4play

Well-known Member
I was looking to upgrade from my 8N, looked at a few fords (3000-3600) and found this 245 diesel. I don't know anything about Massey's and there is not much info around here on the 245. Is there anything in particular to look for or stay away from? This tractor seems comparable to the ones I was looking at, are they any good?

I did get to start it and it started fine and quick. No strange noises or smoke and oil pressure was good too. I did notice a slight fuel leak at the injector pump, hard to tell but maybe a fuel line leaking at the copper washer/gasket? The shift pattern was too worn to read on the knob but it almost looks like its a 3spd or 3x2. I did not see another lever on the dash so I assume its not multi-power?
 
My friend has a 240 he bought new, it has been a
good tractor, I think the 245 is just an upgrade of
the 240.

Fluid levels and tire condition are easy to
determine, also can the seller provide any
maintenance records, hrs on meter. Condition of bad
paint and bent sheet metal are indicators of rough
use.

Hard to determine: condition of motor, clutch and
transmission, differential.

All these parts can really reach up and bite you,
once you get the tractor home and it develops a
problem.

Let motor warm up to operating temp then turn off
motor, let it set 10-15 minutes, then try to restart
engine, should start right up.

Can you hook up the pto to Bush hog, etc: just to
insure both it and the lift work.

A good dealer will give you some type 60-90 day
warranty I would think. Worth asking for some type
warranty.

Also ask for the name and phone # of the person who
traded it in, ask about any problems and why he
traded it off.

Just a few points to consider: if you do not get
90% Plus positive answers then walk away.

Always no matter the purchase, look at 3 or more
tractors before you lay any money down. You need to
know what's out there before you buy could save you
big bucks, also take someone with you who knows
tractors if you do not.

Remember new paint can cover a lot of abuse and
misuse, most vehicles that were abused also got very
little scheduled maintenance.

Just my two cents:
 
245, I don't know, but I almost could not be happier than with my MF-240-S, made by Uzel in Turkey. Perkins diesel, 3-cylinder, sips fuel, powerful. I have a Hi-Lo range trnsmission, R-1-2-3-4, my only comment is I still grind some gears shifting. Wish I had some sort of shuttle. Great tractor.
 
I have a 245 with almost 5000 hours and my dad has one with less than 2000 hours. The largest repair thus far was replacement of the front axle support or bolster on mine due to previous abuse. To me the weakest link on the 245 is the hydraulic steering cylinder, dad's is fine, mine has already been rebuilt. The tie rod ends on the cylinder wear first and lead to 'death wobble' at road speed. To replace them you have to replace each end separately or the whole assembly($$). A weak design in my opinion. Otherwise the 8 speed is better than the 6 speed for me. I don't like Multi-Power, some do. The engine is about as bulletproof as they come. The injector pump leak 'might' be the rear O ring which requires disassembly. BTDT on a 255.
 
Nice tractor. About twice your 8N with the added benefit of live hydraulics and live PTO.

The Perkins AD152 engine is a VERY good engine and quite economical.

The transmission will take a bit of getting used to as it is a sliding gear rather than constant mesh as in your 8N.

I have a 2007 MF 533, which is the latest (and last) derivitive of the 35/135/245/ etc. It's basic but rugged and inexpensive as compared to competitive models.

Dean
 
(reply to post at 11:35:23 10/20/14)

245 is a US market improvement from the 135. 1974 to 1982 or something like that.

The 240 was the actual UK replacement for the 135, but didn't come "here" until 1983, so the 240 actually replaced the 245 in North America.

Solid tractor.
 
I really like mine. About 4500 hrs. I have put in a clutch and
have also replaced the tie rod ends on the steering ram. Just
welded a new end on the existing shaft. About $20 to fix it. The
front axle pinion also was changed. Never been greased. That
one was kind of tough to do but not that expensive. I do most
of my hay with it and it works well. I've heard they are not a
great loader tractor as the hydro pump doesn't have enough
flow for fast operation.
 
Here's the update. I looked at it again and the steering ram is new/recent and the front axle support/mount has been replaced recently. There is a lot of good things to say about this tractor, I think its lived a fairly easy life. The sheet metal and paint is good, tires good but it does have a couple problems and that didn't sway me from the decision to purchase. ( I feel like it was still a good deal)

I am going to start another thread for the few problems I would like to address. If you don't mind providing a tip, advice or insight into the concern I would appreciate it. Thanks again for your posts and help.
 

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