MF 65 Gas loader tractor- feedback requested

d page · Jul 12, 2018

Hi M-F folks,
In my conintuing quest for a gas loader tractor for use around my small pecan farm and to do some landscape work and general use around my house I have found a M-F 65 (1963 year) with a Westendorf loader (Mdl WL 21 jiffy loader) It has PS 2150 on hour meter, (still haven't determined if it is working- will know after inspection). would like to be able to use for a rotortiller in the future but not sure it will go slow enough??
Work just done: New battery, plugs, wires, and points; 4 new hydraulic hoses up front on the bucket. New oem steering wheel included still in the box.

boot between air filter and carb. missing, but not run without the boot. got lost when he re-did the carb, thinks his grandfather threw it out.
Asking $4500, firm.

Your thoughts on this tractor, appropriateness for my purpose, and value for the asking price?

any feedback is welcome.
d page

d page · Jul 12, 2018

It has been suggested that the the utility version would be most suitable for my needs vs. the high-clearance model. from the tag pic included w/ the initial post is it correct based the following on TractorData.com that with the tag sn of "CGM 699717" that it is a high clearance model?

[i:c3f70c2434]"The Massey Ferguson 65 was available in utility (model code S) and high-clearance (C) chassis."[/i:c3f70c2434]

thanks,
d page

Hay hay hay · Jul 12, 2018

Check the tire size.The pictures look like a utility model which had 28" tires. High clearance tractors had 38"
tires.

I have a 65 gas. great tractor, a strong 50 HP, but a very agile comfortable and easy to use tractor. The gas engine
is a very reliable motor if it is in good condition and has been properly maintained. Check the brakes. They are very
expensive and difficult to repair because they are inside the axle housing and you have to remove the trumpets to fix
them. Power steering is a question on these tractors and requires some expertise to repair.(read the archived posts
on this forum). All in all the MF65 is a great tractor and I would buy another one in a minute if i needed another
tractor. Be sure to check the tires. A pair of rear tires installed will run upwards of $800 or more.

I do not have a loader on my tractor. For odd jobs around the farm the loader should be fine, but if you are
expecting it to be a construction machine...I don't think it is up to the task. It is likely to be slow due to the
size of the hydraulic system.

A straight but not restored MF65 good tires and brakes will bring $2500 to $3000 in Kentucky. without a loader.

d page · Jul 12, 2018

Thanks Hay hay hay for you reply very helpful.
some questions on particulars of checking:
1. Any hints on brake inspection other than do they work and how well?
2. Power steering inspection tips other than no noises when used, good operation throughout range of motion without 'flat' spots?
3.Is the Westendorf loader model a good one?

thanks for your time and expertise.

d page

miner09 · Jul 12, 2018

65 Good tractor.It will run the tiller fine. Has low gear. I would say
if it runs fine then the asking price is fair. Loader is worth
something. Being a gas will make it bring less. Most will want a diesel. You could offer less and all they can say is no. They may
take your offer.

miner09 · Jul 12, 2018

Something else to look for is Multi-power. They give problems.

ptfarmer · Jul 12, 2018

1st gear - low range speed is 1.3 mph, 2-L = 1.9 mph, 3-L = 3.6 mph roughly. The Westendorf loaders aren't cheap, and it looks like it has the 28's tires in the rear (it's a std clearance). One more thing to look at are the plantearies out by the rear tires, they are sealed from the rear end, and use 90wy gear oil. Make sure the oil looks good, is not rust colored, and or has water in them (those planetaries are not cheap to fix). I'd rather fix the multipower if it has it, rather than fix the planetaries anyday.

ptfarmer · Jul 12, 2018

The multipower is good to have if used correctly, poor operators usually ruin the multipower from improper use.

d page · Jul 12, 2018

Thanks all for your great info and insight!
ptfarmer, can you tell me how to access the planateries, is there a plug that could be removed to inspect or some other way? not familiar with this model of MF at all.

It has the manual 6 forward speeds.

any help would be appreciated.

d page

ptfarmer · Jul 12, 2018

The have plugs to fill the planetaries, some of the newer 65's also have a drain. I can't remember at the moment if they use a 3/8", or 1/2" square ratchet, or breaker bar on the plugs (they are pipe thread).

d page · Jul 12, 2018

EXCELLENT, thanks for the update.

so to check the oil in the planetaries: remove the plug (not the drain) and then stick something ( i was thinking some coated copper wire)that will pickup the oil for viewing should do the trick?

