I bought a Tractor-- MF65 Diesel

The ad is still up on Craigslist as I write:

" Massey Ferguson 65 - $4,000
Diesel tractor. Runs strong and works like it should. Bush hog is included in price. Bush hog was used roughly 5 times. Still like new. Contact me with any questions. "

I don't know how save the page image here or I would.


Upon inspection it looked as good as I could expect from the photo. The major systems seem to be working properly. The front tires look new-- large c????s in the rear, however, but I've seen worse in use.
There appears to be a power steering pump coupled to the injection pump at the front, but I haven't verified that yet. The steering action feels like non-functioning power steering. The seller hadn't noticed the abnormality in the steering though he is an industrial equipment technician and apparently had used the tractor regularly over of a period of years. He was able to discuss most issues knowledgeably and seems credible.

There's no fluid visible in the reservoir?.
Should I put power steering fluid in there to see what happens?
If yes how to determine correct fill level. There isn't a dipstick.?

I intend to drive it home, 30 miles.
Dale

Yes, put fluid in it. It might leak out rapidly, but at least you tried. If it leaks badly, I would put in a cup of PS fluid every
5 miles or so. Just to keep it lubed. Jim

Please do yourself a favor and keep some oil in the P/S pump. Otherwise, eventually this will happen (bottom-middle gear):



Thankfully, it was just a couple of gears and the P/S pump to replace on a MF165.

Do yourself a favor and haul it home or have a tow chain handy.Good luck with it but in my opinion you paid about 2X too much and has the makings of a real $$$$ pit.

Dale, I bought a TO-35 couple of years ago. I was also thinking of driving back, about 30 miles too. But
ultimately I borrowed a trailer and hauled it. Good thing. The steering was sloppy which I knew while
looking it over, but a few other things were found when going over it

Mice had dragged nylon carpet thread into the transmission housing for a nest. It was just about ready
to get snagged by the clutch and wrap everything inside

There was a mouse nest between the exhaust manifold and the gas tank. A long drive may have set that
on fire. No putting it out before the tank went kaboom. So, I was very lucky I hauled

Pictures loaded in reverse order. Be safe

Addition of power steering fluid could reveal a bad leak so be prepared for that. Provided you have a chase vehicle you could be OK driving it home, but I would plan on no more than five miles the first day then park it and give it a good inspection.

If the power steering on that 65 was working, you'd know it. Mine is the easiest steering tractor I've ever been on.

I would definitely add fluid. Mine was run dry before I got it to the point the pump seized and snapped the shaft off.

The fill hole should be offset so its not at the top of the reservoir. Fill it until its to the point of overflow. That still leaves a little room for expansion.

I think I'd try to get it trailered home.

I think you will like that tractor subject to its limitations. The only problem as I see it is a relatively low hydraulic pump flow of about 6-7 gpm. I like mine and it has done everything I have asked of it though it is used mainly for bush hogging and road scraping and I just like to ride it around sometimes.

I replaced all gauges, new wiring, and replaced the generator with a Denso 35 amp mini alternator. I would suggest checking front wheel bearings and spindle bearings. Also check play on the front bolster pin and give everything a good greasing. The foot clutch bearings on the lever itself needed replacing. I did have to have the injection pump resealed. And it finally ate a starter nose cone.
Also, there has been no problem sourcing any parts needed.

In general just give everything a good going over and it should serve you well. Don't forget to get an operators manual and parts manual.