MF 383

[Mark]

What"s the general opinion of the 383..2 WD....any known issues, weaknesses, etc?

 

[Don-Wi]

(quoted from post at 21:56:12 09/26/08) What"s the general opinion of the 383..2 WD....any known issues, weaknesses, etc?

We rented a 383 one time to run while our 285 was in the shop. Wasn't as big, but it did a good job for the little bit we needed done on the farm while the 285 was gone. If I remember right, the rear end is still basically the same as the 100 and 200 series, and even older. It was just a good design. It was an 8 speed transmission, which I didn't like. I'd rather have the multi-power like we have on our 165 and 285. The 165 needs work on it, but our 285 has never given troubles with it.

[b:0845901bf7][color=green:0845901bf7]Donovan from Wisconsin[/color:0845901bf7][/b:0845901bf7]

 

[Mark]

Don,

I have never had anything to do with a MF of any description, but I know a neighbor that has one for sale and thought about looking at it. Is there anything particularly wrong with the 8 speed tranny? Where were these 383's built? I know MF imported some Brazilian made tractors several years ago....I just don't recall the series numbers on them. Does the 383 have a turbo'd engine?

 

[Don-Wi]

If I'm not mistaken, it's only about a 60 or 70 HP tractor, 4 cyl. perkins, naturally aspirated. I could be thinking of anotgher model too, but I'm almost certain it was a 383.

Nothing wrong with the 8 speed transmisions at all. It just seems like too many people are overly afraid of the multi-power transmissions (6 speed, the multi-power makes them 12 speed) that were also an option. I'd take the MP transmission over a non-MP trans any day. These 383, if it is infact the tractor I'm thinking of, should have been built in North America, either Canada, US, or Mexico.

Again, it's been a few years so i could be wrong on it being a 383 that we rented, but most Massey's are good tractors.

Donovan from Wisconsin