MF 165

[greebas]

I"m considering buying a MF 165 and would like to know if this is a reliable tractor and what, if any, issues I should be concerned about with this particular model. Any preferences of the 3 engines available? Is the gearing slow enough to use a tiller?

Thanks.

 

[DavidP, South Wales]

Hi,
For us in the UK there are only two diesel engines readily available in the 165, no ptrol. The Perkins AD4.203 up to 1967 (exhaust on left from seat) and the A4.212 late 1967 onwards(exhaust on right). There have been some issues with both engines but all have been resolved. Generally the mechanical side of the 165 is sound. There are some areas that you as a potential purchaser need to check. Two types of brake systems are fitted. The early 'dry' brake type had discs and actuators inboard in the rear axles. They, when having a degree of wear will jam on at the slightest pedal pressure. Extreme cases require a change of direction to free them. Unlatch the pedals and press each pedal slowly. Braking effort should come in smoothly and release immediately. Any sudden jamming suggests worn actuators and these are quite expensive, as well as discs perhaps and seals.
If the tractor has 'wet' brakes the system is largely the same other than the brake discs etc are immersed in oil. This system presents few problems. Check for braking effort and balance.
The other area is the steering. Check if power steering is fitted. Remove the grille door and you will see the cylinder inside (if fitted). On the right hand side you will see the main vertical shaft which on the underside is connected to the steering rods. Power Steering adjustment is carried out by adjustment of the pin with the large hexagon nut on it. There should be a controlled amount of play between the upper and lower arms at this point. Your tractor may not be exactly the same but will be similar. Have an assistant rock the steering wheel back and forth in the play. Other than on the large pin there should be no play. Check particularly all ball joints, 'kicking' of the upper arm on the vertical shaft, play in the adjustable barrel pins, op and down movement where the cylinder rod is attached to the casting and the bottom bush of the vertical shaft. If you can see play anywhere and loss of movement this will be detrimental to the efficiency of the manual steering and particularly the assistance of PAS.
The transmission is generally sound but listen for any unusual noises. Test the hydraulic system by lifting a heavy implement if you can.
If the tractor is a Multi-Power transmission type make sure that the up-shifts are crisp and that the 'hill hold' feature is working. When facing uphill with a forward gear engaged the tractor will not run back unless the clutch pedal is pressed fully and vice versa. Also you cannot tow it to start it.
If it has an independant type PTO make sure that it STOPS turning with in 5 secs of disengagement.
Could go on with a lot more but those are the main items.
DavidP, South Wales

 

[greebas]

David

Thanks for the thorough insights. You mentioned issues with both engines that have been resolved. Is there any particular model year(s) I should steer away from?

Thanks again for the info.

David

 

[DavidP, South Wales]

Hi,
Vibration was a problem with the early 212 diesels but MF solved that.
Both are sound.
DavidP

 

[chpmnsws6]

the following issues we've had in the last decade-
Rust in the tank
slave pump leaking into oil
steering ram leak
hydraulic pump getting weak
MP leaking into bellhousing
clutch
new bushings in steering

All that said, I tore the tractor apart assuming it had 5300 hours on it... the center of the tractor was welded back together and after pulling the head, the block was also. I know we have around 3500 hours on this thing, which means it should be in the neighboorhood of 15300 hours on 2-3 rebuilds. We also ran it fairly hard with the loader, plow, and bush hog.

I'm rebuilding ours and bought a 275 for the heavier stuff (nothing like excess for a 5 acre horse lot)

 

[Finn Md]

The 165 is a reliable tractor, have had one for many years. I would look for diesel engine, and 8 speed tranny. If you look at models with Multi Power make sure it works, it is unsafe to have non functioning MP as no engine compression braking (free wheeling down hills). If possible have Seller place an implement on 3 pt, like a rotary mower (aka bush hog) and verify that PTO engages and works ok, and also that 3 pt can lift it up and hold steady. The 3 pt system on old MFs will slowly drift down after engine shutdown, this is normal, but shouldn"t drop fast. Great tractor, good luck.