The Cornish Yorkshireman
Member
- Location
- Bodmin Moor, UK
Hello everyone - would be interested in your views on the below.
Having recently acquired a bit of land, I needed a small tractor to mow 4 acres of pasture - and to carry/drag logs/firewood/granite etc.
Somehow, I then acquired a French (UK built?) MK1 MF65 (plate on dash states "MF 865 DS", see photo) - I'm assuming MK1 because the injectors are vertical. I don't know the year and haven't been able to find any references to the serial number on the plate. The tractor runs well but does need a lot of mechanical restoration/fettling. It's lived in the South of France until very recently and the tin-work looks sound (not that I'm any expert). I'm primarily interested in making the tractor mechanically sound, as it's going to be put to (modest) work. I'm less interested in the aesthetics, although I might tart up a few things.
I attach a few photos - I would be grateful if anyone can help with identity/year - or with any general mending advice. I've never spannered a tractor - but have done plenty of dirt bikes - and a few cars. I've a lot to learn, but I'm not a complete mechanical beginner. I've managed to source a set of MF workshop manuals, parts book etc.
I will need to buy a few tools - and no doubt a shed-load of MF65 parts. That's where the trouble start really, as many of the parts are applicable to a serial number range - and the French serial number is nowhere near those ranges - an early hiccup of which I'm sure there will be plenty more to come. The chassis seems to have been painted a cream colour, rather than stoneleigh grey - I'm not sure if that's a feature of export tractors or whether it has been re-painted previously (a long time ago, judging by the state of it....)
Anyway, Its going to be a journey and an adventure. I'd appreciate any help and particularly any sage advice... will also soon be posting updates to fofh.co.uk. Any clues on where to best buy bits would be very welcome. First job is to get some water in the engine, the rad hoses are crumbling away in my hands. Thanks!
Having recently acquired a bit of land, I needed a small tractor to mow 4 acres of pasture - and to carry/drag logs/firewood/granite etc.
Somehow, I then acquired a French (UK built?) MK1 MF65 (plate on dash states "MF 865 DS", see photo) - I'm assuming MK1 because the injectors are vertical. I don't know the year and haven't been able to find any references to the serial number on the plate. The tractor runs well but does need a lot of mechanical restoration/fettling. It's lived in the South of France until very recently and the tin-work looks sound (not that I'm any expert). I'm primarily interested in making the tractor mechanically sound, as it's going to be put to (modest) work. I'm less interested in the aesthetics, although I might tart up a few things.
I attach a few photos - I would be grateful if anyone can help with identity/year - or with any general mending advice. I've never spannered a tractor - but have done plenty of dirt bikes - and a few cars. I've a lot to learn, but I'm not a complete mechanical beginner. I've managed to source a set of MF workshop manuals, parts book etc.
I will need to buy a few tools - and no doubt a shed-load of MF65 parts. That's where the trouble start really, as many of the parts are applicable to a serial number range - and the French serial number is nowhere near those ranges - an early hiccup of which I'm sure there will be plenty more to come. The chassis seems to have been painted a cream colour, rather than stoneleigh grey - I'm not sure if that's a feature of export tractors or whether it has been re-painted previously (a long time ago, judging by the state of it....)
Anyway, Its going to be a journey and an adventure. I'd appreciate any help and particularly any sage advice... will also soon be posting updates to fofh.co.uk. Any clues on where to best buy bits would be very welcome. First job is to get some water in the engine, the rad hoses are crumbling away in my hands. Thanks!
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