Is it a Harris or a Ferguson?

phil_n · Mar 19, 2015

I'm looking to buy my first tractor now that I'm kinda retired. Just went to look at an old MF. Or is it a MH? There was one ID plate that read MH Model 85, Serial Number 1746 and another one that had MH and 444D1SF on it. Any idea of the story behind that?

Just curious - it's too big for what I need anyway.

Thanks.

Phil N

BIG RUH · Mar 20, 2015

Massey Harris never made an 85. Massey Ferguson did.
The 444 D1SF is a Massey Harris 444 diesel. They
were built 1956 and 57

Tony in Mass. · Mar 20, 2015

Well, if you had pictures this would be easier, but MF made 85's from the late 50's into the early 60's, but not with that engine far as I know. These were weird years, buyouts, mergers and brand name experiments till 1960.Or so? Old tags were used till the stocks ran out from the looks of it.
Apparently non of the Harris family was alive anymore, but Harry Ferguson and Massey heirs were still around.
Not a popular tractor since the hydraulics are one of a kind and replacement parts are very rare. Bigger than a bread box too eh?
If you just need 'a' tractor, look for a TO 20 or 30, cheap, easy to fix and awful handy for a lot of small jobs.

phil_n · Mar 20, 2015

Here's the ad with some pictures:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1057628408

BIG RUH · Mar 20, 2015

From what I can see from the photos, thats a Massey
Harris. By the model # you listed, it's a 444 diesel
standard

Tony in Mass. · Mar 20, 2015

Yeah that ain't an 85, Ruh is right. You might have an easier time with this one.
Prince George? 2 grand? That would be a good deal for firewood and snow. Got alotta both way up there....

phil_n · Mar 20, 2015

Ha - you're right about PG.
It [i:cafe85f334]looks[/i:cafe85f334] OK from what I could tell just by looking at it - the owner wasn't there so I never heard it run.
It did have two ID plates on it - the MH was on the chassis IIRC and said "Made in USA", or something similar. Maybe it was shipped from MH in the states to MF in Canada to be re-branded and sold as a MF. Or maybe it has the wrong tin on it - I think the MH label was on the engine cover. But then the 4 digit serial number didn't look like anything I could find on the internet. Maybe it's rare and valuable.

FGP · Mar 20, 2015

What you have been looking at is a Massey Harris 444 diesel standard. The model #444D1SF states it is a 444. The D stands for diesel. The 1 means it is a regular altitude and not a high altitude engine. The S stand for standard version as opposed to the row crop version and the F stands for foot clutch. These were built from 1956-1958. I suspect you found the other ID plate on the loader as it looks like a model 85 loader. Hope this is helpful.

phil_n · Mar 20, 2015

Ohhhhh.... That makes sense now. Thanks muchly.

Tony in Mass. · Mar 21, 2015

I got the hint ANY tractor is rare and 'valuable' (?) in northern BC.
If it runs good, the loader goes thru its paces, and the tubes aren't sticking out, 2 grand might get you a good solid workhorse.
When I was a kid, we thought ALL Massey Harris AND Massey Fergusons were made in Canada. I only found out different since joining these forums a few years ago
Now go shake the loonies outta the piggy bank and take her home!!!

Is it a Harris or a Ferguson?

phil_n

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phil_n

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