Compact tractor

advocateadventures · Jan 3, 2014

I am looking at a compact tractor, the 1984 205 Massey Ferguson. I have what might be considered a odd use for it, to tow a boat on a sloped gravel beach mainly - but also to plow my driveway in the winter. My main question, since I have never owned a tractor before, is will this small tractor tow a boat and trailer that weighs around 2000 lbs up a sloped beach or even a paved boat ramp? My little compact car (KIA Soul) will actually tow it up the boat ramp but I know its very hard on the clutch so looking at this as a alternative. The 205 isn't 4 wheel drive. Any ideas?

Fawteen · Jan 3, 2014

You'll be fine with that. Might want to consider chains for moving much snow tho.

Dan in North Houston · Jan 3, 2014

It should be fine. If you have any problems with traction, putting fluid in the rear tires for ballest will help a lot. But one thing you need to pay attention to is the brakes. Maintenance on the brakes is not something that gets a lot of attention, since it doesn't take much to stop a small tractor going at slow speeds on level ground. But holding a loaded trailer on a boat ramp is another story. If properly adjusted, they should be fine. But I would recommend that you plan on disassembling and servicing the brakes before you try the trailer. On my compact JD, it is a very easy job to replace the brake shoes and adjust the brakes, as you don't need to remove the rear tires to do that. Don't know how it would be on the tractor you are looking at. Also, there is typically no emergency brake, but rather a latch of some kind to hold down the brake pedals, which you will want to make sure is working property. And there will be a latch to lock the left brake pedal to the right brake pedal, so they work as one, which is what you will need for your application. So it is important that both sides be adjusted equally.

VicS · Jan 3, 2014

It will easily tow your boat. Fawteen is right,
consider chains for the winter. 4X4 is better but we
were using these tractors for 75 yrs and getting the
job done! Vic

advocateadventures · Jan 3, 2014

(quoted from post at 10:42:39 01/03/14) You'll be fine with that. Might want to consider chains for moving much snow tho.

Thanks for your input - So even though its only 20hp, it would be the gears and large tires that would allow me to pull something that is as heavy as the tractor itself? If it does I would prefer it over a large tractor as it would be better on fuel and easier to store.

It has a blade on the back and chains - with the blade on the back it will be awkward to see what I am doing but I guess it could push more back there vice the front.

Dieseltech · Jan 3, 2014

I have a 205, no 4wd but the differential lock will help too if needed. Just don't apply it with one wheel stopped and other spinning. The band brakes on mine work great. I have a blade on the front, and 600 LB hanging on the three point, still has turf tires. Doe OK, but chains would help too. Tractor is geared low, really slow in lo range. Get the service and operators
books, and change the injection pump oil, as it is not oiled from the engine.

advocateadventures · Jan 4, 2014

Thanks everyone for the input, I am also looking at a Mitsubishi MT1208, which is a larger 4 cylinder diesel rated around 33hp (compared to the 2cyl 20hp MF205) but still what I guess would be called a compact tractor. It is a 1992, not as good shape as the 205 which looks in almost new condition, but runs well. I need to tow the boat around 3 miles to get to my launch spot so wondering if the larger tractor would be a better bet. The 1208 is supposed to have 12 speeds forward - that would be 6 in high and low I assume so thinking it would have more speed on the road to get to the launch. Anyone have any experience with the Mitsubishi brands?

Compact tractor

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Fawteen

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Dan in North Houston

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VicS

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Dieseltech

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