MF 165

[TerryB Illinois]

There is a local auction coming up that has a really nice MF 165. I am not sure if it's gas or diesel or what year it is. It has been well taken care
of and is in great running condition along with looking way above average. I have a couple questions. What ball park amount would be
considered a fair price and what size implements can I expect it to pull? I currently have an 8N and would be selling it. I know you can't
compare the 2, that's why I am wanting to upgrade.

I currently own a MF 231 with a loader that I will be keeping. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Crookedwrench]

Good tractor! Diesel preferred over gas. "Multipower" delete is preferred. Steering can be sloppy. Hydraulic pump is noisy under load and the system routinely leaks down. Throttle friction disc and linkage should be well worn on that age tractor. I had my steering and throttle system redone by my local MF dealer in January and could not be happier

 

[ptfarmer]

I'd only consider buying if it's a diesel. Your 231 has around 38hp, the 165 has around 58hp (8n has about 30hp). It should be able to pull equipment at least 2 to 3 times bigger than what a 8n with ease.

 

[challengertn]

Here in middle Tenn., the asking price for an average or better 165 diesel is usually around $4500 to $5000 with exceptional tractors going on up to $6000. In our local soils which are heavy red clay we usually want about an 8ft. disc and no more than 3- 14"s bottoms for a plow. Most people switched to a 2-16"plow for speed. Excellent small square baler tractor and some use them for small round bales. Since they were last made around 1975 they are all getting some age on them. As one earlier poster said, I could do without the multipower. I would prefer the 8 spd. instead of the 6 spd. with multipower which seemed to be more common.

 

[Brendon Warren]

How do you know its it great shape and great running condition and not know if its a diesel? Diesel has exhaust on the left gas is on the right. I bought a diesel last year for $3500. Checked tires, and an issue with the MP.

 

[sdament]

Everybody seems to be down on the multi-power version. I'll take it...it's a great thing when it's working. I just replaced the MP clutches and sealing rings on a 175. It was a couple hundred bucks and a few days effort. You do have to take the transmission loose from both ends but the new clutches are made better than the originals. Should be good for the life of the machine (and me).

 

[ptfarmer]

The multi-power is nice to have, most people are afraid of multi-power because you have to split the tractor, and the cost if you have to fix it. If used the way its supposed to be, and change the oil to keep contaminate's down the multi-power will be trouble free a very long time.