Massey 390T

Jercruiser

Hi there,

I am looking for a history lesson on the Massey 390T 2wd please. I am looking to buy one and would like to know more. I am a Case man for years but its time to switch brands as the parts and dealer cover are just so bad.
Hope you's can help.

Cheers

ABlur

Well Jercruiser the 390 has been discussed to death on this forum! Heres some recent threads worth a look:


http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=64551968

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=67429462

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=77243969

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=82422677

Its popular but imo very over priced.

PMU

overpriced? the reason for the price is that everyone wants one. they are well made and popular with livestock men.

satstheway

We have 398 4 wheel drive "390T with heavier backend" this last 12 years. Parts easy to get and easy to work at. They are bit of a fire hazard so fit a safety switch and use at all times as they just spontaneously combust due to wires rubbing someone told me its because the cab bushings wear and let the cab rub on the main live. Brakes on ours groan and you can get special oil for this but ours still groan when you lean heavy on them but are very good all the same. The 4 wheel drive is very maneuverable and compact for the horses. If you have your tractor outside they have a prob where the diesel tank can collect a bit of water but this is very easy to drain in a couple of secs by loosening a plastic thumbscrew on the bottom of the glass bowl once in a while. lift is good. resale value good they really dont depreciate or kept in good Nick. I would go for 4wd , Not a Bad machine.

delaval

I traded one years ago for a 5455. I have moved on since to a 5465. The one mistake was selling the 390t it was bomb proof, pulled a 2250gl tanker operated a 18cu diet feeder fantastic tractor. The 5465 is the best tractor we have ever had but pond for pound you could not go wrong with a 390.
I am doing a deal at the moment for a '99 398 4wd as we need a second tractor occasionally. Have you noticed ith all threads that people ask how does this and that tractor compare to the 390T, I think your answer is there. The only fault is that they are a bit highly geared in 1st high box for towing just drop to 4M and away you go. Go for the 4wd.

pakalasa

Is there much of a difference between the floor change and the newer ones with the gear lever on the side?

ADKELMAC

Jercruiser, you say you are going away from Case because of the parts and dealer backup. I am on the lookout for a tractor and was thinking of going for a Case 685,785 or 885 xl cab & 4wd if possible. Fords and Masseys are just too expensive for me.
Are the parts for Case very expensive? Do you have problems with the Case?
There aren't many Case tractors around me so any info on these would be appreciated.

ABlur

ADKELMAC wrote: »

Jercruiser, you say you are going away from Case because of the parts and dealer backup. I am on the lookout for a tractor and was thinking of going for a Case 685,785 or 885 xl cab & 4wd if possible. Fords and Masseys are just too expensive for me.
Are the parts for Case very expensive? Do you have problems with the Case?
There aren't many Case tractors around me so any info on these would be appreciated.

I have a Case 785xl 4wd I find it good, cost me about half what a 390 would. Parts are cheap and easy to come by from your local Sparex parts man. No need for a dealer, we dont have one in Clare anyhow!

agriman27

We have 390t 4wd from new not many problems apart from that little prick of a spring in gearbox that goes in them all. They have loads of torque, power to weight very good. The cab is a bit tight I feel, newer masseys are more comfy cab.

ADKELMAC

ABlur

That sounds like the kind of machine I'm after. Positive feedback, so the search goes on.

PS. Do you have any trouble with the gearbox or clutchless gear?

Thanks

ABlur

ADKELMAC wrote: »

ABlur

That sounds like the kind of machine I'm after. Positive feedback, so the search goes on.

PS. Do you have any trouble with the gearbox or clutchless gear?

Thanks

No problem with gearbox yet anyway though gear change levers/linkages are a bit loose which is a common problem. Not sure what a clutchless gear is, I dont know if I have one! I have a torque amplifier in it and it works OK.

Jercruiser

ADKELMAC wrote: »

Jercruiser, you say you are going away from Case because of the parts and dealer backup. I am on the lookout for a tractor and was thinking of going for a Case 685,785 or 885 xl cab & 4wd if possible. Fords and Masseys are just too expensive for me.
Are the parts for Case very expensive? Do you have problems with the Case?
There aren't many Case tractors around me so any info on these would be appreciated.

