Ford 4600 vs MF 165?

With the current farm outlook the way it is, I've scaled back on the price of a second tractor I'm looking at. I was actually lucky that I didn't go ahead buy something a little more expensive and be locked into it. Off farm job would have paid for it, but I like to keep the farm paying for itself.

So I've came across these two tractors. First is a 1980 ford 4600 diesel with a bushhog 2400qt loader. Good tires, 5000 hrs, 1 remote being used by the loader, dealer has it and says it seems pretty straight. Only thing he can tell that's off about it is someone replace the ignition with a push button starter and kill switch. Told me on the phone that $6500 would buy it.

Second is a MF 165 diesel with a loader if some unknown brand, good tires, 1 free remote, private owner for the last two years, thinks it's a 68 model, and the tach has been replaced and shows 600 hours. Asking $5000 but is negotiable and he's had it for sell for several months.

I don't know hardly anything about the Massey, and I'm pretty familiar with the fords, so in leaning towards it. Although I'm guessing $4000 would buy the Massey. Both are about 3 hours away, just in opposite directions. I'd be adding a roll bar and canopy to the ford and probably another remote and at least a canopy to the Massey. Opinions? Thanks.

Here's a couple of pics...

I have a 4600 ford diesel and love it. mine has dual hydralics.

Several things to think about. Is the Massey a 4 spd. or 3 with multi-power. Multi-power was kind of a disaster. It has a 4 cyl. and should be a little stronger than the Ford 3 cyl. but probably not a lot. Loader on the Ford looks a lot better, later model tractor probably less hours, but as you said more money.

The farm had a 4600 with a loader on it, it was a
great tractor, unfortunately they had to sell it. 2wd
with a loader is not the best but for light duty stuff
they work great, ours mostly moved shavings and
sawdust to the barn, to bed stalls and for moving
hay bales to the barn, check the tie rod going from
wheel to wheel to see if it's bent, I straightened ours
and welded a piece of angle iron to the back side of
it. Ours had 2 rear remotes, but if I remember I had
to lock the lever under the seat to use the 3pt hitch.
Depending how it was cared for 5000 hrs isent to
bad, I have a 4610 now with 4100 hours on it.

The Ford is a much better tractor. The MF 165 is older and has a hydraulic system that is not really made for loader work.

Ford is light years ahead. Much better brakes, steering, front end, rear end, 3point hitch, hydraulics, and in this case, loader. Check the coolant ph with a test strip. Just sayin.....Ron

sold my 4600 w/westondorf loader for $6500 5 yrs ago.

I don't know enough about the Massey, but the 4600 is tough as nails.

I'm a little late to this thread - but even if I were early, take what I say with a grain of salt....

IMHO - the Ford is probably the better tractor, newer too.

Having said that - couple of things come to mind.

1. When I think about the Fords (and we have a model 3000 diesel) is concern about the engine cavation (sp?)
and the extent to what a rebuild might entail.

2. IMHO - the MF 165 is a very good/capable tractor. I wouldn't want a multi-power tranny - but that's just
me. Lots of these tractors were made, plenty of parts.

3. Perkins diesel. Sleeved block from the get-go, eases my mind if a rebuild becomes necessary from a $$$'s
standpoint.

Around my neck of the woods, 4K for a MF 165 with loader would be a low price - assuming the guy would come
down.

I think the Ford is the easy button - but for the price you're looking at, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the MF.

Good luck,
Bill

Massey's are light duty in the front axle. Not good for loaders.

The 4000/4600/4610 are just about bomb proof in that class of tractor and as far as I'm concerned are the best ever made.... so yeah... buy
the 4600. The Massey isn't exactly a lump but it's not a 4600.
Regardless of which you choose, take care of the front end. They're both going to be light for loader work.

Rod

Casey Look on Nashville Tn craig list ,farm& garden this morning nice MF 165 with loader and equipment for $ 4500.00 Not too far from you.