New to Massey? A Plain-English Guide to Owning Your First MF Tractor, Massey Ferguson Tractors, Ned Murphy Tractors Ltd.

New to Massey? A Plain-English Guide to Owning Your First MF Tractor

Buying your first Massey Ferguson (MF) tractor is exciting… right up until you need the right filter, the right part, or the right person on the phone—quickly. The good news: you don’t need to be a mechanic to be a confident owner. You just need a simple system for paperwork, identification, and support.

This is your welcoming, plain-English starter guide—built for real-life farm use.

1) Your “first week” checklist (do this once and thank yourself later)

Before the tractor blends into the day-to-day, take 20 minutes and do these three jobs:

  1. Photograph the tractor: left side, right side, front, rear, cab/controls, tyres, linkage, loader (if fitted).
  2. Record identification details: model, serial/VIN, and (if visible) engine number.
  3. Start a tractor folder: one paper folder + one phone/computer folder.

Why? Because when you need parts or support, model + serial number + a photo is the fastest route to a correct answer.

2) Paperwork to keep (and what it’s actually for)

Here’s the paperwork you’ll need:

  • Invoice / proof of purchase: for warranty queries, insurance, resale.
  • Warranty info (if applicable): coverage details, start date, service requirements.
  • Operator manual: you’ll use it more than you think (fluids, capacities, fuses, settings).
  • Service records: dates, engine hours, parts used, oil grades, what was repaired.

Best habit: write the engine hours on every receipt (oil, filters, tyres, battery). That one detail makes troubleshooting much easier.

If your tractor is road-registered, Ireland’s Citizens Information explains the process for change of vehicle ownership and what needs to be completed/sent.  Citizens Information. (The RF200 form used in Ireland also outlines what seller/buyer do with the registration book/sections. Motortax.ie) For those located outside of Ireland you can check this information with your government’s relevant governing body.

3) Where to find model and serial numbers (and why they matter)

Parts, software updates, and even some specs can change within the same model, depending on serial number breaks. So don’t skip this.

Common places to check (varies by model/year):

  • An ID plate around the operator area/dash
  • The chassis/frame area
  • Under/around the bonnet/hood on some machines

Tip: once you find the serial number, take a clear photo and save it in your phone as “MF Tractor ID”.

For many owners, the easiest “official” way to get manuals and support info is through Massey Ferguson’s Service & Information portal, which includes access to downloadable operator manuals, warranty info, and diagnostic trouble code lookups (after registration). View more information on this direct with Massey Ferguson.

4) The most popular Massey models to buy (new + used demand)

“Most popular” depends on your work (loader, mowing, tillage, contracting), but two signals are reliable:

  • Current MF ranges people commonly shop new
  • Used market volume, which shows what’s in circulation and actively traded. You’ll get an idea of this from online auction sites, MF forums etc.

Popular current ranges

  • MF 5S: positioned as a nimble mid-range tractor; MF describes it as 105–145 hp and aimed at versatility/handling. Massey Ferguson.
  • MF 6S: MF positions it as straightforward and dependable, continuing the design language of the 8S. Massey Ferguson.
  • MF 7S: MF describes it as suited across mixed farming, arable and contracting, with many spec options. Massey Ferguson.
  • MF 8S: the flagship-style “new era” platform, launched around customer/operator feedback for comfort and efficiency. Massey Ferguson.

5) Common replacement parts MF owners often buy

Whether you run a brand-new MF or a classic, most repeat purchases fall into a few predictable buckets.

  1. A) Routine service consumables (the “always” list)

Massey Ferguson notes dealers stock genuine AGCO Parts and also everyday essentials like batteries, lubricants and paint as “complementary products.” Find out more, direct from Massey Ferguson. AGCO Direct also highlights lubricants and filters as key items to keep machines operating in peak condition. More details on this can be found on Agco Direct.

  1. B) Wear-and-tear and “downtime” parts

  • Batteries (very common)
  • Lighting (work lights/indicators)
  • Seals and O-rings (especially around hydraulics)
  • PTO-related guards/components (don’t ignore safety items)
  • Linkage pins/balls/stabilisers, drawbar wear parts

  1. C) “Keep it comfortable and usable” parts

  • Mirrors, glass, door seals
  • Seat covers
  • Paint/touch-up (especially on older machines)

6) How to get help fast (and get the right answer first time)

When something goes wrong, the goal is simple: reduce back-and-forth.

Before you ring a dealer/parts desk/technician, gather:

  1. Model + serial number
  2. Engine hours
  3. What happened (one sentence) + when it started
  4. Any warning lights / fault codes
  5. What implement is attached
  6. A short video (noise/smoke/leak)

MF’s Service & Information tools are designed to help owners access manuals and look up diagnostic trouble codes. Massey Ferguson.

And for parts identification, MF points owners to AGCO Parts Books, an electronic parts catalogue for finding replacement part information. Massey Ferguson.

7) Two safety reminders that matter (especially for new owners)

It’s not the fun bit—but it’s the important bit.

  • ROPS + seat restraint: HSE guidance notes that where roll-over protection (ROPS) is fitted, a seat restraint/seat belt should also be used where there’s a risk of overturning. Detailed information can be found about this from the HSE.
  • PTO safety: HSE repeatedly warns that PTOs and PTO shafts are extremely dangerous if not correctly guarded, with deaths and serious injuries occurring every year. PTO safety is detailed here on the HSE website. Teagasc also provides practical PTO safety checklist guidance (guards, chains, switching off engine before handling). View a helpful document about this on the Teagasc Website.

Wrap-up: your simple MF ownership system

If you take only four things from this guide, make them these:

  1. Keep a tractor folder (paper + digital).
  2. Save your model + serial number as a phone photo.
  3. Follow a basic consumables routine (filters, oils, belts/hoses, battery).
  4. When trouble hits, call with ID + hours + symptoms + fault code + photo/video.

That’s how you go from “new to Massey” to “I’ve got this” faster than you’d think.

Wish to purchase replacement parts for your MF Tractor? Browse and Buy Now from our online shop.

Would you like to speak to a member of our team? Feel free to Contact Us.

By Published On: January 7, 2026