Introduction
Massey Ferguson 85: Row-Crop Tractor (1959-1962)
The Massey Ferguson 85 is a row-crop tractor manufactured in Detroit, Michigan, between 1959 and 1962. Designed for agricultural operations, this model occupies the 68 horsepower class and represents the engineering standards of its era.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Continental 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with a displacement of 276.5 cubic inches (4.5 L). It features a bore and stroke of 4.00x5.50 inches and a compression ratio of 15.2:1. The engine operates at a rated speed of 2000 RPM and utilizes an oil bath air cleaner. Electrical starting is supported by a 12-volt system.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The drivetrain consists of a 2-wheel drive configuration paired with a mechanical dry disc clutch of 304.8 mm. The transmission provides 8 forward and 2 reverse gears. Operator control is enhanced by power steering and mechanical disc brakes, housed within an open operator station.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is an open-center type delivering a pump flow of 7 gpm (26.5 lpm) through two valves. The rear power take-off (PTO) operates at 540 RPM at an engine speed of 1500 RPM, featuring a live two-stage clutch for independent operation of implements. The rear hitch is a Type II/I system equipped with mechanical lower-link draft control.
Dimensions and Weight
With a wheelbase of 88 inches (223 cm), the tractor has an operating weight of 5,737 lbs (2,602 kg), which can be increased to 11,245 lbs (5,100 kg) when ballasted. The rear tread width is adjustable, ranging from 52 to 88 inches in the standard configuration and 56 to 92 inches for row-crop applications. Standard agricultural tire sizing is 6.00x16 for the front and 15x30 for the rear.
Conclusion
The Massey Ferguson 85 is a robust, mechanically-driven tractor well-suited for mid-century row-crop farming. Its combination of a 68 hp diesel engine, adjustable tread widths, and draft-controlled hydraulics makes it a versatile platform for traditional field cultivation tasks.
Production Information of Massey Ferguson, 85
- Original price was $4,618 in 1962
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Detroit, Michigan, USA
| Manufacturer | Massey Ferguson |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Massey Ferguson, 85
| Wheelbase | 88 inches [223 cm] |
|---|---|
| Rear tread | 52 to 88 inches [132 to 223 cm (standard)] |
| Ballasted weight | 11245 lbs [5100 kg] |
| Height | 64.5 inches [163 cm] |
| Rear tread | 56 to 92 inches [142 to 233 cm (row-crop)] |
| Operating weight | 5737 lbs [2602 kg] |
| Standard tires (ag) | Front: 6.00x16. Rear: 15x30 (standard) |
|---|---|
| Standard tires (ag)(optional) | Front: 6.00x16. Rear: 12x30 (high-arc) |
| Standard tires (ag)(optional) | Front: 7.50x16. Rear: 12x30 (single-front) |
| Standard tires (ag)(optional) | Front: 6.00x16. Rear: 12x30 (tricycle) |
Engine Specifications of Massey Ferguson, 85
- Continential
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 4-cylinder
| Starter volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 276.5 ci [4.5 L] |
| Compression | 15.2:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.50 inches [102 x 140 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 15 qts [14.2 L] |
| Oil capacity | 7 qts [6.6 L] |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
Transmission Information of Massey Ferguson, 85
Transmission variants 1
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
|---|---|
| Clutch | 304.8mm mechanical dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Massey Ferguson, 85
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Power steering
- Mechanical disc brakes
Power Information of Massey Ferguson, 85
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
| Engine RPM | 540@1500 |
Two-stage clutch
Hydraulics Specifications of Massey Ferguson, 85
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Valves | 2 |
| Pump flow | 7 gpm [26.5 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Massey Ferguson, 85
| Rear Type | II/I |
|---|---|
| Control | Mechanical lower-link draft control |
Where it sits
With 68 hp[P] HP, the Massey Ferguson 85 sits between 1765M (67 HP) and 168 (69 HP) in Massey Ferguson's range. Its power puts it in the 91th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Massey Ferguson 85 have?
The Massey Ferguson 85 delivers 68 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Massey Ferguson 85 produced?
The Massey Ferguson 85 was produced in 1959-1962.
What engine does the Massey Ferguson 85 have?
The Massey Ferguson 85 is powered by a Diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
How much does the Massey Ferguson 85 weigh?
The Massey Ferguson 85 weighs 5737 lbs [2602 kg].
Is the Massey Ferguson 85 4WD?
The Massey Ferguson 85 is available in 2WD.