Massey 698

[John 1505]

I am thinking of buying a 4wd 698 (318.2) that is local to me, it looks to me to be an early LWB model. I believe the 4wd 698 (318.2) was also available as a SWB version. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me the reason for the two models of wheelbase. I have read that the SWB model came after the LWB version and have gleaned from various photos that there is a definite differnece in the 4wd front axle used between the two different models. I am interetsed to hear peoples thoughts and experiences on this model of tractor. I am a keen MF enthusiast and collector, my collection currently consists of: 1505, 290, 20 (Industrial) and 8460. I do have a lot more on my wish list though!

 

[wdah/him]

Think the swb has a different engine as well as front axle. Engine parts will be more expensive and if it is as I'm told the same inside as a 298 it will be different in there too. Sort of a remodeled 595 if what I am told is true based a on a 298. That aside the 298 local could pull a house down and I lived driving it.
Was always told to buy swb 698 though because of the engine in the lwb but believe the. 2 is an good improvement on the 4.318 in the 595

 

[bill and bens dad]

to my knowledge, the only difference between MF 698 lwb and swb was the front axle which had the Autolock differential which made it a true 4 wd and it became a shorter wheel base tractor, they both had the Perkins A4 3182 engine which was an improved version to both the MF 595 mk1 and mk2 tractors, i think Perkins discontinued it and that i why MF updated the tractor to the MF 698T, which was a Perkins AT4 236 engine ,much better in my view

 

[MF-ANDY]

to my knowledge, the only difference between MF 698 lwb and swb was the front axle which had the Autolock differential which made it a true 4 wd and it became a shorter wheel base tractor, they both had the Perkins A4 3182 engine which was an improved version to both the MF 595 mk1 and mk2 tractors, i think Perkins discontinued it and that i why MF updated the tractor to the MF 698T, which was a Perkins AT4 236 engine ,much better in my view

Spot on. Turning circle obviously better on swb

 

[bill and bens dad]

the trend at the time was to bolt on an opico or TB turbo which made them a powerful machine, more so than the MF 699

 

[76masseyman]

And what about that 1505 you mentioned @John 1505 ??

We like pictures

 

[Warp Land Farmer]

Did someone say 698????? Schwing

 

[bill and bens dad]

Did someone say 698????? Schwing

not a fan ?? bad experience??

 

[Warp Land Farmer]

not a fan ?? bad experience??

Total opposite. Google Wayne’s World schwing

 

[bill and bens dad]

ah a 698 fan then ,which model did you have?

 

[Warp Land Farmer]

ah a 698 fan then ,which model did you have?

I have never had one I’m sorry to admit. They were my wow tractor as a kid. Would love one now as a pride and joy but still at work tractor.

 

[serri]

the trend at the time was to bolt on an opico or TB turbo which made them a powerful machine, more so than the MF 699

I had one new in 84 fitted with a TB turbo, fantastic power to weight, loved it. Transmission couldn't take the power in the end and it was knackered after 4500 hours. Straight out stainless exhaust with a hell of a turbo whistle. Neighbour had a 699 but it couldn't keep pace with the 698.

 

[daveydiesel1]

We had a 698t, lovely thing to drive with the 3 gear sticks and nice cab. Id say theyd of been a collectors item by now if they hadnt of been so rusty

 

[MF-ANDY]

the trend at the time was to bolt on an opico or TB turbo which made them a powerful machine, more so than the MF 699

Yes, most 699s we sold to replace a 698 with an aftermarket turbo had to be "tweaked" to come close.

 

[Electronic]

Most people would complain about the cabs on 600s these days but they were a vast improvement on what came before. Flat floor and two easy to use doors. If you were lucky enough to have a later one with ac it is a good place to spend a hot summers day.

Worst thing for me was the external mirrors which are on long wobbly arms persumably to clear the doors but impossible to see anything in.

 

[daveydiesel1]

Most people would complain about the cabs on 600s these days but they were a vast improvement on what came before. Flat floor and two easy to use doors. If you were lucky enough to have a later one with ac it is a good place to spend a hot summers day.

Worst thing for me was the external mirrors which are on long wobbly arms persumably to clear the doors but impossible to see anything in.

I actually think the cab is lovely. Surely the mirrors could be improved with larger mirrors fitted

 

[Electronic]

I actually think the cab is lovely. Surely the mirrors could be improved with larger mirrors fitted

Had ours from new and never could see much in them, bigger mirrors tend to catch the door. Fitted an internal one which is good.

 

[motrac3a]

Had an A reg 698 & C reg 698T. Liked the 600 cab ,pity it was made out of tissue paper!. 698T was a fit, lively 90hp IMO.

 

[Lowland1]

I had an X reg 698 multi power very numb tractor to be honest pleasant enough cab though. However I had a later 699 and 690 with the 12 speed synchro gearbox and the updated cab (better seat, tilting steering wheel and AC) and they were lovely tractors.

 

[Jon 3085]

We had a fleet of 3 ,a Y reg with a tb turbo ,an A reg 4x4 multi power,and an A reg standard 2 wheel drive.