Need help decoding a MF 2500 serial number...

[Don Campbell]

We have a MF 2500 at work and I am trying to find any information on it. There are 2 serial numbers on 2 separate plates. One reads "138410021". The other reads "9A67586". Any information at all would be helpful. I have searched on Google but have not been able to locate anything relevant.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Don, Very interesting. I presume you have a tractor, they also have a 2500 forklift. The tractor started at s/n 138400004 and in Nov '67
the new 9A numbering system started. By the first
no. it would be a 1966 and by the second a 1969.
I would trust the s/n plate closest to lower dash
or batt.box side as most valid. I can't remember
which spot on the 2500. Which engine does it have
If gas it would have (early Continental)(later a
Perkins) gas. Poss early unsold stock could have
been updated by MF ??? Interesting, Chuck

 

[dmcampbell]

Thanks for the quick reply Chuck! I have a little bit more information and some pictures if that would be any help. The serial plates are located in the same spot (one directly above the other) and it is a forklift, not a tractor. I wasn"t sure if there would be a difference so I never specified between the two. I have a side shot of the beast as well. It originally had a Perkins gas engine that was later converted to a diesel by switching out the head, pistons, etc. but the block is still the same... or so I was told. Any other help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Untitled URL Link

 

[Anonymous-0]

Having a Perkins gas as original would put it at
a '69. The 2500 tractor only went thru '69 but
the forklift was built a few more years. We used
to have one at our business for our own use. I
could say for sure that had only 1 s/n plate. As
I said before: Interesting!! Chuck

 

[Anonymous-0]

Look on the bottom of the oil pan for the casting date. It might help narrow it down. I've never heard of a 2500 tractor, just the forklift. I have book on MF industrial and it doesn't mention a 2500 tractor, but does show a 2200 tractor as well as a 2200 forklift. I know a guy who used an MF 2500 forklift to put up his new shop. He borrowed the forklift from a friend. It was kind of cobbled together but had the 21 ft. boom. MF made really good forklifts and there are still a lot them in use. Dave