs. on it. It's a 19996 model. What's the difference between a 231 and a 231s? As always, thanks for any and all replys. Scott.
 

[Gearhead210]

That is a sweet little tractor, the 3 cyl diesels are a bulletproof powerhouse. I don't know the difference between of the "S" model, but with one that has that low of hours on it it would be a great tractor
 

[TonyW.I.]

We have a 231 we bought brand new. Had a bearing fail in rear end at 400hrs, other than that its been pretty a pretty durable tractor. We use it a lot with bush hog mower and is really handy in cow yard with a blade, nice with 2 bottom plow in gardens and food plots also. I would suggest putting a brush guard in front of radiator for brush work. We had a stick go thru the grill into the radiator and had to wait for a month for a new radiator to come from europe. Also it has a road speed of like 24 mph!
 

[231 MF]

A 231 is a good tractor. I think the S model is made in another country like Turkey or something like that. 807 hours isn't even broken in yet on the engine. Very fuel efficient too.
 

[curtis larson]

The 231 was built in Poland. The 231S Had Swing clutch and brake peddles.They were just the next model.
 

[FBH44]

I have a 240-S, made in Turkey. Near as can be told, it is identical to the 240. Just made by Uzel, Turkey. The Perkins engine sips fuel, is very powerful. Great tractors. Parts easy to get from Agco dealers.
 

[Dean]

The 231 is the late 1980s/early 1990s version of the 135, which is a highly regarded small utility tractor.

The Perkins diesel versions are the most common and most desireable.

A couple of issues to be aware of: Dry drum brakes and fully UN-synchronized, sliding-gear transmission.

I have a 2007 533, which is the 2007 version. Aside from a few upgrades, 50 more cubic inches and a few more HP, it is much the same. It's been a good mowing work horse aside from a broken lower lift pin at 245 hours, which AGCO refused to repair under warranty, due to elapsed time, and a few other incidentals.

Note: You will need chains for MI snow removal.

Dean
 

[495man]

[Tom in VA]

Scott,
I purchased my 231 in 1999 because it was a lot of bang for the buck when compared to other tractors on the market at that time. Not as many refinements as the compact tractors of similar age but a lot more tractor for the money. It is used for mostly property maintenance now, bush hogging, mowing, tilling and some sickle bar mowing. I have also done a fair amount of grading with it.

I love it and it’s been a reliable tractor. I’d buy another one without hesitation. The Perkins engine starts easy and runs well. Plenty of power, it easily handles the 6’ tiller in heavy sod. The power steering turns easier than a car.

Only one cautionary note, if you are planning to put a loader on it, you will need the auxiliary hydraulic pump. The pumps are kind of pricey which might make you consider buying a tractor that already has a loader and sufficient hydraulic capacity. Other than that I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a well maintained 231.