Buying a 165

[rdmytro]

I'm thinking of buying a MF 165. Everything seems to working correcting hydraulics, loader, and it starts and runs nicely. Is there anything I should look for on this model tractor before buying? What are problems with this model tractor as it gets older?

 

[Anonymous-0]

Hi,
Is it Multi-Power and does it have power steering.
Make sure all of the features of MP are working.
Have an assistant move the steering back and forth and look for wear particularly where the main shaft goes through the front axle casting. Wear here as with wear elsewhere will stop the PAS working correctly.
DavidP, South Wales

 

[rdmytro]

It has both multipower and power steering. In addition to power steering, what else should I check?

 

[Finn Md]

you should search prior archives in this site. Big Dean's website provides a long list of things to check. I own a MF 165 and 135.If the Multipower don't work walk away fast. Check usual things like condition of oil and antifreeze. Check brakes when driving, and check each brake individually. These tractor have weak brakes, usually dry disc type. It's possible that it has wet discs - look for square axle with slots in plates (see Big Deans website). If you are not mechanically up to doing brake repairs, it can cost at least $1,000 to have a mechanic fix brakes. White or blue smoke when starting is bad. Let it warm up fully and check oil pressure and temp. Oil pressure should not drop much after warms up. If Tach and temp. and oil guages don't work I'd walk away. 3-pt lift should work - use Position Control with Draft Control fully raised and should be steady. Make sure PTO engages and disengages. Run PTO and push in clutch all the way down, the PTO should stop spinning immediately - but if an implement is attached like a mower it will spin a short while - that's OK. Run it for a good 15-minutes and hopefully it's a keeper. Good rear tires are also expensive - so plan on at least $500 per tire installed if they're shot. Look for oil leak at cotter pins under tractor housing. The pins are there to allow small oil leaks. If cotter pins are missing I'd be concerned someone plugged a serious oil leak.

 

[rdmytro]

Thank your for your help. I will go take a second look at it, and go through your checks. Overall have you been happy with your 165? I looking to use it for hay and moving lumber. I will probably do a little bit of plowing and planting too.