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How do I test a MF255 I am thinking of buying?

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USMCGunny-retired

06-28-2003 14:11:17




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I am a complete stranger to the tractor scene but need to buy one out of necessity for our 6 acre horse farm. I looked at a MF255 for sale at a local used tractor dealer today but don't know if it is good shape or not. The front loader and rear 3 pt hitch seem to work fine and there's no sign of hydraulic leaks. The bucket is new. It also has the rear hydraulic system. I didn't see any welds on the loader or front axle areas. There is some oil leaking on the right side rear of the engine about 2/3 of the way up. Any ideas? Tires are nearly new (can still see remnants of the molding nipples on the tread) and are filled with calcium. Wheels are weighted, spin-off type. Lights are inop. Engine started right up, but there's not anywhere to really drive it around/use it there on the lot. What should I look for that I've not mentioned? Dealer offers no guarantees. Price is $7500. Is this too much tractor for 6 acres? Primary uses will be bushhogging, post hole drilling, arena building and maintenance, moving and spreading pea gravel, rock dust, manure, dirt etc.

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David in OH

07-10-2003 16:53:27




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 Re: How do I test a MF255 I am thinking of buying? in reply to USMCGunny-retired, 06-28-2003 14:11:17  
I dont like the idea of calcium in any tires but oh well. I would be aware of the tach. its not nice when people turn them back.sounds like a decent price.Would be a nice tractor for 6 acres. good luck



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Tom

06-30-2003 03:53:25




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 Re: How do I test a MF255 I am thinking of buying? in reply to USMCGunny-retired, 06-28-2003 14:11:17  
First step: Don't believe the hours on the tach. Everyone turns them back. Look at the tires carefully. If you see low hours and worn tires - you get the point. As an example: I have a MF-690, 1983 model, 3900 hours. Tires are original, all brands match. Tred is at least 70 percent on rear and front tires look like several years left. I see tractors at auction with 1300 or 1400 hours on the meter with worn out tires, brands mismatched - obviously turned back; but you still see people say "It only has 1300 hours on it"

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Not really

07-01-2003 10:14:17




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 Re: Re: How do I test a MF255 I am thinking of buy in reply to Tom, 06-30-2003 03:53:25  
3900 hours and one set of tires? What do you drive it on, jello? We have WAY too many thorns and rocks to last that long. Tach turnbacks do happen, so does disconnecting it. To say that "everybody" does it is a bit much. Let the buyer beware is a better idea.



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Jerry (AL)

06-29-2003 11:59:23




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 Re: How do I test a MF255 I am thinking of buying? in reply to USMCGunny-retired, 06-28-2003 14:11:17  
i bought a MF255 about 18 months ago and so far am pleased. I gave $5200 so if the loader is good and relatively new, the price may not be bad. My guess is though that you might bargain it down a little.

I would drive it and see if the multipower works. I wouldn't touch it if there was a problem there. Also, a sign that you might have a future problem there would be if you have excessive oil or fluids come out of the weep hole underneath the clutch housing. Make sure that it hasn't been stopped up with mud or dirt intentionally.

If you want it, see if you can get them to service it for you with fuel filter, oil change and filter, and the hydraulic system change and filter service as part of the deal.

The ends of the three point arms break down and there are pins that are spring loaded to latch. mine were broken and I had to replace them.

Also, pull the grill and take a good look at the radiator for damage and check the steering cykinder for excessive fluids and general looseness in the front steering mechanisms.

Big Dean's website is a good resource.

They have both wet and dry brake systems. Half moon stamping on the back of the rear axle housing means wet.

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How many hours?

06-29-2003 06:11:07




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 Re: How do I test a MF255 I am thinking of buying? in reply to USMCGunny-retired, 06-28-2003 14:11:17  
Gunny, Check the number of hours on the tachometer, above ~3000 watch out. We bought one new in 1976 with the AD-203 engine, haven't had ANY problems with vibration or anything else, one TOUGH tractor. BUT, buying used is a whole new ballgame, need to have an independent mechanic look at it if you want a real opinion. From here it looks pretty good;-) Go to fastline.com and type in MF255 and compare prices, $7500 doesn't sound bad but it depends on where you are. Also read Big Dean's website for lots of MF info, you'll see him respond here often. Good luck.

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kypete

07-01-2003 01:06:21




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 Re: Re: How do I test a MF255 I am thinking of buy in reply to How many hours?, 06-29-2003 06:11:07  
Gunny
I bought a 255 used fifteen years ago. Put a new front loader on it. Had no idea how many hours. The tach wasn't working when I got it. I've used it every year to mow and square bale about 50 acres, bush-hog 20 acres twice a year and used the loader for just about anything you could think of. It has the perkins engine. The only problem I ever had was recently the front seal on the fuel injector pump was bad causing fuel to get in the crankcase. It has always had a small oil leak on the right side of the engine. It may be a little overkill for 6 acres. Mine has high @low range with four speeds forward on each. You will need a block heater, it won't start below 35 degrees. Price ins't bad but he will probably come down 500. Good luck.
SEMPER FI

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Rlach

06-28-2003 17:47:22




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 Re: How do I test a MF255 I am thinking of buying? in reply to USMCGunny-retired, 06-28-2003 14:11:17  
There is 2 possible engines in MF 255 : AD4-203 and AD4-236; 236 CID engine is a far better choice, far less vibration in the tractor; I saw tractor with ruined wiring harness because of excessive vibration caused by the AD4203 engine.
If it is a Multi-Power system(12 forward speeds) ask a mechanics to do few tests before buying the tractor.Just my 2 cents. Best regards, Rlach



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