Massey ferguson 175s unusual serial number

[Tremma]

Hi brand new to the forum and newish to farming, I'm just in the process of buying our first tractor to maintain 60acres of grassland, I have been offered a 175s the issue is the serial number doesn't seem valid, I've searched the web for days but the number seems not to exist, I've even tried looking at different 100 series data!
The tractor is a 175 s with a perkins a4 236 number on the engine is 236 IIA 37813 the Id tag on the dash shows the following 175S 654363 with the letters FHG underneath, the tractor is in lovely condition with the only issue being the multipower is in low and the switch and linkage being removed, should I part with my hard earned cash?
Many thanks

 

[SMID]

1970 build year started at 653722 and ended at 656010 so it could any where near near the middle if production was spread over the whole year ,their is a date code in the engine number damned if I can remember how to read it. EDIT, FHG is multi power , heavy duty front axle and auxiliary hyd pump

 

[Tremma]

Thank you so much, I failed to find anything related to the serial number on any site, I do know the first digits on the engine refer to its cubic capacity the last numbers are used for part reference apparently
Well I'm much more comfortable with the purchase now ??

 

[Tremma]

However I read that production from 1967 should start 9A followed by 5 numbers!

 

[Tim G]

Is it a genuine serial plate?

 

[Tremma]

That was my concern, dont want to be buying a lemon, but if you were going to fake a plate why make that big a mistake?

 

[Tim G]

I've no idea if it's genuine or not, it just seems strange it's not got 'Massey Ferguson' stamped or printed on it.

 

[Tremma]

You've hit the nail on the head, the tractor looks good following a restoration, everything but the multipower works (multipower issues well documented) it starts, drives, PTO etc so should I worry? it's going pretty much straight to work especially if I can find a suitable front loader and bucket, my budget dictated my choice somewhat and due to their relative simplicity I opted for a classic

 

[Tim G]

Also, if the multi power is stuck in low, you won't have engine braking. That will be scary when you go down a hill!

 

[Tremma]

Yes well aware of that issue, despite being in Devon we are blessed with flat level fields ? I intend to sort the multipower out either by repairing or locking in high as I've read being in low can keep a bearing unlubricated with bad effects obviously

 

[betweenthelines]

Lock the MP in high and you won't be able to knock it out of gear when you stop.

 

[Tim G]

You'd think Essex would be flat too, but I still managed to give myself a fright with a tractor locked in low.

 

[Tremma]

But surely with the clutch pressed down itll come out rather than knocking it out of gear

Been driving an old dumper for years with hand crank start, half a turn of steering play with no brakes so used to being ready to jump!

 

[Tim G]

But surely with the clutch pressed down itll come out rather than knocking it out of gear

Been driving an old dumper for years with hand crank start, half a turn of steering play with no brakes so used to being ready to jump!

Foot on the clutch or not, they just seem to lock up.

 

[Tremma]

Well if the issue with the multipower involves splitting the tractor then I will replace what's required to get it fully functioning, theres a slim possibility that the linkage was worn/play hindering engagement, bit difficult to investigate more until I own the tractor, my initial concern was identification and age of the machine and whether to purchase or not, all advice on any of the matters is greatly appreciated

 

[1594mac]

Is it actually a restored tractor I would have thought if it was/had been restored it would all have been fully completed? Shame to pull it apart after being all painted up.

 

[Tremma]

Yes restoration jobbie, seems quite nicely done, even has a foot throttle, yep would have thought they would have done the multipower too! But the hole has been blanked and all linkage removed, it's not as if its had a 4speed box added either...to buy or not to buy....

 

[Tremma]

Start stop label where the multipower switch should be I think?

 

[averageguy54]

I'd pass on it. Newly restored but Multipower doesn't work? He's likely had a look at it while he was restoring, since not fixing would lower the price he'd get for it. So why didn't he fix it?

 

[Tremma]

Dont think he did the restoration, also the price seems good and takes into account the multipower £5k inc