Tractor Massey Ferguson 390t any good

raher1

Hi
I am thinking about buying a 4wd tractor and I hear good things about the Massey Ferguson 390t and bad things. What do people think?

Bass Reeves

At this stage they are too old and over priced

TooOldBoots

Good back in the day but haven't aged well for the prices they command.
Nowadays they are a horrible yolk, nasty small cab, electrics melted away, every nut and bolt rust welded. Just not enough power to run any decent machinery.

Sugarbowl

If you can get one for handy money they are not all that bad for the smaller farmer. No bother drawing bales etc etc.
There's 3 farmers here within a stones throw of each other and they all have 390s for years.

StevenToast

I have one, its a great job...does everything i need it to do...not too big, not too small....ill hold onto it for a long time yet!

DBK1

Everything twooldboots says is true about them but if you’re happy enough that they are big enough to do the work you have planned for it and if you aren’t going to be doing massive hours in it then the old, small and uncomfortable cab might not bother you too much!

While they are still priced at about double what they are actually worth the only bonus is if you get one at the right money it’ll never lose anything as long as you mind it. In 10 years time a clean one will probably still make the same money so if you have the money to put into one you probably won’t lose.

Personally I’d either spend a little bit more and go to a TL90 New Holland with power shuttle, especially if you’re after a tractor with a loader, or if budget was tight I’d go for an international with an XL cab and you’d have just as capable a tractor as the 390 for less than half the money.

The only other advice I’d give if getting one with a loader is make sure to get a good weight block for the back as well. That’s the most important implement for any loader tractor.

_Brian

I’ve never heard anything bad about them mechanically.

Like most tractors as long as they are sized for the job you’ll be grand.

Decent examples seem to command above their value in price.

cute geoge

Well I bought a 390 over 20 years ago and used it as the main tractor for years .It would still make the most of what I paid for it ,It is an ideal stockmans tractor ,easy to jump up on and exit for opening round bales .Lovely tractor to spend a few hours up on but you would have a pain in the hole if you spent a long day at silage or slurry,They are overpriced for what they are but always hold their value.I put in a high speed starter and she never fails to start ,done the brakes ,new rad and a few clutches but nothing else of any note. Imo the 390 will be the legend of a tractor just like 135 and 168

ruwithme

Over priced in my opinion given their age at this stage. 399 would be better value i believe or 390t alternative in other colours

emaherx

TooOldBoots wrote: »

Just not enough power to run any decent machinery.

What machinery are the average stock men running these days?

A 390T is more than enough to handle heavy silage bales which is the biggest ask for most farms.

I've used mine for baling and slurry agitating / spreading for the past 20 years I can't see me needing more power anytime soon.

Although I agree they are very over priced at this stage. And with many over the 30 year mark high hours and rust would be a big issue with most of them.

The small cabs that many complain about are a positive point on my farm, they are the result of the small footprint and low profile nature of it's design. When you've a tight low roofed yard that was built with a DB880 or MF165 in mind it makes choosing a replacement for the 390T a difficult choice for me.

TooOldBoots

If you have one already that's great but I would not be a fanboy and start to advise someone to buy one in 2020 unless they are into vintage/nostalgia. There's far newer better and better value tractors to be got in todays market.

emaherx

TooOldBoots wrote: »

If you have one already that's great but I would not be a fanboy and start to advise someone to buy one in 2020 unless they are into vintage/nostalgia. There's far newer better and better value tractors to be got in todays market.

That's true, but the nicer newer model I'd be looking for would be in the same HP bracket. Problem is there are not that many with the same sort of power in that small footprint with a low profile cab.

On the price of 390T's I see a lot of very rough tractors on DoneDeal looking for over 10K but they are usually listed for a long time, I'd doubt many sell anywhere near the asking price.


And honestly, I'd be interested to know of modern alternatives. The low roof is one of the most important factors for me, but I'll probably end up buying a bigger tractor but keeping the 390T as a yard tractor.

Bass Reeves

emaherx wrote: »

That's true, but the nicer newer model I'd be looking for would be in the same HP bracket. Problem is there are not that many with the same sort of power in that small footprint with a low profile cab.

