Tractor advice needed

Gorteen

I'm thinking of selling my 1971 MF165 for something a bit more modern. I could spend money getting the lift and steering sorted, but it would still be a 42 year old tractor, if you know what I mean.

My budget is probably €3000 along with my MF165 (I imagine it's worth €2000), so I'm looking for a replacement which is no more than €5000.

I don't need 4WD, but it must be very reliable, uncomplicated and economical. I need it for delivering round bales in the winter, bringing home small loads of turf in summer, a bit of topping, chaain harrowing & fertiliser spreading.

What sort of machines should I be looking at?

jomoloney

for your budget I would keep the 165

Muckit

spend the €3000 on tipping up the 165. At least you know what you have

Gorteen

Ye could be right, I supposse. It always starts like a dream but the lift needs to be sorted because while it will pick up a (heavy) round bale, after about four miles, the bale has dropped down and begings to drag along the ground!!! Also, there is aout a foot of play in the steering before the wheels turn. And the paint work is very poor. Would €3000 cover a major overhaul? Is there anyone in the midlands who could do this job that you might recommend?

DMAXMAN

Gorteen wrote: »

Ye could be right, I supposse. It always starts like a dream but the lift needs to be sorted because while it will pick up a (heavy) round bale, after about four miles, the bale has dropped down and begings to drag along the ground!!! Also, there is aout a foot of play in the steering before the wheels turn. And the paint work is very poor. Would €3000 cover a major overhaul? Is there anyone in the midlands who could do this job that you might recommend?

did the steering on a mf digger last year which is similar. parts cost about 500 for all pins,bushes etc.did the brakes this year cost 400 for parts . would recommend getting a mechanic who knows mf settings for stering and lift. all mf 100 series parts easy to get now

Finnt

I'd keep the 165, spent a bit on her wouldn't worry about the paint if your holding on to it it won't make a difference,
There's loads of cheap bits to be got for them now but tbh for the bits for the lift/hydraulics I'd get genuine bits I've never done a 165 back end but I've done 35's and 135's and have had bother with spurious parts,