I think the Case ain't all that well made. Parts are ok to buy its just the stock for Case parts wouldn't be huge in this country. On the models you mentioned, the engines are their own and they are so so.

seanymaguire

had the 390t with the gear sticks in between your legs, had most the highline cab

Donald Trump

Zombie thread but seeing as it has already been resurrected, I have a question:

You still see "new" ones for sale online. Usually with no cab at all or just a roof. I wonder are they just built for export to Africa etc. or are they manufactured under licence by a different manufacturer? Like the Turkish crowd that do a version of the 240 under licence (although it is not branded as MF in that case) Anyone know?

emaherx

Donald Trump wrote: »

Zombie thread but seeing as it has already been resurrected, I have a question:

You still see "new" ones for sale online. Usually with no cab at all or just a roof. I wonder are they just built for export to Africa etc. or are they manufactured under licence by a different manufacturer? Like the Turkish crowd that do a version of the 240 under licence (although it is not branded as MF in that case) Anyone know?

Could be, there are / were a number of companies building old MF models under licence.

Like Tafe in India or Hattat in Turkey. Sometimes with MF badges, some with their own and some were ordered by Agco for Asain/African markets.

Sometimes you'd see the tractors built under license with new model numbers like MF385 or MF241.

hopeso

Donald Trump wrote: »

Zombie thread but seeing as it has already been resurrected, I have a question:

You still see "new" ones for sale online. Usually with no cab at all or just a roof. I wonder are they just built for export to Africa etc. or are they manufactured under licence by a different manufacturer? Like the Turkish crowd that do a version of the 240 under licence (although it is not branded as MF in that case) Anyone know?

Under licence, I'd almost certainly say. Probably not to the same standards as the original 300 series either.

Donald Trump

emaherx wrote: »

Could be, there are / were a number of companies building old MF models under licence.

Like Tafe in India or Hattat in Turkey. Sometimes with MF badges, some with their own and some were ordered by Agco for Asain/African markets.

Sometimes you'd see the tractors built under license with new model numbers like MF385 or MF241.

17500 + VAT for 2wd

https://www.agriaffaires.co.uk/new/farm-tractor/21839329/massey-ferguson-390t-unused.html


or
24500 + VAT for 4wd
https://www.agriaffaires.co.uk/new/farm-tractor/23761676/massey-ferguson-390t-4wd-unused.html




No pick up hitch (or cab) on them. Look like some kind of updated early 100 series (albeit square axle) more than a 300 series

emaherx

Donald Trump wrote: »

17500 + VAT for 2wd

https://www.agriaffaires.co.uk/new/farm-tractor/21839329/massey-ferguson-390t-unused.html


or
24500 + VAT for 4wd
https://www.agriaffaires.co.uk/new/farm-tractor/23761676/massey-ferguson-390t-4wd-unused.html




No pick up hitch (or cab) on them. Look like some kind of updated early 100 series (albeit square axle) more than a 300 series

Remove the cab and the 300 series is just an updated 100 series. There were 300 series footplate models sold in other countries when they were sold here. It looks like an early model with the 3 sticks on the floor and manual 4wd.

Fuel system looks different, possibly Delphi pumps instead of CAV. So likely built in India or Turkey under license.

emaherx

Old New Holland models too.

https://www.tractorprovider.com/new_holland_70_56_tractor.html

Bass Reeves

Main issue with 390 tractors is that even the newest are over 25 years old now. Op you will struggle to but a 2WD with a shuttle. that means you will be looking at older floor change models. Unless you are doing very little hours with the tractor I be reluctant to go for a floor change model.On the other hand buying a 2WD gives you a good chance of buying a clean example if you come accross one but they will be over priced.

If you want to stay with Massey you could consider 4255 a 2wd drive model will be no more expensive than a clean 390 with a shuttle if you can come across one. I always find if you are buying anything if you become fixated with a particular make and model like a car or any machinery you are putting a ride me sticker on your back. Another option would be a Zetor you can come across some great value in 2wd in them that have little work done however you will have to move yo to beyond 2000 to get one with a shuttle.

TBH I have a Case CX80 2WD myself. I think it is a way nicer tractor than a 390. It is a noughties tractor and they can be bought hand enough. Yes parts area struggle but there is a company in Dublin you can order them and they will send them down to you. I cannot fault them

emaherx

Bass Reeves wrote: »

Main issue with 390 tractors is that even the newest are over 25 years old now. Op you will struggle to but a 2WD with a shuttle. that means you will be looking at older floor change models. Unless you are doing very little hours with the tractor I be reluctant to go for a floor change model.On the other hand buying a 2WD gives you a good chance of buying a clean example if you come accross one but they will be over priced.

