The Massey Ferguson 6170 is a 6100 Series row-crop/utility tractor built from 1995 to 1998, designed for transport, mowing, cultivation, and general mixed-farm work. It is commonly listed with a 6.0-litre Perkins 6-cylinder diesel engine, with a claimed 97 hp PTO output.
In practical terms, the 6170 is known as a straightforward pre-emissions all-rounder that combines six-cylinder smoothness with a comfortable operator setup. It was available in 2WD or 4WD, with power steering, hydraulic wet disc brakes, and a QuietView cab with air-conditioning as standard.
FAQs
What type of farm work is the MF 6170 best suited to?
The MF 6170 is best suited to transport, mowing, cultivation, yard work, and general mixed-farm duties. Its six-cylinder layout gives it smooth torque delivery and enough weight and wheelbase to feel capable in everyday field and road work, while still staying within the practical mid-size bracket for a tractor of its era.
What engine and transmission should a buyer expect?
Most reference sources describe the 6170 with a Perkins 1006.6 6.0L diesel engine. Transmission options are typically listed as either 16x16 Speedshift or 32x32 Dynashift, so it is worth confirming the exact gearbox on the individual tractor before buying, because driving feel and likely service needs can vary depending on which version is fitted.
Why do buyers pay such close attention to PTO, Dynashift, and rear-lift behaviour?
Because those systems can point to a broader hydraulic or transmission-control issue. A recent 6170 case describes a tractor where the PTO would not stay engaged, the Dynashift remained fixed in position 4 for a long period after startup, and the rear lift arms stopped working, which is exactly why those functions should all be tested together rather than in isolation.
If the PTO drops out or jumps out of gear, what usually deserves checking first?
Wear in the hydraulic pump shaft and PTO selector gear is one known cause on older Massey Ferguson tractors, and hydraulic supply problems can also affect PTO operation. That means a tractor with intermittent PTO engagement should not just be judged by whether the shaft turns at idle — it should be checked under load and alongside the hydraulic and transmission functions.
Are hydraulic and oil-level issues something worth checking closely?
Yes. The 6170 uses the 6100/6200-series hydraulic layout, and service material for this family explains that the hydraulic system is split into low-flow and high-flow circuits, which means oil level, filter condition, and hydraulic pressure matter a great deal to how the tractor behaves. A documented 6170-related case with no PTO drive and the transmission defaulting to D also centered on transmission/hydraulic oil level and whether enough oil had been added to restore proper function.
What should be checked most carefully before buying a used MF 6170?
The smartest inspection points are cold starting, smooth Dynashift or Speedshift operation, PTO engagement under load, rear linkage response, and the condition of the hydraulic/transmission oil system. It is also worth confirming whether the tractor behaves differently once warm, because several of the more expensive faults on this family only become obvious after the oil reaches working temperature.