Massey Ferguson 281XE
The Massey Ferguson 281XE is a utility tractor built for farm work. It has a 2-wheel drive system and a manual transmission with 8 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. This gives the driver good control over the tractor's speed and power. The tractor is powered by a Perkins diesel engine with 4 cylinders. The engine is liquid-cooled, which helps it run smoothly in different weather conditions. At 236 cubic inches, the engine size is above average compared to other tractors. The 281XE weighs 5,800 pounds, which is about average for its class. It has agricultural tires on both the front and back, making it suitable for field work. The tractor also features an electric starter for easy operation and a Category II hitch for attaching various farm implements. Massey Ferguson is a well-known tractor brand with a long history in farming equipment. The 281XE model is designed to be versatile and reliable for everyday farm tasks. Its mix of features makes it a good choice for farmers who need a dependable utility tractor for their operations.

Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Operating Weight
- 5,800 lb
- Transmission
- Manual
Overview
About the Massey Ferguson 281XE
The Massey Ferguson 281XE is a utility tractor built for farm work. It has a 2-wheel drive system and a manual transmission with 8 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. This gives the driver good control over the tractor's speed and power. The tractor is powered by a Perkins diesel engine with 4 cylinders. The engine is liquid-cooled, which helps it run smoothly in different weather conditions. At 236 cubic inches, the engine size is above average compared to other tractors. The 281XE weighs 5,800 pounds, which is about average for its class. It has agricultural tires on both the front and back, making it suitable for field work. The tractor also features an electric starter for easy operation and a Category II hitch for attaching various farm implements. Massey Ferguson is a well-known tractor brand with a long history in farming equipment. The 281XE model is designed to be versatile and reliable for everyday farm tasks. Its mix of features makes it a good choice for farmers who need a dependable utility tractor for their operations.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Massey Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Model | 281XE |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Operating weight | 5,800lb |
Engine
| Make | Perkins |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 236ci |
Transmission
| Type | Manual |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 8 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
Dimensions
| Operating weight | 5,800lb |
|---|
Head to head
281XE vs. Utility median
How the Massey Ferguson 281XE compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 236 ci | 183 ci | +29% | 65th |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 8 | 12 | -33% | 23rd |
| Operating Weight | 5,800 lb | 5,303 lb | +9% | 55th |
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 1010 | 16 hp | 1,420 lb | 1982–1994 | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 1020 | 21 hp | 1,896 lb | 1983–1994 | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 1030 | 26 hp | 2,398 lb | 1984–1991 | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 1035 | 31 hp | 2,711 lb | 1986–1991 | Compare → |
| Massey Ferguson 1040 | 32 hp | 3,350 lb | 2002+ | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advance-Rumely 6A | — | 6,370 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely DoAll | — | 3,702 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull B 25/45 | — | 25,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull E 30/60 | — | 26,300 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull F 15/30 | — | 16,500 lb | — | Compare → |
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Gallery
Massey Ferguson 281XE photos






FAQ
Common questions
How many cylinders does the Massey Ferguson 281XE have?
The Massey Ferguson 281XE runs a 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 236 ci.
How much does the Massey Ferguson 281XE weigh?
The Massey Ferguson 281XE weighs about 5,800 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the Massey Ferguson 281XE?
Transmission on the Massey Ferguson 281XE is Manual, with 8 forward speeds.
What hitch category is the Massey Ferguson 281XE?
The Massey Ferguson 281XE uses a Category II hitch.
What maintenance does the Massey Ferguson 281XE require?
Like any tractor, the Massey Ferguson 281XE 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.


