- Thread starter dennisj81
- Start date
Dieseltech
Well-known Member
- Location
- Akron, Indiana
The MF may need some fuel system work if it has not run for awhile, but when it does run it will be much easier on fuel use. Which Perkins engine does it have? Early 255 used the AD4.203, while late models use the 236 engine. The 236 will run smoother as it has an engine balancer the 203 didn't have..
not sure which engine, i do know it has only been started once in about 7 years and that was last year. needs apower steering pump whic will cost about 500 dollars. It appears looking at a picture of the steering pump it is gear driven, i would ask them to pull it off and check drive gear on pump and engine.concerns me its been setting so long
Brendon-KS
Well-known Member
- Location
- Goessel, KS
The Massey would be 15-20 years newer but the Deere has a slightly larger and heavier chassis and, when new at least, a bit more power. There is more variation with the Massey as they could have either a 2-stage clutch or true live PTO and either an 8-speed "stop-to-shift" transmission or a 12-speed with a high/low powershift range so it would pay to find out how the one you're looking at is equipped. The 3010 had no variations in these areas - all have 8-speed, non-powershift transmissions and live PTO's.
olgentdc
Well-known Member
when a 3010 was new they ran well with the gasoline that was made in those times ,... 30 yrs ago i sold my 3010 gas.. What a Happy Day ,.Although it really was a nice comfortable well engineered tractor to operate .It took 3 people to run it ,. One to keep itrunnin ,, another to bring the gas and finally a dtiver ,.. That Said ,.,. I think electronic ignition would help ,.. and a different carborator off of a DC Caseor sumthin that had whupaz,.. or a re-engineered intake manifold,.
Dieseltech
Well-known Member
- Location
- Akron, Indiana
The 203 diesel has a cross flow cylinder head, when in the driver's seat intake on the right, exhaust on the left side. Larger 236 has both intake and exhaust manifolds on the right side. The 236 used in the late 255 has a lower fuel setting than the same engine used in the 265 model.
ptfarmer
Well-known Member
- Location
- San Antonio, Tx
I'd take the 255 over the 3010 any day. The 4.203 for the most part is a 3.152 with a extra cylinder (uses the same sleeves, pistons, connecting rods, valves) its still better than a gas JD engine.
Ultradog MN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Twin Cities
I don't know a thing about either of those tractors.
A few years ago I bought a Ford 3000.
The seller had put a new crate engine in it then used it for one season.
Then he got cancer and the tractor sat outside. About 8 or 9 years later he had recovered and was selling off all his junk. He was going to scrap the 3000 but then thought what the heck and gave it a pull with the pickup. 4 rotted off tires, same 8 year old diesel fuel.
He didn't pull it more than about 30' and the engine fired right up and ran perfect. I bought it and put the engine in a different tractor. It was a sweet motor.
A few years ago I bought a Ford 3000.
The seller had put a new crate engine in it then used it for one season.
Then he got cancer and the tractor sat outside. About 8 or 9 years later he had recovered and was selling off all his junk. He was going to scrap the 3000 but then thought what the heck and gave it a pull with the pickup. 4 rotted off tires, same 8 year old diesel fuel.
He didn't pull it more than about 30' and the engine fired right up and ran perfect. I bought it and put the engine in a different tractor. It was a sweet motor.
larry@stinescorner
Well-known Member
hope you dont write a story about my 2000 years from now,,,,,,Its been sitting 6 months already,,,,
If you are going to do any real work with it, get the diesel. I have a 3020 gas, and finally got it to where it starts and runs pretty good and looks good too. But it uses so much gas, does not idle very smooth and puffs black smoke occasionally. Under load it runs nice but every time I use it I wish it were a diesel.
I was a JD man untill they brought out the 3010-4010 series and you could not give me one if I had to keep it no mater what engine, gas or diesel. And never saw a Massey of that model but I hate a diesel engine in anything. Only diesel I ever considered buying was a Fordson Mojor.
The Dukester
Well-known Member
Both very old tractors and neither was "a quality leader for it's maker". If the prices are reasonable and either of the tractors will do want you want them for, get the one that starts the easiest, runs well and has the best tires.
onefarmer
Well-known Member
- Location
- 6735 S Lowell Rd, St Johns, Mi 48879
I don't see where you said what your duties for a tractor would be. But here are my thoughts between the two.
I have a 265....I also have a 175 both have the 236 engine. I have to say of all my tractors the 265 is my go to tractor for light work ie moving wagons, raking hay, lower power pto work. I use my bigger tractors (JD4430, 4320) for snow plowing for the horse power or the 265 might be doing that too. The diesel is harder to start in the winter. If not tooooo cold a wiff of starting fluid and it starts right up. Below 15 and might need to plug it in.
If you was to use it mostly for plowing snow I might go for the 3010, as the gas should start easier, but it would depend on the condition. If it runs good.
I do have a Farmall M with a loader and it's great at plowing snow. I did put live hydralics on it after a while. I got tired of taking it out of gear to run the loader when not moving.