If you want to stay with Massey you could consider 4255 a 2wd drive model will be no more expensive than a clean 390 with a shuttle if you can come across one. I always find if you are buying anything if you become fixated with a particular make and model like a car or any machinery you are putting a ride me sticker on your back. Another option would be a Zetor you can come across some great value in 2wd in them that have little work done however you will have to move yo to beyond 2000 to get one with a shuttle.

TBH I have a Case CX80 2WD myself. I think it is a way nicer tractor than a 390. It is a noughties tractor and they can be bought hand enough. Yes parts area struggle but there is a company in Dublin you can order them and they will send them down to you. I cannot fault them

It's been 6 years, they've probably made their mind up by now

Donald Trump

Bass Reeves wrote: »

If you want to stay with Massey you could consider 4255 a 2wd drive model will be no more expensive than a clean 390 with a shuttle if you can come across one. I always find if you are buying anything if you become fixated with a particular make and model like a car or any machinery you are putting a ride me sticker on your back. Another option would be a Zetor you can come across some great value in 2wd in them that have little work done however you will have to move yo to beyond 2000 to get one with a shuttle.

Only vague anecdotal recollection of being told that the shuttles on that 4200 range had some issues. We had one here and it didn't give too many problems though. I actually thought it was a great little yard tractor (sloped bonnet). And I liked using the shuttle on them. You could flick it back and forth without taking your hand off the wheel. No little lips that you had to lift it over and no messing about with it changing gears with double-flicks or anything like that - just changed direction. Fierce handy for doing loader work. And it was clutchless



If I remember correctly though, you can't tow-start them due to the oil shuttle. Wasn't an issue here as it was changed before giving problems but if you were buying a yoke that was a bit iffy on starting, being able to tow start it can get you out of a hole.


I'd agree in general to go for 2wd on an older yoke unless you needed the 4wd or wanted it for loader work.

patsy_mccabe

€ 18,000 plus VAT for a 1988 floor change (gears) MF 390. :mad:
Somebody must be paying these kind of prices.

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/mf-390/21282767

White Clover

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

€ 18,000 plus VAT for a 1988 floor change (gears) MF 390. :mad:
Somebody must be paying these kind of prices.

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/mf-390/21282767

10 + VAT would be what it's worth.

emaherx

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

€ 18,000 plus VAT for a 1988 floor change (gears) MF 390. :mad:
Somebody must be paying these kind of prices.

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/mf-390/21282767

And it's a garage too! It will rust into the ground where it stands at that price. I wouldn't pay that price for a late model one with 40K box.

josephsoap

emaherx wrote: »

And it's a garage too! It will rust into the ground where it stands at that price. I wouldn't pay that price for a late model one with 40K box.

Have our 94 390T 12 years this year.....going by the above dealer prices it probably hasn’t depreciated at all

Silage shot from Wednesday attached.

emaherx

josephsoap wrote: »

Have our 94 390T 12 years this year.....going by the above dealer prices it probably hasn’t depreciated at all

Silage shot from Wednesday attached.

You can ask that sort of money, getting it would be another thing. But yours is probably 12×12 shuttle model? And 6 years younger so worth a bit more than the one in Patsy's link.

josephsoap

emaherx wrote: »

You can ask that sort of money, getting it would be another thing. But yours is probably 12×12 shuttle model? And 6 years younger so worth a bit more than the one in Patsy's link.

Yes, 12 x 12 shuttle 30K box

Often thought of upgrading it for a 5455 or T5050/T5060 but it’s so reliable I would be afraid to move it on.

Bass Reeves

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

€ 18,000 plus VAT for a 1988 floor change (gears) MF 390. :mad:
Somebody must be paying these kind of prices.

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/mf-390/21282767

Doubt it all though when buying my last tractor I visited one main dealer and he wanted stupid money for an old JD and International. Both were dog rough.but he did say the price was a done up price.

On the tractor in your picture not only is it floor change and a red top but also it looks dog rough. In that condition it is not worth 10k without the vat more like 7-8k.

Clean 12X12 shuttles can be got for 15-18K and are over priced at that unless very clean 1-2 owner tractors with middling hours. For a few more thousand you would get a late nineties 4255 , a nice noughties Zetor 8440 with loaders or Case/McCormick CX series tractors. Any of these are fine stockman tractors for lads with 50-100 acres that get a certain amount contracted

patsy_mccabe

Cousin bought a clean MF 4235, 2 wheel drive with massey loader for less than that money.