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My grandpa bought a new MF-165 gas in 1973, and we still have it today. It's a Perkins gas, which is not as common as the Continental, but has always been a great tractor. Growing up around our 160 acres, this is the tractor I lived on during crop season, and it's rarely disappointed. It'll outpull it's worth... easily pulling 3-14" plows or a 12" disc in southern Indiana clay hills. Until late 80s, this was our largest tractor for raising about 120 acres of corn and soybeans. Ours has been rebuilt a couple times, even with relatively low hours for machine of its age, simply because it doesn't get run as much as it should... (since it seems sitting idle in the shed can wear more than pulling good ever day.) Even after the last rebuild, it likes to use a little oil on a good day of work, but never enough to cause alarm. Not sure about your lift concern. Ours will do that and howl a bit if the lift levers aren't set to properly bypass the hydraulic pressure when arms are being used vs. when spooled hydraulics are in use. Don't rule out a purchase simply because it was misoperation. For that money, I'd have to ask a couple questions... which block does this one have? The Perkins is basically the diesel block... the Cont is basically the same block as in a 65 (which we also have had since new and always performs well.) Both are good performers in my experience, but I would say the Perkins is worth more. Which transmission? Does the tractor have multi-power? This proves to be a major difference in verstility. The only problem we ever had with transmission was the main seal between engine and tranny... once clutch housing got doused once, never could keep a regular clutch from absorbing oil. If you're not putting a loader on the tractor, the most effective solution is to put in a brass button-type clutch, and the tractor will pull a lot better. Overall, I would say the tractor is worth that money if you need one. You won't get beat, but I'm not sure you couldn't find a better deal. If it's in good shape, and has the above features, you'll be very happy. Any other questions, feel free to reply here and I'll answer as best I can.
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