Repairs and Practicality

[mml373]

Hey, folks. I have been looking for an older Massey Ferguson around 45hp. Everything I am finding is pretty well trashed. Body/sheetmetal in various states of condition, some have implements being sold that are not standard/original to the tractor, some have major mechanical issues that would need repair, etc. Running into a lot of headaches. All I want is a tractor that works or can be fixed for a reasonable price. The question is what is reasonable.

Say I find something in my power range for a few thousand dollars or so...but it needs a couple thousand worth of work. Seals, maybe some mechanical fixes, etc. Are folks putting money into this and coming away feeling like it was a good expenditure of finances? When I look at newer tractors in a similar category, prices tend to be much higher and there are electronics involved. One of the things attracting me to these old Masseys is their relative simplicity. I am a new farmer/rancher, and don't mind doing some of the lesser repairs. I can't overhaul an engine and I don't weld.

Just figured I'd ask.

 

[Jim.ME]

Some would say the one they found was worth putting money into and it is worth more than they have in it. Another may find the same model tractor and say it is not worth the money they would have to put into it. To me there are too many variables to give blanket answer. Then add one's skill and tooling levels and ability to do the repairs makes big difference.

You were asking about the exhaust on a 245 recently do you have the tractor or was that just an ask? What is your expectation range as to "a few thousand dollars" for a 45 HP tractor? 2000 or 8000? And what do you expect to be on/with the tractor? If one needs tires, it could ruin a $1000 for just replacing tires.

What do you mean when you say "some have implements being sold that are not standard/original to the tractor"? It is likely more common that implements are not the same manufacturer as a tractor. If an implement can be used with that tractor and works, it is an implement regardless of manufacturer.

It would be easier to provide a better answer if you have one you are looking at and you post pictures and give details of that one. Often people can help point out things to check on a given model, that might not be an issue on another.

 

[mml373]

Appreciated, Jim. That other tractor was posted online near me (well an hour away) but there were some logistics issues with getting to see it (darn my back, and we had a sick kid sent home from daycare the afternoon I was supposed to meet the owner to see it) and I didn't buy it before it was either pulled off the market or sold.

I don't mind buying tires for an old tractor that works. Just did that on my MF135. Maintaining working equipment is preferable to me than using it and not keeping it in shape. I'll be having the engine rebuilt on my 135, and doing other mechanical work, too. Why? Because I don't want anything to do with dealers and debt and I can't stand electronics. So that's kind of my philosophy on the slightly larger tractor I seek. The more that is "on" or "with" the tractor, the less likely I am to buy. Folks jerry rig stuff that isn't designed for use with a given tractor, and I am looking for close to stock as possible, with proper repairs done and not jerry rigging fixes.

As far as what I'm looking for...in this power range that's pretty much a diesel-powered MF245. Somewhere near Missouri.

 

[ford4wd08]

A 245 has the same engine as the 135 you have (assuming it is a diesel).

What exactly are you looking for in another tractor?

I'm new to Massey's but bought a MF 150 this April off of marketplace.

The guy had it listed originally for $4,800, then dropped it a couple of times. I decided to go look it over, I took my trailer with me, which is not a good bargaining tool but I did not want to make two trips. He told me he liked to buy those old Massey's, fix them up and tinker with them.

Anyhow, when I got there and test drove it, the power steering linkage was not adjusted correctly at all and the steering box and dash were loose. Everything else looked up to par for a 50-year-old tractor. No leaks, 2 stage clutch felt good, and lift and PTO worked just fine.

I was able to talk him down and get it bought for $3,300.

I had to fiddle with the power steering linkage for a bit and finally got it working. That didn't cost me anything besides time and I did end up replacing two socket head bolts. Had some trouble with the throttle linkage that I figured out and made a small tack weld to fix. I ended up fixing the fuel gauge, changing the key switch, and adding one hydraulic remote. I also replaced the diesel lift pump because the old one started to leak.

Small things that you deal with on a 50-year-old tractor. I probably have around $4,100-$4,200 invested in it now, and I don't think I would take double that for it. It is a great hay raking and bush hogging tractor, which is why I bought it in the first place. Rides much better than my IH with the front-end loader and is a lot quieter.

So, now to my point. Any tractor I buy of that age I plan on fixing minor things on. I just to buy the best "bones" on one I can when I start. So, it's hard to answer your question, because you have to decide what you're comfortable with. Tires and anything that require the tractor to be split to repair would be on short list to avoid, that usually adds up in a hurry.