MF 165 size mower ?

David Fisher · Mar 15, 2018

I just received my grandfathers MF 165 diesel tractor rated at 58HP. This is some type of row crop tractor having the larger 15.5x 38 tires.
I've decide my only use for it will be mowing pastures and hay meadows in the fall of the year. Will this tractor be okay using a new 6 foot bush hog type mower cutting only grass ? Larger or smaller mower maybe ? Pull type over a 3pt hitch ?

2tractors · Mar 15, 2018

My 35 gas pulls a 6ft. just fine so depending on how much mowing is required I'd say 8 or 10ft.

Bob N.Y. · Mar 15, 2018

What you have is a Massey Ferguson 165 High Arch. They are not uncommon.

Eric in IL · Mar 15, 2018

The answer hinges on how tall the grass is. Three foot tall grass such as fescue that has seeded out would work the tractor pretty good with a six foot mower I believe.

dexterfarm · Mar 15, 2018

yes I would say it depends on what you are mowing. I use a 6 foot behind my ford 4000 3 cylinder with no problem. But I am just following cows mowing 6 inches high knocking down weeds vines and brush that the cows did not want. If you get in to thick green growing grass it can really pull down most tractors.

acadam20 · Mar 15, 2018

6ft mower will be just fine. Use one behind a gas 165. It will work the gas if its thick. The diesel should handle the 6ft just fine in most anything.

ptfarmer · Mar 15, 2018

I run a 84" behind my 135 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnV0W9dcrtA

If I had a 165 I'd get a 96" mower, if you get into some thick stuff you can always move over some, and use 1' to 2' less of the width of the mower.

Nick m · Mar 15, 2018

6ft would be a good match. I run a 6ft with a 175 and it plays with it for the most part. I have been in some heavy stuff that labored it a,little, but nothing major.

Hay hay hay · Mar 15, 2018

I pull a 6 ft bush hog behind a 65 gas...on pastures and hayfield edges. Handles it easily. Remember you are not chopping down small trees. I also have an 84" finish mower that I use on the lawn edges.. walks with it... handles that easily too.
I think the 65 and the 165 gas had the same continental engine.

David Fisher · Mar 15, 2018

Thanks everyone, this will be used to help keep the pasture grass down once or twice a year depending on how fast it grows. We no longer have cattle so we just mow to keep things looking good. We also give all the hay to a neighbor then go over all that area in late September cutting it one last time before Fall. I'm thinking this 165 and the smaller 250 will do the job.
I've been looking at 6 foot mowers, now to decide if I want a 3pt. hitch or a pull type.

ptfarmer · Mar 15, 2018

How many acers are you planning to mow?

ArleninOr · Mar 16, 2018

I use a 6 ft on a 990 Case/David brown about the same hp. Will almost kill tractor if I get into some real heavy grass. You should be fine with a 6 ft.

fixt · Mar 16, 2018

I always heard 5-7 HP per ft of width, but I think that might be a little weak in big thick grass.

FinnMD · Mar 16, 2018

I have run my MF 165 D using 6 ft Landpride 3 pt rotary mower for many years on pasture, fields, thick grass, etc just fine. If you have steep hills suggest front suitcase weights on tractor or or front wheel weights, my mower weighs over 700 lbs. I prefer mower with shear bolt vs slip clutch. Let us know if you need any more info or advice.

MF 165 size mower ?

David Fisher

Member

2tractors

Well-known Member

Bob N.Y.

Well-known Member

Eric in IL

Well-known Member

dexterfarm

Member

acadam20

Member

ptfarmer

Well-known Member

Nick m

Member

Hay hay hay

Well-known Member

David Fisher

Member

ptfarmer

Well-known Member

ArleninOr

Well-known Member

fixt

Member

FinnMD

Member

Similar threads