Keith Molden - question about casting # on MF50/65

Hey Keith (or someone else with more knowledge than I),

If you're still around, what is the # on your rear (center) casting?

I've located a rear end with a casting mark on the right side by the rear oil dipstick of (MHF) 183-253M4. My MF doesn't have the (MHF) mark, and has an M5 suffix. It would probably fit, but it seems the holes around the PTO shaft are a lot smaller on the M4 casting (mine are stripped / fractured, hence the desire to replace it) - wondering if there are any other differences?

Seems to me, it's a Massey-Harris, unsure what model - not that it wouldn't fit the 65, but would it be better suited to a MH restoration? I know what he's asking for it, but any idea what it is worth? It's been open (lift cover and internals removed) for probably over a year, so some surface rust on the pto and pinion gear shafts. but other than a small bit of surface rust on a small portion of the ring gear, it looked shiny when moved.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Well Worn

MHF is short for Massey Harris Ferguson. Early MF models had MHF on the castings and name plates. The Harris name was dropped and then it was just MF. Massey Harris models would only have MH on the castings. Dave

yes thats whats on my MH50 (1957) i think they are the same casting for the MF65 but reading up on it and make sure. 50$ to 100$ i would pay for it its going to sit around a long time.

Thanks for the info, gentlemen.

I was aware that MHF was the interim from MH to MF, but wasn't sure if there was a specific year of the changeover. I do know from looking at the parts books that there were at least 3 versions of bearings in the 65 planetary unit, and according to what I've seen in the books, the 50 and 65 axle parts were different. BUT, I've heard from a couple people, including a salvage yard, that the 50 and 65 driveline are the same. Perhaps so, but again, it may have something to do with model years. The casting marks, seems to me, would be a good starting point.

I'd prefer to not 'downgrade' revisions that I can probably safely assume were improvements in design. I know I don't have the experience (yet) with the tweaks that were made between model years, and what were significant in what ways, so thought I'd ask the experts here.

Does anyone know what the differences are between the M4 and M5 rear center casting, other than what looks to be bigger holes for the check chain brackets? My 65 is set up with a Cat II lift, and perhaps the 'lighter' check chain setup was only for Cat I, such as would probably be on a 50, or an early 65 - again, I can only guess.

Also still hoping for a reply from Keith.