| Manufacturer |
Massey Ferguson |
| Price |
20,050(USD) |
| Model |
243 |
| Equipment Type |
Utility Tractors |
| Factory |
Coventry, England |
OCED TRACTOR TEST 1849 2
| Description |
Diesel 8-speed 4WD June 1 - July 1, 1999 Link: OCED Tractor Test 1849 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 5 used for power test. Gear 2L used for pull test |
| Power at rated engine speed |
47.6hp / 35.5kW |
| Fuel use |
2.9gal/hour / 11.0l/hour |
| Power at rated PTO speed |
42.5hp / 31.7kW |
| Max power |
37.7hp / 28.1kW |
| Max pull |
4,310lbs / 1955kg |
MASSEY FERGUSON 243 POWER
| Engine |
52hp / 38.8kW |
| PTO (claimed) |
47hp / 35.0kW |
| Drawbar (tested) |
37.7hp / 28.1kW |
| PTO (tested) |
47.6hp / 35.5kW |
ENGINE DETAIL
The Massey Ferguson 243 tractor, powered by a Perkins 903.27 3-cylinder diesel engine, delivers 52 hp at 2250 RPM and features a high compression ratio of 17.3:1, which enhances fuel efficiency but may require higher-grade diesel fuel. With a displacement of 2.7L, it is well-suited for light to moderate agricultural tasks, providing a balance between power and compact size. The 11.2-quart coolant capacity supports adequate temperature regulation, essential for prolonged operational periods under heavy loads.
| Description |
Perkins 903.27 diesel 3-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
165ci / 2.7L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.74x5.00inches / 95x 127 mm |
| Power |
52hp / 38.8kW |
| Compression |
17.3:1 |
| Rated RPM |
2250 |
| Starter volts |
12 |
| Coolant capacity |
11.2qts / 10.6L |
MASSEY FERGUSON 243 ENGINE
The Massey Ferguson 243 features a Perkins 2.7L 3-cylinder diesel engine, known for its robust torque delivery and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for agricultural tasks requiring moderate power output. However, the 3-cylinder configuration may lead to increased vibrations compared to 4-cylinder engines, which could affect operator comfort during extended use. This tractor is well-suited for small to medium-sized farms, particularly for tasks like tilling and hauling light loads.
| Description |
Perkins 2.7L 3-cyl diesel |
TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The Massey Ferguson 243 features an 8-speed sliding gear transmission coupled with an 8-speed synchro shuttle, providing flexibility in power delivery and operational efficiency. The sliding gear transmission allows for smoother gear transitions under load, while the synchro shuttle simplifies direction changes without clutch disengagement. This setup is advantageous for tasks requiring frequent reversing, though it may require a learning curve for optimal gear selection and timing during operation.
| Description |
8-speed sliding gear 8-speed synchro shuttle |
TRANSMISSION 1
The Massey Ferguson 243 tractor features a sliding gear transmission with eight forward and two reverse gears, facilitating enhanced versatility in various field conditions. The dry disc clutch provides reliable engagement but may require more frequent maintenance compared to hydraulic alternatives. This configuration is ideal for agricultural tasks requiring precision and speed management, though operators should be cautious of potential wear in both the gearbox and clutch components over time.
| Type |
sliding gear |
| Gears |
8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch |
dry disc |
| Description |
Four gears (1-4) plus reverse (R) in two ranges (low/high) |
TRANSMISSION 2
The Massey Ferguson 243 tractor features a synchro shuttle transmission, allowing for smooth shifting between forward and reverse without the need for a clutch, enhancing operational efficiency in applications like loader work. With 8 gears (4 in low and 4 in high range), it offers versatility in speed and torque management, making it suitable for varied tasks from tilling to transport. However, the dry disc clutch may require more frequent maintenance under heavy load conditions, so operators should monitor wear closely to ensure optimal performance.
