Massey Ferguson Model 65-What I found

SNM 676833
Case # 183253m5
Bell #182840m2

Does this have an external hydraulic pump? I forgot to look.

Here are the major drawbacks. They did not volunteer to move the tractor, so I am assuming that the clutch is good. The drawbar did not go up or down, they did not know what levers exactly were supposed to be used for this. The tractor has been sitting for the better part of 15 years they say. There was a point that the tractor was shut off, when turned back on, the drawbar quickly raised the five or so inches it had fallen. Other than that, there was no moving it(we never got to put the weight of an implement on it).

The loader cannot get out of its own way. It did not even try at all to lift the tractor and moved super slow.
The power steering did not function at all when the tractor stood in one spot. When I tried to move the steering wheel, it felt as if it mechanically bound at the bottom of the steering shaft, although someone claimed the problem was with the pump. I don't know. I know I never saw the wheels turn at all.
The hour meter said 1750, however I did not look to see if it was working.
The upsides are that it seemed to run real well, with no smoking at all. It sounded real good also. There were no real visible leaks anywhere, to include the bell housing cotter pin hole.

This seems like a possible good candidate to try to buy right and fix. Thats what I think, but what do the people here think? What might be a good price with the above problems? Does need a bit of tin, not alot though.
Now that was an essay, hopefully some of you stuck through 'til the end.
Tell me if I am a fool now..... .
Brian

My guess on the steering box is that water has gotten in there from the top of the tube and rusted the bearings and shaft. Easy fix, as it uses standard 1/4" steel balls. Pull the cover off and take a look. Once the steering arm is turning free, you can look at the power steering stuff. The tractor works fine without it though. My PS hasn't worked for years, I just consider manual steering as part of an exercise program:)
One thing you don't mention is the condition of the tires. Those rear tires can get pretty spendy if they are not serviceable.$400-$600 each w/tubes.
If the loader is slow, then it is being driven off the internal pump. A front pump is driven off a shaft connected to the crank pulley, and is an easy add on for around $350 if you do some careful shopping. There are a few issues, but none that can't be overcome. Do a search on "65 Front pump" on the site and you'll learn everything you need to know.
Good luck.

SNM 676833 is a 1960 MF65 with a standard Wide Front, With a Perkins A4-203 Diesel engine. And a two stage clutch (Live Power). Power steering is a big plus too. In good full working order these are $4000+ machines with a loader it can be a $5000+ machine.

The lift seems to work, although there is a leak in the system probally the piston seal. This is why it lowered when shut off then "Poped" back up when re-started. This is not an issue unless it leaks down all the way in less than a min. It is also usually not a hard fix.

The engine running is a good sign. I did not understand the part about the loader. Did it pick up? Even if the steering is out did you drive it fwd and back, shift to each gear etc. to check the transmission?

Slow loader movement is typical with the 65 as the hyd. pump is not a high volume pump. there is no standard fwd pump. Just the one in the back.

New Power stering pumps can be $500.00

A plus side is that these were popular tractors and there are many new, NOS and used parts available.

The HP rating on the MF65 Diesel is in the 44HP range. Good all around tractor.

BTW I paid $3500.00 for a SGM with Power steering. in 2004.

Short list of letter codes.
S=standard wide front
G= Gas
N= Diesel A4-203 perkins
M= Two stage clutch.

• Serial Number List for Massey Ferguson: Model MF 65

On the up side, you would have the satisfaction of doing it all yourself.

HTH

Aaron