MF65 High Crop Tractor Questions

Bill VA

Well-known Member
Still toying with the idea of adding another MF to
the fleet. I really like my MF50 and have thought
that maybe for some 4x4 round bales (one of these
days), maybe I ought to step up to a MF65.

According to the tractor data website, MF claimed
41 PTO hp, but it tested at almost 51 PTO hp.

I also thought if you are straddling the windrows
of hay, perhaps a high crop model would be a
better fit?

Couple of questions:

1. MF65 - is it as good of a machine as my trusty
old MF50? Is it a strong 50ish PTO tractor?

2. Any problem areas to be on the look-out for
with the MF65?

3. Parts availability - still good?

4. Would a MF65 be a good 4 x 4 round baler
tractor?

5. Any advantage to the higher stance with the
high crop variant of the MF65 - like just ground
clearance when straddling the windrow?

6. What about other chores? How does the higher
stance hurt or help with 3 point equipment, i.e.
bush hogs, moldboard plows, etc.

7. Have also given thought to buying a gas
tractor - how is the gas engine on the MF65's and
I assume the 4 cylinder Perkins diesel is as drop
dead reliable as the 3 cylinder in my MF50?

Thanks in advance for all replies!
Bill
 
Hi,
I have a 50 high crop. Have not used it much before the clutch went out, but I did plow with a 2 bottom and worked fine.
With a brush hog works fine, I do like the height where I can cut high then do a visual inspection before I cut lower like along field edge where tree branch may fall in the taller grass.
I am just starting to run it again since putting it together and still putting together. On top of a hill mowing (sidehill) I found that I had more control with my 8n. The front end anyway. The MF frontend slide more and had to steer using the brakes more as compared.
I just made a bracket over the weekend and I have weight set from ford 5000 I picked up couple years ago. I put 3 suitcase weights on and much better. I have 11 weights going to put another on then I think I will be good.
Sidenote, I am cutting faster going faster than with 8n, higher center gravity, the 3 point arms are a bit longer so it is possible that this would increase leverage as far as weight (maybe).
Hope this is of some help
 
Bullet proof little tractors. I've got 5 of them. Good on fuel. I run mine on a nine foot haybine and a 327 JD baler. I don't know about running a round baler with the two stage clutch. The high arch and the standard are the same except 38 in rears and taller front spindles. Problems can be a sometimes quirky p/s and multi power can go out. If you look at one make sure the mp works well. If you like your 50 you'd love a 65.
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The 65 shouldn't have a problem with 4x4 round bales. The main thing to check are the planetarys on the rear axles, there is a oil level plug on each one. Check the oil in them, if the oil is rusty brown in color, and or has water in them I wouldn't buy it. Those planetarys are expensive to fix. I'd opt for the Perkins AD4.203 diesel.
 
I bought a MF65 gas last summer. Great tractor, worlds ahead of the 800 Ford that was it's competitor back in the back. The Continental gas engine is a beauty, a real nice engine. The Multi-power is great and the hi-lo range tranny is fine. Mine is doing lots better on fuel usage since I fixed the carb, but it's still a hog compared to a diesel. Hydraulics are good. Mine is not a hi-crop. Rana 5x5 round baler with mine when everything else was busted. Got the job done.
 
Late getting back to my own thread - GREAT info, thanks everyone.

I could definitely see a MF65 in my future.

Bill
 
Bill, I find the Hi-clear offers a few more inches of clearance above a full windrow of hay, and to be a bit better on 'heavy' (wetter) ground - more tire footprint than the 28's of the standard without going to duals. If you are blessed with well drained soil, it matters less.

Yes, the planetaries can be a bugaboo, as can be any neglected mechanical piece, but if taken care of (adequate, good, clean oil), should be just as bulletproof as the Perkins up front. And yes, I'd go with a diesel over a gas if possible, though the gas engines are also exceptional (and start on a dime in extreme cold weather).

Also, as of last year and a laundry list of parts to completely rebuild the (whooped) 3pt system, the power steering, and axle planetaries, the only part I had a problem finding was the power steering tank cap - nearly everything else is available new, either from MF/AGCO, or aftermarket.
 

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