The Massey Ferguson 65, produced between 1958 and 1964, is a versatile row-crop tractor renowned for its reliability and power. Manufactured in both Coventry, England, and Detroit, Michigan, USA, it offered various engine options, including gasoline, diesel, and LP gas. The tractor featured multiple transmission choices and provided robust power output, making it suitable for diverse agricultural tasks. Its design included two-wheel drive, optional power steering, and an open operator station. With its durable construction and efficient performance, the Massey Ferguson 65 remains a classic choice for farmers and collectors alike.
| Massey Ferguson manufacturing data |
|---|
| Model | Row-Crop Tractor |
| Years Produced | 1958 – 1964 |
| Factories | Coventry, England, Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Original Price (1964) | $3,935 |
| Chassis Types | Utility (Model Code S) and High-Clearance (Model Code C) |
| Engine Continental G-176 (Gasoline) |
|---|
| Type | 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 176 ci (2.9 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.578 x 4.375 inches (91 x 111 mm) |
| Power | 54.5 hp (40.6 kW) |
| Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (219.7 Nm) |
| Torque RPM | 1250 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Coolant Capacity | 10.4 qts (9.8 L) |
| Egine Perkins 4A-203 (Diesel) |
|---|
| Type | 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled vertical L-head |
| Displacement | 203.5 ci (3.3 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.60 x 5.00 inches (91 x 127 mm) |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Compression Ratio | 17.4:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Coolant Capacity | 40 qts (37.9 L) |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) |
| Engine Perkins A4.192 (Diesel) |
|---|
| Type | 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 192 ci (3.1 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.50 x 5.00 inches (89 x 127 mm) |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Oil Capacity | 6.31 qts (6.0 L) |
| Coolant Capacity | 9 qts (8.5 L) |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.012 inches (0.305 mm) |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.012 inches (0.305 mm) |
| Engine Continental (LP Gas) |
|---|
| Type | 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 176 ci (2.9 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.578 x 4.375 inches (91 x 111 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 8/1 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Transmission 6-speed gear |
|---|
| Type | Gear |
| Gears | 6 forward and 1 reverse |
| Dual Range Transmission |
|---|
| Type | Gear |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Oil Capacity | 31.7 qts (30.0 L) |
| Power |
|---|
| Engine | 54.5 hp (40.6 kW) |
| Drawbar (claimed) | 33 hp (24.6 kW) |
| PTO (claimed) | 41 hp (30.6 kW) |
| Drawbar (tested) | 43.95 hp (32.8 kW) |
| PTO (tested) | 50.98 hp (38.0 kW) |
| Belt (tested) | 43.98 hp (32.8 kW) |
| Mechanical |
|---|
| Drive | Two-wheel drive |
| Steering | Manual, power optional |
| Differential | Mechanical internal expanding disc brakes |
| Operator Station | Open |
| Capacity |
|---|
| Gas Fuel | 13.2 gal (50.0 L) |
| Diesel Fuel | 17 gal (64.3 L) |
| Hydraulic System | 8 gal (30.3 L) |
| Rear Axle | 1 qt (0.9 L) |
| Hydraulics |
|---|
| Type | Open center |
| Capacity | 8 gal (30.3 L) |
| Pressure | 2500 psi (172.4 bar) |
| Pump Flow | 4.76 gpm (18.0 lpm) |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Live |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375″) |
| Serial Numbers |
|---|
| 1957 | 650001 (USA) |
| 1958 | 650024 (USA), 500001 (UK) |
| 1959 | 661164 (USA), 510451 (UK) |
| 1960 | 671379 (USA), 520569 (UK) |
| 1961 | 680210 (USA), 533180 (UK) |
| 1962 | 685370 (USA), 551733 (UK) |
| 1963 | 693040 (USA), 572325 (UK) |
| 1964 | 701057 (USA), 593028 (UK) |
| 1965 | 710788 (USA) |
| Final | 614024 (UK) |
| Electrical |
|---|
| Charging System | Generator |
| Charging Amps | 12 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Battery Volts | 6 |
| Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front | 5.50-16, 6.00-16, 7.50-16 |
| Ag Rear | 11-38, 12-28, 12-38, 13-28 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 84 inches (213 cm) |
| Length | 133 inches (337 cm) |
| Width | 72 inches (182 cm) |
| Height | in/cm |
| Standard | 57 inches (144 cm) |
| Hi-clearance | 62.63 inches (159 cm) |
| Ground Clearance | in/cm |
| Standard | 14.3 inches (36 cm) |
| Hi-clearance | 20.1 inches (51 cm) |
| Front Tread | 48 to 80 inches (121 to 203 cm) |
| Rear Tread | 52 to 88 inches (132 to 223 cm) |
| Weight |
|---|
| Gas Operating | 4185 lbs (1898 kg) |
