Massey Ferguson’s Series

When production of the bulk of Massey Ferguson’s 100 Series came to an end and the 500 Series took over, in 1976, the popularity of the 135 remained and it was clear that there was still a market for tractors without the bells and whistles of a fully integrated ‘Q’ cab.

The ‘5’ and ‘8’ line tractors had built up an enviable reputation and although a flexible-clad safety cab was clearly no longer an option for the British market, given the new legislation surrounding noise levels at the driver’s ear, there was still clearly a market for a ‘basic’ range of tractors overseas.

Despite larger implements and a need for more power in the UK, a desire for smaller tractors was still very much prevalent, and so the first of Massey Ferguson’s ‘replacements’ for the 100 Series, or alternatives to the 500 Series, were the 240 and 265.

CABS FITTED TO MASSEY FERGUSON 200 SERIES TRACTORS

Note: information refers to cabs as fitted to MF 265.

At 45hp (DIN) and 60hp (DIN) respectively, they were clearly on a par with the 135 and 550 and 165 and 565. Other models would follow, but for purpose of this guide we will concentrate on the most popular models built at Banner Lane that were offered in the UK and Ireland: the 240, 265 and 290.

It should be noted that when producing the 200 Series, MF’s primary focus was the export market, but the beauty of the range was that it had a similar specification to the 500 Series – yet the models were considerably cheaper due to the lack of a selfcontained cab – and as such it appeared on the radar of cash-conscious farmers on the home market.

Chris Clack, former MF Training School employee, told : “A