MF 50/65

[tractordoc1]

I plan on buying a MF 50 or 65 this spring. I would like to know which one will be the the best to buy Gas or Diesel. I do not care about the cost of fuel . Want live power and Power steering.

 

[Eric in IL]

I think your answer has to do with how you plan to use the tractor. For mostly light work and winter use (depending on your climate) consider a gas. For mostly heavy workloads and warm weather use consider a diesel. The tractors you are looking at all have a good reputation for dependability.

The weakest area may be the power steering. These tractors are bad about wearing a pin at the end of the adjustment turnbuckle. It is an easy fix and when working properly they steer very easily. Be sure to check out all wear points, as you would on any older tractor. Check for slop anywhere you see a grease zerk. Especially the front end pivot if the tractor has ever had a front end loader on it.

Good luck and post again if you have more questions.

 

[Aaron Ford]

The 50 would be the way to go as it shares many parts with the 35, 135, and 150. Some parts from the 65 are shared with other models, but none so much as the 50. The gas engine in the 65 is a sweet unit, but the rebuild kit is outrageous. $869 last year. The kit for the 65 diesel was around half of that. The 50 and 35 share the Z134 and the kit is quite reasonable. So basically if you can find one, the 50 diesel is the way to go, followed by the 50 gasser, the 65 diesel, and lastly the 65 gasser. This is provided that the 50 will suit your needs, as there is a large difference in power between the two. I should add that if the 65's brakes work, they are the best of all the afore mentioned. Twin inboard discs will lock the tire tight with little effort. It is indeed a sweet setup.

HTH

Aaron