Massey Ferguson MF255 Overview
Massey Ferguson 255: The Massey Ferguson MF255 is a compact, dependable tractor produced from 1975 through 1981 for mid-size chores on busy farms. Engine options include 3.9 L and 3.3 L four-cylinder units, offering a practical balance of torque and economy in the field. this reference anchors those configurations to documented shop data and service manuals so you can verify the exact engine, year, and configuration before buying parts or planning maintenance.
Documentation and tests back the numbers: Nebraska Tractor Test Report 1190 and MF255 shop/manual references provide independent checks on PTO output, hydraulics, and capacities. Before ordering parts, confirm your tractor’s serial range and build configuration—serials are commonly listed below the instrument panel and can vary by model code and year.
Massey Ferguson MF255 Quick Answers
- Production yearsThe Massey Ferguson MF255 was produced from 1975 through 1981.
- PowerPublished power data includes 52.68 hp (PTO) with drawbar around 43.49 hp; match these figures to the documented engine and transmission setup before treating them as model-wide.
- EngineThe Massey Ferguson MF255 engine options include 236 ci (3.9 L), 203 ci (3.3 L), and 212 ci (3.5 L).
- PTO and hitchThe MF255 has a rear 540 (1.375) PTO and a Category II/I rear hitch.
- Service capacityPublished capacities include engine oil: 8.5 qt / 8.0 L and 6 qt / 5.7 L; hydraulic system: 8 gal / 30.3 L; coolant: 11 qt / 10.4 L.
Engine and Power
MF255 engines span Perkins 3.9 L (236 ci), 3.3 L (203 ci), and 3.5 L (212 ci) four-cylinder units; all are liquid-cooled and rated near 2000 rpm. Exact fuel-system and mounting vary by serial/configuration, so verify against the build before servicing or ordering parts.
Diesel engine
Perkins / diesel / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled
| Displacement | 236 ci 3.9 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 3.875x5.00 inches 98 x 127 mm |
| Air Cleaner | paper and felt |
| Compression | 16:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 2000 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
Diesel engine
Perkins AD4.203 / diesel / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled
| Displacement | 203 ci 3.3 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 3.60x5.00 inches 91 x 127 mm |
| Compression | 18.5:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 2000 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 8.5 qts 8.0 L |
| Coolant Capacity | 11 qts 10.4 L |
Gasoline engine
Perkins AG4.212 / gasoline / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled
| Displacement | 212 ci 3.5 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 3.875x4.50 inches 98 x 114 mm |
| Compression | 7:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 2000 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6 qts 5.7 L |
| Coolant Capacity | 11 qts 10.4 L |
Manufacturer
Manufacture years
Tested PTO
Tested drawbar
Transmission
Two transmission families appear: a basic 8-forward/2-reverse gear set and the Multi-Power unit offering 12-forward/4-reverse with partial power shift. The actual clutch/PTO/gear configuration should drive service decisions and parts matching.
8-speed gear
| Type | gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
Multi-Power
| Name | Multi-Power |
|---|---|
| Type | partial power shift |
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
PTO and Hitch
Rear PTO is 540 (1.375) with a live (two-stage clutch) arrangement, paired with a Category II/I rear hitch and a 3800 lb rear lift. Verify implement compatibility against the tractor’s actual PTO speed, hitch, and lift capacity.
Rear PTO
Rear PTO type
Engine RPM
Rear hitch
Rear lift
Hydraulics
Hydraulic specifications include 10 gpm pump flow at 2300 psi, with a total flow around 19.5 gpm and steering flow near 5 gpm. Valve count and porting vary by setup, so confirm remote-valve configuration for the intended tool line.
Capacity
Pressure
Pump flow
Total flow
Valves
Fluids, Battery, and Service Facts
Maintenance data covers engine oil capacity (8.5 qt / 8.0 L and 6 qt / 5.7 L variants), hydraulic capacity (8 gal / 30.3 L), coolant capacity (11 qt / 10.4 L), and battery/charging basics (12V system). Exact fluid types and filters depend on model code and manual coverage.
Fuel tank
Hydraulic system
Battery volts
Battery Ah
Tires and Dimensions
Tire and dimension values can vary by wheel, axle, and configuration.
Configuration-specific values are split out where the same model has documented differences by engine, transmission, or equipment.
Wheelbase
Weight
Front tire
Rear tire
Ag front
- 6.00-16
- 5.50-16 (row-crop)
Ag rear
- 16.9-24
- 14.9-38 (row-crop)
Electrical
Electrical rows are included when documented.
Charging system
Charging amps
Battery volts
Serial Number Lookup
Serial ranges help narrow the MF255 by year; factory prefixes and regional builds exist, and year tables apply within documented ranges. Support by model code or build year is recommended before parts ordering.
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
location
Manuals and Documents
The documents below add manual, parts, and test context for the MF255. They are useful for controls, service categories, parts matching, and tested-performance details that do not fit into short spec rows.
Match coverage carefully before relying on a document for service decisions, especially when one manual, catalog, or report covers several models, fuel types, transmissions, or tractor variants.
- Massey Ferguson MF255 MF255-265-270-275-290 Shop Manual PDFcondensed service data and capacities for MF255 family (gasoline/diesel engines) including engine specs and capacities.Open source
- Massey Ferguson MF255 Tractor Service ManualMF 255/ MF 265 service manual covering Perkins AG4.212/AG4.236 engines; includes specifications and service procedures.Open source
- Massey Ferguson MF 255 Tractor Service ManualService/repair manual for MF 255; downloadable PDF via retailer storefront.Open source
- Massey Ferguson MF 255 Tractors Parts CatalogParts catalog with exploded views and part numbers for MF 255.Open source
- Massey Ferguson MF 255 Tractors Parts ManualMF 255 parts manual; reprint of original factory manual; includes exploded views and part numbers.Open source
- MF255 Tractor Parts Catalog PDF (Pointer/Repurposed)Parts catalog excerpt; pointer to complete manual; contains part-number listings.Open source
- Test 1190: Massey-Ferguson MF 255 GasolineNebraska Tractor Test Report 1190 for MF 255 Gasoline (2WD); includes test procedures and PTO performance data.Open source
Parts Checks Before Ordering
Do not order Massey Ferguson MF255 parts from the model name alone. Match the part to the tractor's model code, serial range, engine, transmission, PTO setup, and build year before choosing service parts.
Filters, fluids, belts, electrical parts, clutch and PTO parts, and hydraulic parts can vary by setup. Exact part numbers need a parts catalog, manual, or trusted supplier source before they become recommendations.
Accuracy Note
Tractor specifications can vary by year, region, factory configuration, installed equipment, and later repairs. Match serial range, engine, transmission, PTO setup, and model code before ordering parts or doing service work.