MF#1 · Jul 12, 2018

Maybe I'm blind but I can't see that it has Multi-Power. The lever will be below the dash on the right side. At least the last I used that had M-P did. Being a gasser I think it's slightly high by around $500 to $1000 compared to the ones I see around here, central KY. Your area will determine if that's an average price. One thing it will need is a new seat, that one looks painful. Good Luck!

d page · Jul 12, 2018

MF#1, thanks for your comments.

it doesn't have multi-power, just the 3 speed hi and lo=6 fwd speeds.

probably high for your area, will see how it goes after the inspection tomorrow.
thanks,
d page

Bret4207 · Jul 13, 2018

Good tractor. I have one. The Continental is a fine engine, very well built. I'd prefer a 65 with Multi-power, especially for tilling. I think the price is a little high, but I'm told I'm 20 years behind times in things like that.

d page · Jul 13, 2018

Thanks Bret4207 for your input!

do you happen to know to check the oil level/quality of the planetaries, can the fill plug others have mentioned--can it be removed with the rear wheels on or do they need to be removed?

ptfarmer · Jul 13, 2018

The fill/level plug is half way up on the front side of the planetary housing, you don't have to remove the wheels to check them. Look at rear rims on the inside by the planetaries to see if any gear oil might be leaking out around the outer axle shaft. Take something like 1 gallon container with you, if the planetaries have the drain plug on the bottom just drain it out. Any water, or junk will come out first before the gear oil will, take a flexible funnel with you that will inside a 1/2" hole so you can put the oil back in.

d page · Jul 13, 2018

Thanks ptfarmer-- very good instructions, highly appreciated.

d page

d page · Jul 13, 2018

Hello All,
Again thanks for all your help on evaluating this MF65.
Ended up not getting it because:
Several gages didn't work, including the hr meter
alternator looked like it wasn't working
there was a significant leak around one of the brake housings
it is 45 yrs old and some of the critical issues mentioned from the learned members could not be checked.

i will keep looking for my 30-60 hp GAS loader tractor, with a wheel base around 74" or only slightly longer, that is in good to excellent condition and ready to go to work with full capability, and not need any 'wrenching'. Preferably a newer year model of any reliable "old iron" that will go at least 1.3 mph or slower in low gear, with PS, and located around Ft. Worth/Dallas.

If anyone knows of such, please send them my way.

Kind Regards,
d page

Hay hay hay · Jul 13, 2018

You may have made the right decision...but remember....the old girl is 55 years old...this ain't her first dance as a
lassie. At some point you will either accept her experiences and blemishes or pay very deary for a new tractor and
loader.

d page · Jul 13, 2018

probably somewhere in between the two extremes, as a new loader tractor (gas) (of the size i am needing) is as far as i can see, is just not available, and i don't want to pay that anyway.
But i can compromise and settle for a little younger 'lassie' with more spizzerinctum left in her for some more but not prohibitive dinero, but still way short of a new one.

ptfarmer · Jul 13, 2018

Don't overlook the MF 165, pretty much the same tractor with a different hood/grill/dash that was built up to 1975. The MF 265 was the "replacement" for the 165, still pretty much the same tractor. But the one question I have to ask is why a gas tractor, the Perkins diesels used in these tractors are some of the best, reliable diesel engines ever built.

d page · Jul 13, 2018

ptfarmer, thanks for your suggestions, and yes i am considering all MF gas tractors in the range from 30 to 50+, and with a wheel base of ~74" or thereabouts. To maintain as much maneuverability in tight spaces as possible, based on what i have needed over the last many years, and consistent with my old Oliver 550 which i love.

I am sure you are among many who wonder why 'gas'--good question.
I am EXTREMELY sensitive to diesel exhaust fumes be it from tractors, tucks that pass by or any other diesel source. within the last several months i have worked around several newer diesel tractors and ALWAYS have to wear a respirator or get sick.

I regret this is my fate, as there are so much more diesel tractors to choose from than gas, but from experience it is an absolute requirement. Of course propane is also good.

I have therefore compiled a list of MF models that have the age, HP, fuel and ~ WB distances wanted and have come up with the following list:
MF 135,150,165,230,235,245 and 255.
If there are other MFs that meet my needs please let me know.

Of course i am also considering Oliver, JD, Case, IH, Ford, and any other 'old iron', that was built from the early 70's thru the 80's or even newer, that meet my specs.

Thanks folks.

d page

Hay hay hay · Jul 14, 2018

Besides your reaction to diesel fumes, there are some very reasonable reasons to have a gasoline tractor, not the least
of which is the ease of starting in cold weather and the much simpler fuel and ignition system. They also do not have
the cache of a diesel tractor, so they usually sell for less money. As for the non-working gauges, that is not
surprising since many of the old tractors have sat out in rain showers for many years and the gauges eventually leak.
Complete gauge sets are relatively inexpensive and can be installed by a novice in a few hours.

d page · Jul 14, 2018

hay hay hay-excellent points some of which i had not thought of, THANKS.

MF 65 Gas loader tractor- feedback requested

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