Serial number help

[J McDonnell]

Hello, I'm new to the forum. I bought this old Massey Ferguson 35, or so I thought. I have found out once I pulled into the shop that it's actually a 202. The research I have found out about it is that it's actually a work bull. The person before me actually painted it red and put a 35 decal on it. But under the red paint is yellow and it has the stronger frontend. I believe its a 57 or older does anyone have any thoughts?

 

[stevieb49829]

Based on the serial number table under "resources" above, it's older than 1958, because the number you show on the tag is lower than the starting number for 1958. But the list doesn't show any 202's older than '58. I don't know if that's accurate or not. You might want to send Peter, at Tractordata.com a note and ask him. He's been very accommodating with info in the past. steve

 

[J McDonnell]

Thanks for the information. I'll reach out to Peter and get his opinion.

 

[brooktre]

I would say you have a late 1957 MF 202. Here is what I have put together.
Massey Ferguson Model MF-202 Industrial

Year Starting Serial #
1957 300793 (x)
1958 301172
1959 303158
1960 305108
1961 306169
1962 306779
1963 307923
1964 309222
1965 310067
1966 311084

(x) 1957 numbers were not published, but my parts book list the early hood as serial numbers 300793 to 301194. The early hoods are rounded like the MF 35s and the later hoods were flat. Based on my research, production most likely began in late 1956 or early 1957 with serial number 300001. I have seen an advertisement in the May 1957 issue of Western Construction (a monthly periodical) for the Massey Harris Ferguson Work Bulls.

 

[J McDonnell]

Thanks for confirming what I was thinking. I have not seen many with the old style round hood like mine has. This thing needs a lot of work to bring it back to what it was. Fortunately, I was able to get it running and it runs strong.