Massey Ferguson 231
The Massey Ferguson 231 is a utility tractor made from 1989 to 1999. It's a 2WD tractor with power steering, making it easy to drive. The tractor has 8 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, giving farmers good control over their speed. Under the hood, the Massey Ferguson 231 has a Perkins AD3.152 engine. This diesel engine has 3 cylinders and is liquid-cooled. It produces 38 hp at 2000 rpm, which is average power for its class. The engine size is also about average compared to other tractors. The tractor weighs 4068 lb, which is a mid-range weight. It has a three-point hitch at the back for attaching tools. The PTO (power take-off) runs at 540 rpm, letting farmers use various implements. For safety, it has a two-post ROPS (roll-over protection structure). The fuel tank holds 15.3 US gallons, and farmers can add a Massey Ferguson 232 loader if they need one.
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 38hp
- Operating Weight
- 4,068 lb
- Transmission
- Sliding gear
At a glance
How the 231 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The 231 ranks at the 31st percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the Massey Ferguson 231
The Massey Ferguson 231 is a utility tractor made from 1989 to 1999. It's a 2WD tractor with power steering, making it easy to drive. The tractor has 8 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, giving farmers good control over their speed. Under the hood, the Massey Ferguson 231 has a Perkins AD3.152 engine. This diesel engine has 3 cylinders and is liquid-cooled. It produces 38 hp at 2000 rpm, which is average power for its class. The engine size is also about average compared to other tractors. The tractor weighs 4068 lb, which is a mid-range weight. It has a three-point hitch at the back for attaching tools. The PTO (power take-off) runs at 540 rpm, letting farmers use various implements. For safety, it has a two-post ROPS (roll-over protection structure). The fuel tank holds 15.3 US gallons, and farmers can add a Massey Ferguson 232 loader if they need one.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Massey Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Model | 231 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1989–1999 |
| Operating weight | 4,068lb |
Engine
| Make | Perkins |
|---|---|
| Model | AD3.152 |
| Power | 38hp |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 152ci |
| Bore | 3.58in |
| Stroke | 5in |
Transmission
| Type | Sliding gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 8 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Power assist |
| Brakes | Drum |
| Cab | Two-post ROPS |
Hydraulics
| Type | Open center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 128in |
|---|---|
| Width | 76in |
| Height | 87.4in |
| Operating weight | 4,068lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 2.7gal |
|---|
Head to head
231 vs. Utility median
How the Massey Ferguson 231 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 38 hp | 55 hp | -31% | 31st |
| Engine Displacement | 152 ci | 183 ci | -17% | 39th |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 | -25% | 23rd |
| Forward Gears | 8 | 12 | -33% | 23rd |
| Operating Weight | 4,068 lb | 5,303 lb | -23% | 38th |
| Length | 128 in | 137 in | -6% | 38th |
| Width | 76 in | 66 in | +15% | 73rd |
| Height | 87.4 in | 94.1 in | -7% | 36th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 3,933–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Massey Ferguson tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massey Ferguson 230 | 38 hp | 3,840 lb | 1976–1983 | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 233 | 38 hp | 4,961 lb | — | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 234S | 38 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 2605 | 38 hp | 4,080 lb | 2007–2018 | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 133 | 37.5 hp | 3,175 lb | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antonio Carraro Tigre 4000F | 38 hp | 2,756 lb | — | Compare → |
| Antonio Carraro TTR 4400 | 38 hp | 2,811 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers D15 | 37.44 hp | 4,036 lb | — | Compare → |
| Avery 20-35 | 37.33 hp | 7,550 lb | 1923+ | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers D14 | 37 hp | 3,500 lb | 1957–1960 | Compare → |
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FAQ
Common questions
When was the Massey Ferguson 231 in production?
Massey Ferguson 231 production started in 1989 and ended in 1999.
What hitch category is the Massey Ferguson 231?
The Massey Ferguson 231 uses a Category II/I hitch.
How much horsepower does the Massey Ferguson 231 have?
The Massey Ferguson 231 produces 38 hp from its 3-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 152 ci.
How much does the Massey Ferguson 231 weigh?
The Massey Ferguson 231 weighs about 4,068 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the Massey Ferguson 231?
Transmission on the Massey Ferguson 231 is Sliding gear, with 8 forward speeds.
What type of hydraulic system does the Massey Ferguson 231 use?
Hydraulics on the Massey Ferguson 231 are Open center.
What maintenance does the Massey Ferguson 231 require?
Like any tractor, the Massey Ferguson 231 needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.