On the price of 390T's I see a lot of very rough tractors on DoneDeal looking for over 10K but they are usually listed for a long time, I'd doubt many sell anywhere near the asking price.


And honestly, I'd be interested to know of modern alternatives. The low roof is one of the most important factors for me, but I'll probably end up buying a bigger tractor but keeping the 390T as a yard tractor.

If you come up 10 years from the 390's there is still tractors that are tidy. McCormick/ Case CX series, Zetors 40/41 series, NH TL and Massey 42 series. They can all be found with 70-90hp models and maybe even a bit strong that are tidy tractors.

emaherx

Bass Reeves wrote: »

If you come up 10 years from the 390's there is still tractors that are tidy. McCormick/ Case CX series, Zetors 40/41 series, NH TL and Massey 42 series. They can all be found with 70-90hp models and maybe even a bit strong that are tidy tractors.

I do need it to be over 90HP for the work it does, and I have only inches of clearance between tractor roof and roof trusses in some sheds. I find most modern tidy tractors are not quite as tidy as a 300 series massey. There are some Austrian built tractors that could be an option, they were built low profile for stability in alpine regions.

Redesigning some of the sheds may need to be the long term plan.


also I'd need to come up more than 10 years or it would be hardly worth while, as your are still talking about a near 20 year old tractor.

cute geoge

The nh tla would be the pick of them and again you will pay premium price .Alot of mccormick and case locally and if they go wrong seem v.expensive for repairs .Zetor are a good brand but trying to find a well kept one not easy so easy see how a 390 is so popular

emaherx

cute geoge wrote: »

The nh tla would be the pick of them and again you will pay premium price .Alot of mccormick and case locally and if they go wrong seem v.expensive for repairs .Zetor are a good brand but trying to find a well kept one not easy so easy see how a 390 is so popular

I think the NH TLA is a similar height to the flat floor 300 series, I've a low profile model, did NH offer low profile versions of cabs?

josephsoap

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/26371883

Nice tidy size of NH there - are they fairly comfortable to drive/spend 12 hours a day in if required.

Which tractor brand would have the best sound insulation 15 year old ?

hopeso

emaherx wrote: »

I think the NH TLA is a similar height to the flat floor 300 series, I've a low profile model, did NH offer low profile versions of cabs?

Just the one cab option on those New Hollands as far as I know. I think 34 inch rear wheels were the standard fitment too, so there isn't much scope for fitting a lower option....unless you'd consider running on 30's

bogman_bass

You could get something like a Case CX90 or the same money. 10 years younger. Slightly heavier backend, power shuttle.

The 390 was one of the best machines of its era but you are paying a premium on them now and you just don’t get enough for your money IMO

Bass Reeves

bogman_bass wrote: »

You could get something like a Case CX90 or the same money. 10 years younger. Slightly heavier backend, power shuttle.

The 390 was one of the best machines of its era but you are paying a premium on them now and you just don’t get enough for your money IMO

McCormick CX 90 is probably a better option. It has the older International back end. It generally has more lifting power than the Case even with case has assistor rams

Donald Trump

There is some crowd that "makes" them new on licence. Never heard of anyone buying one though


But the seem to be spec'd for different markets.



Originals are great machines, but as others say - very expensive. They do hold their value though.......

jimmy G M

We had a 390t 2 wd for aprox 10 years. A fantastic reliable tractor, replaced a clutch, apart from that just the usual servicing. At 95hp handled any job we needed, 1300 slurry tank, mowing, round bales, 3m power harrow.
Yeah the cab is tight and noise suppression not up to modern standards, but i've spent many an hour in worse. No rust issue on ours but it was indoors most nights. All simple logical manual controls. Had around 7,500 hours on ours when we traded in for a MF4245

The 390t with the 95hp is the one to go for, easier starting too, rather than the 80hp 390. If you are looking for a solid reliable performer from the mid to late 90's they fit the bill.

As regard the price yes they would seem to be over priced for what they are, but some lads asking €6 or €7k for a MF165 or a ford 4600???.

gozunda

Came across this

https://www.farmandplant.ie/listings/farm-machinery/for-sale/197691203/massey-ferguson-30

Anyone know which series of Massy is it or is it specific industrial one?

Edit: Oops just saw they have it down as a Massy 30.

