Just got my MF 165 back - rebuild cost guesses?

steve terplak · Jun 27, 2017

Hey guys,
just got my MF 165 (gas) back from a mechanic. Tractor has been on the farm for the last 40+ years, hasn't seen any heavy duty repairs in that time. Has been running rough for a couple years and, I had attempted to address as a carb/fuel issue and finally decided that it was past my mechanical abilities/time constraints to truly learn and fix.
So, our instructions to the mechanic were: fix everything you see that needs addressing. Would like to see this tractor give us another 40 years. This included getting down to stuff like lights (which a couple generations of farmer-fixes on wiring had left the lights not working and, for the most part, not necessary but would be nice to have. Lots of minor things I realized had always been my intention to address on my own but never seemed to be enough time to do. .
Initial inspection revealed a crack in the head and a hole in one of the cylinder walls (I believe).

Semi-complete list:
Out of frame overhaul
new radiator, clutch, pressure plates, recondition flywheel, rebuild, rebuild transmission, hydrualics, clutch discs, throw out bearings, gauges, battery, rebuild oil pump, rings, pinion shaft, retainers, rebuild multipower, lights, etc...oil and fluid changes, new front tire

Hopefully, a brand new tractor in some pretty old clothes (except the engine).

Any guesses on the total bill, and total hours of labor?

It ended up about where I had guessed, more than he thought going in (I am a pessimist and here it worked out).

And, we are happy - which is important.

el6147 · Jun 27, 2017

not enough information about your mechanic to guess on labor, estimating parts is pretty simple.

does your mechanic do this full time as employment from a commercial type building with employees. Is this a side line or full time legitimate business from a home shop.

has he been previously employed drawing a retirement from a previous job and does this as a hobby to make supplemental income.

jon f mn · Jun 27, 2017

$7250.00

M Nut · Jun 27, 2017

$6500

Phil9N3667 · Jun 27, 2017

About $8400, plus a $100 tip for getting it done in less than six months!!

old · Jun 27, 2017

The cost of what was done is more then what you can sell the tractor for. But on the other hand for the most part you also have a tractor that is almost new and is likely to out last any tractor you could buy now days. Plus likely to out last the owner unless your a young buck

ohiojim · Jun 27, 2017

my guess is you won't get much change back from 10,000

showcrop · Jun 27, 2017

$8750

steve terplak · Jun 27, 2017

Spot on Old.
Definitely more than I can sell it for. But
I have no plans to ever sell it. Grandfather bought it new and it has been here it's entire life.
Early in life it was our main -raking, tedding, wagon hauling, snow plowing, and firewood fetching tractor.
The last couple years it had been downgraded to only snow plowing as it drove me nuts to drive for too Lonny with its pops and sputters.
I am still a young guy (35) but I have no plans to get rid of that or the 265 diesel that have been here since new. Every other piece of equipment can be bought from me for a price but not these two.

Crazy Horse · Jun 27, 2017

OK Steve .... better let everyone know before the post disappears onto page 2. I'll sleep tonight if you don't ........ but maybe some won't.

RBoots · Jun 27, 2017

Sounds like something I do a lot of for the neighbors. I usually charge them 2,000 to do that stuff, labor only. I order the parts, they run and get them since I have a day job and they are mostly all retired.

steve terplak · Jun 27, 2017

Good point.
Showcrop almost nailed it.
$4,250 in parts
$4,750 in labor @ $60/hr

Higher for labor than expected but, it is what it is and I feel very good about his thoroughness.

Includes transport both way.

Old also nailed it.

steve terplak · Jun 27, 2017

Sounds good to me.

Bruce from Can. · Jun 27, 2017

Sounds like a pile of dead presidents to lay out for a tractor that "you" already own. Hope the tires are good, or you can add another couple grand on. I understand rebuilding a old tractor, expecially one that has sedimental value , but my gosh , it sure takes some pile of cash to do.
When I was 14 , the dairy farm I work for , bought a brand new 165 MF Diesel , one remote, no multi power, new price $4,000.00 . I put many hours on that tractor, nice to run , and decent power for a 50 hp tractor. Only thing that was a pain was when the tranission would lock, and you would have to pry the gears apart with a small bar through the tranny oil fill hole.

JOCCO · Jun 27, 2017

Well compare to new tractor at 40 grand lots of people do just what you did.

ptfarmer · Jun 27, 2017

It beats making payments on a new one with all the electronics, plastic, and other junk.

steve terplak · Jun 27, 2017

The devil you know...

I think, long run, I should be money ahead.
I don't see this machine headed in for repair before that $40k new one either.

steve terplak · Jun 27, 2017

No tip.

gtractorfan · Jun 27, 2017

Since you're talking about a gas 165 Massey Ferguson, I'll add this. In 1993 my dad bought this 165 at my dad in law's auction, it's been a good one, no major repair, I think he paid around $4,000, dad's no longer living. The 3 point lift is strong, one of those expensive compacts probably couldn't lift this. I changed the oil in it today, should change coolant, anyone know the how many gallons of antifreeze these hold? I don't have a book.

Traditional Farmer · Jun 27, 2017

You can look at it this way if you bought a 40K new tractor you'd loose as much as you paid to fix the MF on the way home.Buy that 40K machine park it in the driveway and never use it and
you'd have a hard time selling it for 30K.

larry@stinescorner · Jun 27, 2017

If your happy,,,that is all that counts,,,best of luck to you for many years to come

Bruce from Can. · Jun 27, 2017

If you put a 1,000 hrs on this tractor , it is only $9,00 per hour . Cheap tractor.

K Effective · Jun 27, 2017

I was at an auction today, golf course closed. They sold a Case IH C60, 4WD, 1800+ hours. The caller kept saying "he paid $20K for it..." They got $11K. You did fine, and got a good tractor with family history to boot.

steve terplak · Jun 28, 2017

Checked with the guy who just did mine. 2.75 gallons does it.

gtractorfan · Jun 28, 2017

Thanks!

Andy Martin · Jun 28, 2017

(quoted from post at 17:17:44 06/27/17) It beats making payments on a new one with all the electronics, plastic, and other junk.

I started seriously shopping for a new 75 hp tractor. Discussing things with the JD salesman I brought up Kubota. He says (in truth): What is important is the dealer, eventually you'll have electronic problems and you need a good dealer.

BINGO!! No new tractor for me!!!

showcrop · Jun 28, 2017

(quoted from post at 05:43:15 06/28/17)

(quoted from post at 17:17:44 06/27/17) It beats making payments on a new one with all the electronics, plastic, and other junk.

Click to expand...

I started seriously shopping for a new 75 hp tractor. Discussing things with the JD salesman I brought up Kubota. He says (in truth): What is important is the dealer, eventually you'll have electronic problems and you need a good dealer.

BINGO!! No new tractor for me!!!

Or do like the BTOs and the big trucking companies; Lease for term of warrantee then replace it.

Just got my MF 165 back - rebuild cost guesses?

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