Compare/Massey Ferguson 243 vs Massey Ferguson 253

Massey Ferguson 243 vs Massey Ferguson 253

Verdict: Massey Ferguson 243 vs Massey Ferguson 253

The Massey Ferguson 243 and the Massey Ferguson 253 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 48 hp. Massey Ferguson 253 is the lighter machine (4,020 kg vs 5,045 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Massey Ferguson 243 is the newer design (1999 vs 1988). Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.

Tune the fit score

Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Massey Ferguson

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Massey Ferguson

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

48 hp

Confidence

98%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

Massey FergusonReference

Four gears (1-4) in two ranges (low/high) with synchronized shuttle shifting.Reference

Tractor must be stopped, and clutch used, to shift gears.Reference

Original price

$20,050 (2003)Reference

$20600 (1997)Reference

Steering

hydrostatic powerReference

Drive

—

4x4 MFWD 4WD (optional)Reference

Engine

38.8 kWReference

42.5 kWReference

Drawbar (tested)

28.1 kWReference

—

Displacement

2.7 LReference

2.5 LReference

Bore/Stroke

95 x 127 mmReference

—

Power

38.8 kWReference

42.5 kWReference

Compression

17.3:1Reference

—

Rated RPM

2250Reference

Starter volts

12Reference

Coolant capacity

10.6 LReference

10.2 LReference

Power at rated engine speed

35.5 kWReference

—

Max power

28.1 kWReference

—

Air cleaner

—

dual dry elementReference

Fuel Type

—

DieselReference

No of Cylinders

—

3-cylinderReference

Rated engine speed

—

2,250Reference

Cooling system

—

liquid-cooledReference

Transmission

Type

synchro shuttleReference

synchronized manual shuttleReference

Gears

8 forward and reverseReference

Clutch

dry discReference

—

Transmission Type

—

Sync ShuttleReference

PTO & Hydraulics

PTO (claimed)

35.0 kWReference

35.8 kWReference

PTO (tested)

35.5 kWReference

—

Hydraulic system

32.2 LReference

43.1 LReference

Capacity

32.2 LReference

43.1 LReference

Pump flow

52.6 lpmReference

15.9 lpmReference

Total flow

52.6 lpmReference

—

Rear Type

II/IReference

IIReference

Rear PTO

independent (optional)Reference

independent (4WD)Reference

Rear PTO Type

540Reference

Power at rated PTO speed

31.7 kWReference

—

Control

—

position and draft controlReference

Rear lift

—

1188 kgReference

Capacities

Fuel

48.1 LReference

47.7 LReference

Dimensions

2WD Wheelbase

190 cmReference

193 cmReference

4WD Wheelbase

193 cmReference

195 cmReference

Weight

5045 to 5130 poundsReference

4020 to 4735 poundsReference

Front tire

6.00-16Reference

6.50-16Reference

Rear tire

13.6-28Reference

13.6-28 (2WD)Reference

Ag front

6.00-16Reference

—

Ag rear

13.6-28Reference

—

Shipping weight

2288 kgReference

—

Operating weight

2326 kgReference

—

Front tread

130 to 161 cmReference

—

Rear tread

142 to 213 cmReference

—

Standard tires (ag)

—

Front: 280/80R-20. Rear: 14.9-28 (4WD)Reference

2WD Length

—

318 cmReference

4WD Length

—

325 cmReference

2WD Width

—

177 cmReference

4WD Width

—

186 cmReference

Height (ROPS)

—

220 cmReference

2WD Weight

—

1823 kgReference

4WD Weight

—

2147 kgReference

2WD Ground clearance

—

24 cmReference

4WD Ground clearance

—

29 cmReference

Massey Ferguson 243 attachments

243 Serial Numbers

1999

H01001Reference

—

2000

J01001Reference

—

2001

K01001Reference

—

2002

L01001Reference

—

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Battery volts

12Reference

Attachment overview

Test results

Fuel use

9.1 l/hourReference

—

Max pull

1955 kgReference

—

Massey Ferguson 253 attachments

253 Serial Numbers

1988

—

N01001Reference

1989

—

P01001Reference

1990

—

R01001Reference

1991

—

S01001Reference

1992

—

A01001Reference

1993

—

B01001Reference

1994

—

C01001Reference

1995

—

D01001Reference

1996

—

E01001Reference

1997

—

F01001Reference

1998

—

G01001Reference

Location:

—

Data plate on tractor's instrument panelReference

General

Make & Model

—

Massey FergusonReference

Country of manufacturer

—

Utility tractorReference

Power

Rated Power

—

57 hpReference

PTO

Rear PTO Power

—

AvailableReference

Steering & brakes

Brakes

—

wet discReference

Steering type

—

hydrostatic powerReference

Hydraulics

Hydraulics Type

—

openReference

Rear Hitch category (SAE designation)

—

Category IIReference

Rear Hitch maximum lift capacity

—

1,188.9 kgReference

Rear Hitch Sensing Type

—

position and draft controlReference

Dimensions & weight

Overall Height

—

221 cmReference

Operator station

Cab Availability

—

AvailableReference

Cab Air conditioning, temperature differential

—

Two-post ROPS.Reference

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.