Massey Ferguson 243
The Massey Ferguson 243 is a utility tractor built from 1999 to 2003. It's a 4x2 2WD model with hydrostatic power steering, making it easy to control. The tractor has a sliding gear transmission with 8 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, giving drivers plenty of options for different tasks. Under the hood, the MF 243 has a Perkins 903.27 engine. This diesel engine has 3 cylinders and is liquid-cooled. It produces 52 hp at 2250 rpm, which is about average power for its class. The engine size is 165 ci, also average for similar tractors. The tractor weighs 5130 lb, which is slightly above average and helps with stability. It has a Category II/I hitch and a live PTO that runs at 540 rpm, useful for various implements. For safety, it comes with a two-post folding ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and independent wet disc brakes.
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 52hp
- Operating Weight
- 5,130 lb
- Transmission
- Sliding gear
At a glance
How the 243 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The 243 ranks at the 47th percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the Massey Ferguson 243
The Massey Ferguson 243 is a utility tractor built from 1999 to 2003. It's a 4x2 2WD model with hydrostatic power steering, making it easy to control. The tractor has a sliding gear transmission with 8 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, giving drivers plenty of options for different tasks. Under the hood, the MF 243 has a Perkins 903.27 engine. This diesel engine has 3 cylinders and is liquid-cooled. It produces 52 hp at 2250 rpm, which is about average power for its class. The engine size is 165 ci, also average for similar tractors. The tractor weighs 5130 lb, which is slightly above average and helps with stability. It has a Category II/I hitch and a live PTO that runs at 540 rpm, useful for various implements. For safety, it comes with a two-post folding ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and independent wet disc brakes.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Massey Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Model | 243 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1999–2003 |
| Operating weight | 5,130lb |
Engine
| Make | Perkins |
|---|---|
| Model | 903.27 |
| Power | 52hp |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 165ci |
| Bore | 3.74in |
| Stroke | 5in |
Transmission
| Type | Sliding gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 8 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
| Brakes | Independent wet disc |
| Cab | Two-post folding ROPS |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Live (two-stage clutch) |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Operating weight | 5,130lb |
|---|
Capacities
| Cooling system | 2.8gal |
|---|
Head to head
243 vs. Utility median
How the Massey Ferguson 243 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 52 hp | 55 hp | -5% | 47th |
| Engine Displacement | 165 ci | 183 ci | -10% | 44th |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 | -25% | 23rd |
| Forward Gears | 8 | 12 | -33% | 23rd |
| Operating Weight | 5,130 lb | 5,303 lb | -3% | 49th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 4,941–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Massey Ferguson tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massey Ferguson 1180 | 52 hp | 4,354 lb | 1992–1999 | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 1552 | 52 hp | 3,663 lb | 2005–2008 | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 355 | 52 hp | 5,827 lb | 2003+ | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 4215 | 52 hp | 5,809 lb | 1997–2001 | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 431 | 52 hp | 4,321 lb | 2004–2006 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGCO GT45 | 52 hp | 4,806 lb | — | Compare → |
| Agco GT45A | 52 hp | 5,820.3 lb | — | Compare → |
| Barreiros 50.55 | 52 hp | 5,100 lb | — | Compare → |
| Barreiros R-500 | 52 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| Agco ST52a | 52.1 hp | 3,494.4 lb | — | Compare → |
Explore
Massey Ferguson siblings
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FAQ
Common questions
When was the Massey Ferguson 243 in production?
Massey Ferguson 243 production started in 1999 and ended in 2003.
What transmission is in the Massey Ferguson 243?
Transmission on the Massey Ferguson 243 is Sliding gear, with 8 forward speeds.
What three-point hitch category does the Massey Ferguson 243 use?
The Massey Ferguson 243 has a Category II/I three-point hitch.
How much horsepower does the Massey Ferguson 243 have?
The Massey Ferguson 243 produces 52 hp from its 3-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 165 ci.
How much does the Massey Ferguson 243 weigh?
The Massey Ferguson 243 weighs about 5,130 lb in operating condition.
What maintenance does the Massey Ferguson 243 require?
Like any tractor, the Massey Ferguson 243 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.



