MF 1085

[Anonymous-0]

I"m looking to get a larger tractor and am considering a 1085. Seems like they are better priced than comparable IH or Deere"s. Any reason not to consider one? Do they have different types of transmissions? Is one better than the other. I appreciate your help.

 

[unclemerle]

Save yourself a lot of headaches and find a good 1100/1105 or 1130/1135

Merle

 

[phillip d]

I second that motion lol.Unless you are willing to have that fuel pump turned down to make 65 hp,leave it on the lot.At 65 they work great,at 85-95 and being made to use every last drop of hp,they are misery in red and silver paint,oh roof is white lol.

 

[Allly Cat]

They are nothing but a problem child. They have a lot of head gasket trouble for one thing. Save your money.

 

[Welding man]

318 CU.IN. nightmare. Pops headgaskets like popcorn.

 

[blunosr]

Wow! Those are some pretty negative comments about the 1085. How does it compare to the 1080? That was the earlier version, right?

I have a 1080 and it runs like a top, although the lift doesn't work. I assume it's going to mean splitting the tractor and rebuilding the pump. Might as well put in a new PTO clutch since I'm in there. As far as the engine and transmission goes, I'm very happy with it. And I think it also has the 318 Perkins.

Bye for now,

Troy Boyd

 

[odiie1]

How about the 285? Are there any other models to avoid? I"m still interested in getting a massey around 80-100 horse.

 

[Anonymous-0]

285 is bullet proof very good all around tractor

 

[unclemerle]

Odiie1
285 is the same tractor as the 1085 only different sheet metal. I own a 1080 and will give you some good and bad points about it. Good points; motor sips fuel and starts whenever I need it. Very nimble and easy to manuver around the farm yard. Have a Westendorf WL-40 loader with a 7' bucket on it and handles it well. Bad points; Motor has been overhauled 3 times and if your mechanic doesn't put the balancer back together right it will vibrate to beat heck. No float option on the aux hydraulics. 3 point is OK but dont lift heavy loads as the final planitarys can't take it (been there done that and $$$ to fix). Parts for the motor are hard to find and expencive. If you don't believe me try finding a new/used exhaust manifold and you better be sitting down when they tell you the price. If you are starting out with nothing go for a 1100/05 1130/35 they made a ton of these tractors and parts are cheap. plus they are a larger frame tractor and can take more use and abuse. It's your money and do as you please but when my 1080 lays down it will be sent to the scrapper and replaced with a 1105.

Merle

 

[unclemerle]

phillip hit it right on the head. Its an awesome 65hp tractor, but if you work the crap out of it it will crap out on you. It's a fairly large tractor and wants to run with the big boys but can't.

 

[odiie1]

Thanks for all the info.

 

[Make mine a Massey]

I've got both a 1085 ( 2 ) and a 285. 1085 can't decide if it's a little big tractor or a big little tractor. Good units but not enough hp for the weight. Great on fuel, easy starting, watch the hydraulics ( all internal ), head gaskets have not been a problem, but have replaced both. The cab is large enough that even on a hot day, you can find a shady spot and roomy enough for half the family. 285 feels light footed, a far nicer tractor to drive , esp with deluxe cab, cheap cab not as welcoming but will keep you dry., both will do a good days work, between the two, go with the 285, but 1085 is cheaper on most lots, ( hobby farmers don't want them ), so more bang for buck.

 

[Erik Ks farmer]

I second Merle, have owned a 1085, 1105 and 1135. The 1105 and 1135 are far more comfortable to operate and less inclined to mechanical malfunction.

 

[Erik Ks farmer]

Do you by chance happen to be in Missouri? We recently traded a 1085 to a Mo dealer...just curious.

 

[Don-Wi]

Our 285 is bullet proof. It's got around 7000 hours on it, been rebuilt around 6200 hours. It was used as the big tractor on our farm for years and it held up just fine. We would put on duals and pull a 12 or 14' cultivator that worked the snot out of it, and use it to hay all summer.

It still does the haying, but rarely does heavy tillage anymore. It now lives on the manure spreader quite a bit, and hauls wagons while chopping. Great tractor. I think ours tips the scales around 10,500 lbs.

Donovan from Wisconsin