255 vs 1100-First Massey

I am looking for something to run a bushhog, auger, maybe pull a wagon around. I have an other tractor for any heavy field work.

There is a Massey (AGCO) dealer closeby who seems to have some decent low hour machines. I was just wanting an opinion on a couple machines.

They have a 255 is decent condition for $7000 and what appears to be a nice 1100 for $5,000. Both are Diesel, 255 has 2000 hours, 1100 has about 5000.

I checked auction prices and noticed those 1100's sell pretty cheap. Were there problems with those models? What were the major upgrades between the older series and the 55s?

Given what my use is which one would you fellas recommend?

My loader is a Bush Hog 2426 purchased new through Robison and Grissom Tractor in North Mississippi. The Bush Hog 2426, 2425 and 2400 will fit your 255 and are all the same loader just different year models. In fact if you find any of these units mounted on a 255, 265 or 275 they all use the same mounting brackets. Maybe the same holes or maybe others but still the same bracket number. The MF 236 loader will also fit your 255. The same likely goes here if you find one mounted on a 255, 265 or 275 it may bolt up with very little trouble. I can't find the site again but I think the MF 165 and 175 use the same brackets also but I can't be sure. I love mine so far and have just been working in the yard with it. I haven't gotten it to the farm yet. Good hunting and good luck.

A few additional thoughts.

A friend found a used John Deere 143 loader to go on his JD 2640 for $1,000. He likely has less than $1200 to $1500 in the unit installed and it works very well.
I started looking almost two years ago and found a used MF236 loader mounted on a MF245. Close but needed a different mounting bracket. The price was $1,000 and it needed a new or rebuilt bucket. I passed and in the next few months found that it could have been a good deal. Called back and it had sold. Found several MF units or Bush Hog units mounted on 265's and 275's but before I discovered they would fit with little if any trouble they were sold. I had remote hydraulics added to my tractor for $1,600. This gives me power for my loader and 3 point hitch at the same time. Also gives better speed for the loader. I intended to do this from the git go. I purchased a new loader with bucket and pallet forks for $5,000 installed. The 2426 model has the quick tach bucket and pallet fork. Pull two pins and you can change implements in less than 3 minutes if you are on flat ground. The quick attach implements are standard on the 2426 and where an option on the 2425. Don't know it that option was available for the 2400. Since I have 60 acres and cows I felt the implement easy of change was worth the extra paid. I can change from bucket to fork to hay spear multiple times without a problem. If you only want a bucket or only need a spear that would not be an issue. The non quick attach can be changed it just takes more time and may involve a second or even third pair of hands. I am 50 years old and plan on keeping this tractor which I have had for 29 years so I just considered this a worthwhile investment that I should have done 10 or 20 years ago. Since I don't know your planned usage for the tractor you may not wish to invest in new equipment. I just have to figure the best way to pay for it and not look back. E-mail if you have questions you think I can help with. Good hunting.

Just by what you describe, the 255 would be the best choice I think (price seems to be fair too).
It has the Perkins 203 engine (about 50 hp)in it which was very reliable.

The 1100 series tractor (1100, 1130, 1150) was made for serious row crop farming. It probably has CAT II or III hitch equipment and is not as maneuverable as the 255.

I used to work in a Massey dealership and both were very good machines. The only thing about the 1100 series I think was a problem was something tearing up in the hydraulic system and contaminating the valves and such. Could be a monster to fix at times but I also believe the hydraulic system was one of the best in the business if maintained properly.

Hope this helps.

Tommy

I think that may have been an issue for switching to the 236 engine. As I recall, the 203 did not have a balancer in it but the 236 did. It's been a long time ago so I'm not sure about all that but I do vaguely remember something about vibration problems. By the time I started working at the Massey dealer (late 1977), I think most of the 255s were coming with 236s. Geez, wish I could remember more!

Tommy

212s were fitted to UK and France made 165s from about 1968.

You are right. I had forgotten about that. I think the majority of them we sold were 236 equipped. Thanks!

Tommy