The Massey Ferguson 4240 is a 4200 Series utility tractor built for general farm work such as loader jobs, mowing, topping, yard scraping, and light field work. It was produced from 1997 to 2003 and is typically listed with a Perkins 1004.4T 4.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel producing about 75 hp, with roughly 65 PTO hp.
In practical terms, the 4240 is known as a straightforward, pre-emissions tractor with simple mechanical appeal and enough power for mixed-farm duties. Typical reference specs also describe an independent PTO, Category II 3-point linkage, and gearbox options that could vary by tractor, so the exact transmission setup is worth confirming on any individual machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MF 4240 still a sensible used tractor to buy?
Yes — the 4240 is generally seen as a straightforward, practical utility tractor for hay work, livestock jobs, topping, and general yard duties. Its appeal is its simple Perkins engine, modest electronics, and usable power level, which is why tractors in this part of the 4200 range still come up regularly in buyer-advice threads.
What does the Massey Ferguson 4240 offer in terms of engine and power?
The MF 4240 is typically listed with a Perkins 1004.4T four-cylinder turbo diesel, producing around 75 hp, with about 65 hp at the PTO. Reference listings also describe it with an independent PTO, a Category II three-point hitch, and transmission choices that could vary by tractor, so it is worth checking the exact spec rather than assuming all 4240s are identical.
Which gearbox is fitted, and why do buyers keep asking about it?
Transmission spec is one of the first things forum users ask about on 4200-series tractors, because these models were sold with multiple gearbox layouts. The 4240 is commonly described with a standard 8-speed synchromesh and an optional 12-speed setup, while broader 4200-series discussions show how much owner opinion can depend on whether a tractor has a basic mechanical box, shuttle setup, or one of the more involved transmission variants.
If steering gets heavy or the hydraulics fade when warm, what does that usually point to?
That complaint comes up repeatedly on closely related 4200-series tractors. In one 4235 owner thread, the steering became stiff after about an hour and the hydraulics slowed down as though the tractor was being starved of oil; replies pointed toward checking the suction side, strainers/screens, and pump flow. For a 4240, that makes hot hydraulic performance something you should test carefully rather than judging the tractor only when cold.
Are shuttle or drive faults something to be wary of on this series?
Yes — transmission and shuttle behaviour are recurring discussion topics across the 4200 family. A 4255 24x24 Power Shuttle thread describes loss of forward drive, fault codes, and concern over the control unit versus forward/reverse clutch packs, while a 4270 thread points to pressure-related hydraulic causes when drive disappears at low rpm. Those threads are not about the 4240 specifically, but they are highly relevant if you are looking at a 4240 with shuttle or more complex transmission equipment.
What deserves the closest inspection before buying a used MF 4240?
Focus on cold starting, clutch action, gearbox selection, steering feel, hydraulic speed when hot, PTO engagement, and any warning lights or fault flashes. That checklist matches the main patterns seen in 4200-series discussions: buyers ask about whether the tractor has enough power for general work, owners report stuck clutches after storage, and mechanics repeatedly come back to hydraulic pressure, sensors, and transmission behaviour when diagnosing faults.
