I was hoping someone more knowledgeable would post a reply. But, here's my two-cents' worht. I own a '95 MF-231S, made under license by Ursus of Poland. Newer models sold by MF are built in Turkey. I bought my MF-231S last year and have used it primarily for mowing. My tractor had 139 hours on it and I paid $7000. It came with remote hydraulics, the only extra. These tractors are imported by MF as a low-cost, no-frills utility tractor. The Polish and Turkish made tractors are used in countries where frills are not affordable. The MF-231 is little changed from the MF-135. This means they still basically employ 1970's technology. They are crude by today's US standards. The sliding gear transmission is balky, and you have to take your time shifting. These are small agricultural tractors, not Japanese-derived compact "estate" tractors. If you want a tough, inexpensive, simple tractor primarily to mow with, I think you'll be happy with the MF-231. The Perkins diesel engine has been around forever, and is considered to be very durable. I put mine in third gear, set the throttle on the PTO setting, and pretty much leave it there for long periods of time as I mow. It's great for this use. A replacement seat with spring suspension (if you buy one with the original pan seat) is pretty much a must-have. I consider the MF-231 to be a good choice, if you can live with its limitations.
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