MF255 vs a MF35?

[Floopy]

I think I might be a Massey guy. The thought of getting another brand makes me uneasy. I love my little MF35 and I feel comfortable that Massey made a reliable tractor after having been through this one. Brand loyalty I guess?

I have a TO35 with a loader. I have enjoyed working on it and using it but it is a beast to use the loader without the power steering and it isn't the strongest thing in the world.

I'm looking at a MF255 with a loader. It has just a hay spear but I would want to put a quick connect on it anyway. It has around 1500 hours. It looks to be in good shape.

I don't have any experience with any other tractor than my MF35.

The physical size difference doesn't seem large but I see it weighs double what the 35 does. It will never leave my property, so that isn't really a concern for me. How much different will it feel sitting on this? Is it a tremendously different feel using one of these?

Is there anything that is way different on the MF255? Aside from the power steering the MF35 feels good to me. Maybe it is just I'm used to using things that aren't exactly in the best shape so I can function even with clapped out equipment.

Is there a stiff learning curve from one to the other? Is it a lot harder to work on? Any suggestions on things to check beside the usual coolant, oil, hydraulic fluid, leaks when I go to look at it? I'd be driving it 20 miles home. Is there anything of concern that I should be aware of specific to the MF255?

 

[Massey240]

3 cylinder 37hp Perkins to 4 cylinder 50/60hp, so if you want/need more grunt I would think you would notice the increase.
But heavier weight and bigger engine means more diesel.
I have a loader so when my power steering isn't working the steering is very heavy, so wouldn't be without it.
The other thing to consider (and I am sure there would be other things) is good parts availability for that particular model....you need to check this before buying.
My 240 (3 cylinder Perkins) shares many parts with later 135's of which there are many survivors, so parts are never a problem (so far).

 

[Bob NY]

It will be an easy transition for you. Is the 255 gas or diesel? Does your 35 have the 2 stage clutch? The 255 could have a 2 stage clutch or Independent PTO. I had a 165 with IPTO that was problematic, so I prefer the 2 stage clutch in that line of tractors. Which transmission does it have? It could the 3x2, a 3x2 with Multi-Power or a 4x2. If it has Multi-Power, you should feel a definite change from low to high and it should engine brake in high.

 

[Dieseltech]

The MF 255 EARLY DIESEL used the Perkins AD4.203 engine, the LATE DIESEL used the Perkins 4.236 engine which would be my first choice as it has a balancer in the oil pan that makes the engine run MUCH smoother than the 203 does without the balancer. BOTH are good engines though and sip fuel.

 

[Floopy]

I ended up picking the 255 up. It drove fine but the steering was a little squirrelly around 15mph, there was a tow place about 3 miles in and they agreed to deliver it for $150. I didn't have a trailer big enough for it.

 

[Dieseltech]

Good find! Looks like the late 236 engine with eight speed transmission.