| Diesel Operating | 4511 lbs (2046 kg) |
| Ballasted | 9275 lbs (4207 kg) |
Massey Ferguson 65 Overview
The Massey Ferguson 65, produced from 1958 to 1964, stands as a hallmark of mid-20th century agricultural engineering, embodying the robustness and versatility that Massey Ferguson tractors are known for. This row-crop tractor was manufactured in two key locations: Coventry, England, and Detroit, Michigan, USA, reflecting its international appeal and the brand’s commitment to quality production standards on both sides of the Atlantic. Today, it is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also as a cherished collector’s item among vintage tractor enthusiasts.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Massey Ferguson 65 is its variety of engine options, which include the Continental 2.9L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, the Perkins 3.3L and 3.1L 4-cylinder diesel engines, and the Continental 2.9L 4-cylinder LP gas engine. These options allowed farmers to choose a powerplant that best suited their specific needs, whether it was the reliable power of gasoline, the fuel efficiency and torque of diesel, or the alternative fuel benefits of LP gas. The tractor’s engines were known for their durability and efficient power output, with the Continental G-176 gasoline engine, for example, delivering 54.5 horsepower.
The transmission systems of the Massey Ferguson 65 were equally versatile. It offered a standard 6-speed gear transmission as well as a 12-speed two-range power shift, catering to a wide range of farming operations. The dual-range gear transmission featured six forward and two reverse gears, coupled with a dry disc clutch and substantial oil capacity, ensuring smooth and reliable performance in various field conditions.
In terms of power, the Massey Ferguson 65 did not disappoint. It was capable of delivering significant drawbar and PTO horsepower, with tested outputs showing up to 43.95 hp at the drawbar and 50.98 hp at the PTO, making it a formidable workhorse for tilling, planting, and other heavy-duty tasks. Additionally, the belt horsepower tested at 43.98 hp further showcased its versatility and strength.
The tractor’s mechanical design included a robust two-wheel-drive system, with manual steering as standard and an optional power steering upgrade for enhanced maneuverability. The differential featured mechanical internal expanding disc brakes, ensuring reliable stopping power even under heavy loads. The open operator station, typical of tractors from this era, provided ease of access and visibility, albeit with less protection from the elements compared to modern cabs.
Fuel capacity was ample, with the gas version holding up to 13.2 gallons and the diesel variant accommodating 17 gallons, allowing for extended operation between refueling. The hydraulic system was designed with efficiency in mind, featuring an 8-gallon capacity and a pressure rating of 2500 psi, supporting various hydraulic implements with a pump flow of 4.76 gpm. The Category I rear hitch and live PTO further enhanced the tractor’s functionality, enabling it to handle a wide array of attachments and implements.
The Massey Ferguson 65 also boasted a solid set of electrical components, including a 12-amp generator and dual 6-volt batteries, ensuring reliable starting and electrical performance. The tractor’s dimensions and weight were well-balanced, with a wheelbase of 84 inches providing stability, and the varying heights and ground clearances catering to both standard and high-clearance needs.
In the present day, the Massey Ferguson 65 holds a revered status among vintage tractor collectors and farming history enthusiasts. Its classic design, coupled with its proven performance, makes it a sought-after model at tractor shows and vintage farming events. Restorers appreciate the availability of parts and the relative ease of maintenance, which keeps these machines running smoothly even decades after they rolled off the assembly line. For collectors, the Massey Ferguson 65 represents a tangible link to a pivotal era in agricultural mechanization, symbolizing both the progress and the enduring legacy of mid-century farm machinery.
Summarizing, the Massey Ferguson 65 remains a beloved model among classic tractor enthusiasts and continues to be appreciated for its engineering excellence, versatility, and durability. Its array of engine and transmission options, combined with its robust power output and dependable mechanical design, have solidified its place in agricultural history as a reliable and efficient tool for farmers worldwide. Whether in fields or on display, the Massey Ferguson 65 is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of agricultural innovation.