Heres a regular 30 for comparison

Donald Trump

gozunda wrote: »

Came across this

https://www.farmandplant.ie/listings/farm-machinery/for-sale/197691203/massey-ferguson-30

Anyone know which series of Massy is it or is it specific industrial one?

Edit: Oops just saw they have it down as a Massy 30.

Heres a regular 30 for comparison

I think some of the masseys had industrial versions. Perhaps something like a 30E?

emaherx

gozunda wrote: »

Came across this

https://www.farmandplant.ie/listings/farm-machinery/for-sale/197691203/massey-ferguson-30

Anyone know which series of Massy is it or is it specific industrial one?

Edit: Oops just saw they have it down as a Massy 30.

Heres a regular 30 for comparison

No, industrial 30 is completely different from the 30 tractor in the picture.

The 30 industrial is more like a 135.

Edit: correction according to tractor data it has the same engine as a mk1 165.

http://www.tractordata.com/industrial-tractors/000/1/3/135-massey-ferguson-30.html

bogman_bass

Bass Reeves wrote: »

McCormick CX 90 is probably a better option. It has the older International back end. It generally has more lifting power than the Case even with case has assistor rams

Yeah but but would be a newer machine so will cost you a bit more.
Probably still a better value machine though

gozunda

emaherx wrote: »

No, industrial 30 is completely different from the 30 tractor in the picture.

The 30 industrial is more like a 135.

Edit: correction according to tractor data it has the same engine as a mk1 165.

http://www.tractordata.com/industrial-tractors/000/1/3/135-massey-ferguson-30.html

From that link - I see there was a 30 T which was called a "Turf Tractor"

emaherx

It seems to be just the same tractor on lawn tyres. Dont think it would be any better out on the bog though

gozunda

emaherx wrote: »

It seems to be just the same tractor on lawn tyres. Dont think it would be any better out on the bog though

That's what I was thinking. Certainly don't remember seeing bord na mona with them

Donald Trump

gozunda wrote: »

That's what I was thinking. Certainly don't remember seeing bord na mona with them

I think I saw a yellow one up for auction either this year or last.

Donald Trump

emaherx wrote: »

No, industrial 30 is completely different from the 30 tractor in the picture.

The 30 industrial is more like a 135.

Edit: correction according to tractor data it has the same engine as a mk1 165.

http://www.tractordata.com/industrial-tractors/000/1/3/135-massey-ferguson-30.html

That site has a 30E. 45hp . http://www.tractordata.com/industrial-tractors/000/1/6/165-massey-ferguson-30e.html

I don't think it matches the link for the one for sale but looks like a closer match in terms of hp

emaherx

Donald Trump wrote: »

That site has a 30E. 45hp . http://www.tractordata.com/industrial-tractors/000/1/6/165-massey-ferguson-30e.html

I don't think it matches the link for the one for sale but looks like a closer match in terms of hp

The 30E is a much newer tractor.

In the 60's an 70's there is a whole range of industrial models based around the 165/65 and 135/35. Some are even a mix, I've a 205 which looks quite like the picture in the ad but it has the same back end as a 65 and the engine is the same as a 135.

I often see these Industrial models being advertised as the wrong model too, the lack of medallions on the bonnet makes some lads guess the model before sticking up for sale on these websites, they are often just advertised as industrial 35/135/65/165 etc.


If the 30 is fitted with a 4 cylinder then I don't believe the tractor in the ad is a 30 and it's too old to be a 30E. It looks like a 3 cylinder tractor and the bonnet matches mine, but it's not a 205 as there is no tourque converter, I'm guessing maybe it might be a 202 or 203.

Bass Reeves

bogman_bass wrote: »

Yeah but but would be a newer machine so will cost you a bit more.
Probably still a better value machine though

It would depend on the conditions of the 390. I paid 18ishK for a McCormick CX90 about 2 years ago with a loader on it. A clean 390's would cost you much the same definately up on 15K+. Friend bought an off farm 398 and paid 14K for it

raher1

That tractors cost around 40k.

josephsoap wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/26371883

Nice tidy size of NH there - are they fairly comfortable to drive/spend 12 hours a day in if required.

