The Massey Ferguson 4245 is an 85 hp utility tractor from the 4200 Series, built from 1997 to 2001 for everyday farm work such as loader duties, mowing, transport, and general yard and field jobs. It is powered by a 4.0-litre 4-cylinder Perkins turbo diesel engine and was offered with several transmission options depending on spec, which made it a flexible choice for mixed-farm use.
In practical terms, the 4245 is known as a straightforward, pre-emissions tractor with a good balance of size, power, and simplicity. Typical reference specs list an independent rear PTO, Category II linkage, and either 2WD or 4WD versions, helping it suit a wide range of day-to-day agricultural jobs.
FAQs
How well does the MF 4245 hold up as a used farm tractor?
The 4245 is generally seen as a solid, practical all-rounder for loader work, yard jobs, mowing, and general mixed-farm use. Its appeal is the simple Perkins engine and relatively straightforward design, which still make it attractive to buyers who want a pre-emissions tractor without too much complexity.
What kind of engine and power output does the 4245 have?
The MF 4245 is commonly listed with a Perkins 4.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel rated at around 85 engine horsepower. Reference data also places it in the middle of the 4200 Series, above the 4235 and below the 4255, which helps explain why it is often chosen as a good balance between compact size and useful everyday power.
Why do so many buyers ask which transmission is fitted?
Because transmission choice makes a big difference to how a 4245 feels to own and operate. Depending on specification, these tractors could be found with different gearbox and shuttle arrangements, and forum discussions show that transmission behaviour is one of the first things owners investigate when problems appear. On one 4245 thread, the tractor would sometimes refuse to shift into forward or reverse, pointing owners toward the electronic shuttle side of the system rather than a simple mechanical issue.
What usually lies behind shuttle or drive-engagement trouble?
Recurring owner reports point to the shuttle and transmission controls as a key area to watch. In 4245-specific discussions, owners describe cases where the tractor intermittently would not select direction, and in another thread the reverse hydraulic clutch appeared to stay partly applied, making shifting difficult even in neutral. That pattern suggests used buyers should pay close attention to shuttle response, warning lights, and whether the tractor behaves differently once fully warm.
If the PTO will not operate properly, where do owners usually start?
One of the more practical 4245-specific questions online concerns the PTO interlock switch. Forum discussion points owners first toward the safety switch and related wiring before assuming a major PTO failure, which makes electrical interlocks an important early check if the PTO refuses to engage or behaves inconsistently.
Which areas deserve the closest inspection before purchase?
The smartest checks are cold starting, engine response under load, shuttle engagement, PTO operation, clutch feel, hydraulic performance, and any signs of electrical or warning-light faults. That reflects the main themes from owner discussions: some threads focus on rough running and lack of power, while others center on electronic shuttle faults or PTO interlock issues. A proper test drive, including hot operation, is far more useful than a quick idle-around-the-yard inspection.