| Type |
synchro shuttle |
| Gears |
8 forward and reverse |
| Clutch |
dry disc |
| Description |
Four gears (1-4) in two ranges (low/high) with synchronized shuttle shifting. |
MECHANICAL
The Massey Ferguson 243 tractor offers a versatile 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, providing flexibility for different agricultural applications, but the lack of front-wheel assist in the 2WD model may limit traction on softer soils. The hydrostatic power steering enhances maneuverability and operator comfort, especially in tight spaces, while the independent wet disc brakes provide reliable stopping power under heavy loads. Users should consider the 8-speed transmission options; the sliding gear type is simpler but may require more operator skill, whereas the synchro shuttle allows for smoother direction changes, beneficial in field operations.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD/4x4 MFWD 4WD |
| Steering |
hydrostatic power |
| Brakes |
independent wet disc |
| Cab |
Two-post folding ROPS |
| Transmissions |
8-speed sliding gear/8-speed synchro shuttle |
CAPACITY
| Fuel |
12.7gal / 48.1L |
| Hydraulic system |
8.5gal / 32.2L |
HYDRAULICS
| Capacity |
8.5gal / 32.2L |
| Pump flow |
9.5gpm / 36.0lpm/13.9gpm / 52.6lpm (optional) |
| Total flow |
9.5gpm / 36.0lpm/13.9gpm / 52.6lpm optional |
TRACTOR HITCH
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
live (two-stage clutch)/independent (optional) |
| Rear RPM |
540 |
MASSEY FERGUSON 243 TIRES
The Massey Ferguson 243 tractor features a front tire size of 6.00-16 and a rear tire size of 13.6-28, providing balanced traction and stability for various agricultural tasks. Its tire combination enhances maneuverability in tight spaces and improves load-bearing capacity on uneven terrain. However, operators should consider potential challenges with flotation in wet conditions due to the narrower front tires.
| Ag front |
6.00-16 |
| Ag rear |
13.6-28 |
DIMENSIONS
| 2WD Wheelbase |
75.1inches / 190cm |
| 4WD Wheelbase |
76.1inches / 193cm |
| Shiping weight |
5,045lbs / 2288kg |
| Operating weight |
5,130lbs / 2326kg |
| Front tread |
51.4 to 63.6inches / 130to 161 cm (4WD) |
| Rear tread |
56 to 84inches / 142to 213 cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Massey Ferguson 243 tractor, with a 2WD wheelbase of 75.1 inches and a 4WD wheelbase of 76.1 inches, offers enhanced stability and traction in various terrains due to its comparative weight of 5045 to 5130 pounds. The combination of front tires sized 6.00-16 and rear tires 13.6-28 suggests it is optimized for agricultural tasks where maneuverability is essential, especially in row crops or confined spaces. However, the weight may pose challenges in softer soil conditions, potentially leading to soil compaction; thus, careful consideration of the operational environment is crucial.
| 2WD Wheelbase |
75.1inches / 190cm |
| 4WD Wheelbase |
76.1inches / 193cm |
| Weight |
5045 to 5130 pounds |
| Front tire |
6.00-16 |
| Rear tire |
13.6-28 |
ATTACHMENT OVERVIEW
| Description |
The model 232 loader was compatible with the Massey Ferguson 243 with two-wheel drive. The model 1032 loader was compatible with four-wheel drive. |
MASSEY FERGUSON 232 LOADER
| Height (to pin) |
106inches / 269cm |
| Clearance, dumped bucket |
80inches / 203cm |
| Dump reach |
25inches / 63cm |
| Dump angle |
42° |
| Reach at ground |
63inches / 160cm |
| Rollback angle |
13° |
| Breakout force (at pin) |
3000lbs / 1360kg |
| Breakout force (at 800mm) |
3400lbs / 1542kg |
| Lift to full height (at 800mm) |
2400lbs / 1088kg |
| Bucket width |
72inches / 182cm |
| Raise time to height |
3.5 s |
| Bucket dump time |
1.9 s |
| Lowering time |
2.3 s |
| Rollback time |
1.2 s |
MASSEY FERGUSON 1032 LOADER
| Height (to pin) |
121inches / 307cm |
| Clearance, dumped bucket |
98inches / 248cm |
| Dump reach |
20inches / 50cm |
| Dump angle |
38° |
| Reach at ground |
69inches / 175cm |
| Rollback angle |
20° |
| Breakout force (at 800mm) |
2500lbs / 1134kg |
| Lift to full height (at pin) |
3200lbs / 1451kg |
| Lift to full height (at 800mm) |
2400lbs / 1088kg |
| Bucket width |
72inches / 182cm |
| Raise time to height |
5.8 s |
| Bucket dump time |
5.7 s |
| Lowering time |
4.0 s |
| Rollback time |
4.3 s |
243 SERIAL NUMBERS
| 1999 |
H01001 |
| 2000 |
J01001 |
| 2001 |
K01001 |
| 2002 |
L01001 |
ELECTRICAL
| Ground |
negative |
| Battery volts |
12 |