I have a 265....I also have a 175 both have the 236 engine. I have to say of all my tractors the 265 is my go to tractor for light work ie moving wagons, raking hay, lower power pto work. I use my bigger tractors (JD4430, 4320) for snow plowing for the horse power or the 265 might be doing that too. The diesel is harder to start in the winter. If not tooooo cold a wiff of starting fluid and it starts right up. Below 15 and might need to plug it in.
If you was to use it mostly for plowing snow I might go for the 3010, as the gas should start easier, but it would depend on the condition. If it runs good.
I do have a Farmall M with a loader and it's great at plowing snow. I did put live hydralics on it after a while. I got tired of taking it out of gear to run the loader when not moving.
longmeadowfarm
Member
Deere 3010 built from 1960 - 1963 shipping weight about 6300 lbs.
Massey Ferguson 255, built from 1975 - 1982, shipping weight about 6000 pounds.
The Massey has a 236 cu in Perkins diesel... perhaps one of the best diesels of that era. I own an AC 175 with a Perkins 248 .. the newer version engine..and it has over 8000 hours and still going strong..as a daily chore tractor. Starts easy down to 20- 25 degrees, before you need the ether. The Perkins has a reputation for being a bit miserly with the fuel. The Deere not so much... gas or diesel.
In my judgement the Massey would be easier to find parts for, while the 3010 is getting rather long in the tooth and mother Deere is a bit pricey these days.. but the salvage yards have lots of parts.
If you planning on 'using' the tractor..then I would suggest the Massey 255 ..if you just want to look at something pretty..pick the Deere
Massey Ferguson 255, built from 1975 - 1982, shipping weight about 6000 pounds.
The Massey has a 236 cu in Perkins diesel... perhaps one of the best diesels of that era. I own an AC 175 with a Perkins 248 .. the newer version engine..and it has over 8000 hours and still going strong..as a daily chore tractor. Starts easy down to 20- 25 degrees, before you need the ether. The Perkins has a reputation for being a bit miserly with the fuel. The Deere not so much... gas or diesel.
In my judgement the Massey would be easier to find parts for, while the 3010 is getting rather long in the tooth and mother Deere is a bit pricey these days.. but the salvage yards have lots of parts.
If you planning on 'using' the tractor..then I would suggest the Massey 255 ..if you just want to look at something pretty..pick the Deere
Andy Martin
Well-known Member
I was amused. If the only good diesel was a Fordson Major...
One the 255, check out the power steering system. It may not be a bad pump. That can be a weak spot on a MF. Still good tractors.
steve terplak
Member
Have a 265 - top of my head, can't remember if it shares an engine with the 255 - but that era Massey is a super solid tractor. 265 has a nice size for a variety of work. HP is well matched to the machine. The Perkins is a pretty bullet proof engine. Been going on our farm since new...still going strong...no major work...going in for its first work this winter...just needs some leaks and seals done...still running strong, just want to get ahead of any potential issues.
In terms of winter starting...we have 3 diesels and the 265 is actually very easy starting in the winter. Block heater and it turns right over and fires up, whereas our larger diesels have a lug themselves to get started. Our Massey gasser starts like a charm in cold temps.
In terms of winter starting...we have 3 diesels and the 265 is actually very easy starting in the winter. Block heater and it turns right over and fires up, whereas our larger diesels have a lug themselves to get started. Our Massey gasser starts like a charm in cold temps.
[i:654c4848f0]hope you dont write a story about my 2000 years from now,,,,,,Its been sitting 6 months already,,,, [/i:654c4848f0]
If he does, I hope it's the [i:654c4848f0]same[/i:654c4848f0] story:
[i:654c4848f0]got cancer and the tractor sat outside. About 8 or 9 years later he had [b:654c4848f0]recovered[/b:654c4848f0] and was selling off all his junk.[/i:654c4848f0]
Heck, one man's junk is a another man's treasure. A friend who recovered from a throat cancer ran out and bought the car he'd always been dreaming of. Once you buy all the new stuff you may decide to let some of the littler used stuff go to make room and increase household harmony.
If he does, I hope it's the [i:654c4848f0]same[/i:654c4848f0] story:
[i:654c4848f0]got cancer and the tractor sat outside. About 8 or 9 years later he had [b:654c4848f0]recovered[/b:654c4848f0] and was selling off all his junk.[/i:654c4848f0]
Heck, one man's junk is a another man's treasure. A friend who recovered from a throat cancer ran out and bought the car he'd always been dreaming of. Once you buy all the new stuff you may decide to let some of the littler used stuff go to make room and increase household harmony.
larry@stinescorner
Well-known Member
Im not gonna let my Ford sit for 8 or nine years,,,6 months seems like an eternity to me,,
That was before I got overcome with diesel exaust from operating a neighbors IHC that I had borrowed and after I had to stop running it to go to work they said I was green when I got to work and thought I should go straight to the DR. I did not go but was sick for rest of day and next day. To this day I cannot use the fuel pump at station with the diesel hose because of spilled fuel fumes. And when I got overcome it was out in middle of field digging out a tile ditch. Never did get that tile repaired. Following a diesel truck on highway can make me sick. That is why I don't want anything to do with diesel. Me I would look for a Ford 5000 gas for a tractor that size.
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