Which tractor brand would have the best sound insulation 15 year old ?

raher1

gozunda wrote: »

From that link - I see there was a 30 T which was called a "Turf Tractor"

Turf could mean lawn tractor not turf as in bogs

gozunda

raher1 wrote: »

Turf could mean lawn tractor not turf as in bogs

Yeah I know that - used on golf courses, racetracks etc

tbh I was waiting for the jokes but in fairness no-one grasped that one

And on that someone is now selling Irish Turf on Amazon

https://i.imgflip.com/4m3fbb.jpg

https://i.imgflip.com/4m3feo.jpg

raher1

emaherx wrote: »

It seems to be just the same tractor on lawn tyres. Dont think it would be any better out on the bog though

Quad bike is the only thing for the bog

emaherx

raher1 wrote: »

Quad bike is the only thing for the bog

Can't say I've ever driven anything across a bog. Not in any hurry to either, looks like far too much hardship for an inefficient fuel.

gozunda

emaherx wrote: »

Can't say I've ever driven anything across a bog. Not in any hurry to either, looks like far to much hardship for an inefficient fuel.

You're not wrong...

I says

Bales, fert spreading, topping and some chain harrowing. Yeah the cabs a bit dated now. I’ve no issues with it touch wood. Tis a miser on diesel. Holds its value if I was you try looking at a landini powerfarm and see what you get for your dollars.

kk.man

gozunda wrote: »

You're not wrong...

She's to the ankles in it.

josephsoap

raher1 wrote: »

That tractors cost around 40k.

Really ? Gosh I’m was thinking 30k

But I suppose you would be giving 40 for anything half decent these days.

Albert Johnson

kk.man wrote: »

She's to the ankles in it.

A local man bought a 390 tractor that had been imported from England a good few year's back. It still had the original disc holder on the windscreen with the name of the dealership that sold it new, the dealership was called Cherry Hill.

One of the first jobs the new owner used it for was bringing out turf, it was a very wet summer and the bog was even more treacherous than usual. Sure enough he buried the tractor in a soft spot and it lay over on it's side half submerged. Another local contractor and character was sent for and eventually extracted it after 2 day's rooting with a digger. In the pub that night the contractor was being quizzed about his day's work, one of lad's asked him where about the tractor sunk. "About 4 inches off Cherry Hill" was his reply.

selectamatic

If a very clean 390 or similar MF is what's wanted a man would be far better off looking in France for one. Most will need wheels and tyres changed and a pickup hitch fitted upon arrival though.

hopeso

emaherx wrote: »

That's true, but the nicer newer model I'd be looking for would be in the same HP bracket. Problem is there are not that many with the same sort of power in that small footprint with a low profile cab.

On the price of 390T's I see a lot of very rough tractors on DoneDeal looking for over 10K but they are usually listed for a long time, I'd doubt many sell anywhere near the asking price.


And honestly, I'd be interested to know of modern alternatives. The low roof is one of the most important factors for me, but I'll probably end up buying a bigger tractor but keeping the 390T as a yard tractor.

Here's an interesting one....I never saw a low profile version before...
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/2009-massey-ferguson-5455-t-iii-dyna-4-c-w-l-p-cab/26747625

Bass Reeves

hopeso wrote: »

Here's an interesting one....I never saw a low profile version before...
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/2009-massey-ferguson-5455-t-iii-dyna-4-c-w-l-p-cab/26747625

34k in euro Inc vat and no loader

emaherx

https://www.farmersjournal.ie/1996-mf-390-scoops-24-100-at-carlow-auction-588787

Can't understand this kind of money!

Donald Trump

emaherx wrote: »

https://www.farmersjournal.ie/1996-mf-390-scoops-24-100-at-carlow-auction-588787

Can't understand this kind of money!

Mad money alright. I'd say it was probably less to buy when new.

TooOldBoots

Tires look well worn for 4800 hours. He'll have another 2K to spend on new ones soon. Add that to the 1200 commission and its one very dear antique

josephsoap

TooOldBoots wrote: »

Tires look well worn for 4800 hours. He'll have another 2K to spend on new ones soon. Add that to the 1200 commission and its one very dear antique

Would you get much of tractor similar to the 390 size wise for €25K?

Hagimalone

How many hp do you really require? What jobs will it doing?