Massey Ferguson![]() Founded in 1847 in Newcastle, Ontario by Daniel Massey as the Newcastle Foundry and Machine Manufactory, the company began making some of the world's first mechanical threshers, first by assembling parts from the United States and eventually designing and building their own equipment. Daniel's eldest son, Hart Massey, renamed it the Massey Manufacturing Co. and in 1879 moved the company to Toronto where it soon became one of the city's leading employers. Massey expanded the company through extensive advertising and began to sell its products internationally, making it one of the most well known brands in Canada. Massey Ferguson has a large share in the market across the world, and particularly in Europe. Their first mass produced tractor was the Massey Harris Ferguson TVO which was quickly replaced by the Diesel 20. In 1958 the MF35, the first Massey Ferguson branded tractor (a Ferguson design) rolled off the factory floor. These tractors were massively popular and sold across the UK, Australia, Ireland and the United States. The next big selling model was the MF135, widely popular because of its reliability and power compared with other tractors at the time. This was the first model in the MF 100 series. These included the MF 135, 145, 148, 150, 165, 168, 175, 178, 180, 185 and 188.The same time the MF 100 series came out, the MF 1000 series was introduced. These include the MF 1080, 1100, 1130 and 1150. Later came the MF 550, 565, 575, 590, 595(500 series). From the mid 70s and early 80s came the 200 series tractor, which included the MF 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 278, 280, 285, 290, 298, 299. Massey Ferguson introduced the short-lived 600 series in the mid 80's. This included the 675, 690, 690T, 695, 698 and 699. Poor looks and cab awkwardness compared to previous models resulted in poor sales. In the late '80s, the 300 series was released becoming one of the greatest selling tractors of all time. Excellent power, simplicity of cab, high range of gears and components made the MF 300 series a success especially in Europe. The range included the MF 350, 362, 375, 390, 390T, 393, 394, 395, 398, and the most powerful and popular Massey Ferguson 399 with horsepower ranging from 72HP to 104HP. In the mid '90s the 6100 series and 8100 series were released, including the 6150, 6180 and 8130 Click here for vintage tractor parts for Massey Ferguson models. |