Massey Harris or Ferguson 50

A friend of mine has a tractor and we're not sure exactly what hp it is. It says "Massey Ferguson" on it, and according to the dealer and serial #, it is a 1958.
The dealer is telling him it is a 50 hp tractor, and that's what the "50" stands for. When I look it up here, it is about 32 hp.

Was there a "Massey-Harris" 50, AND a "Massey-Ferguson" 50 with different HP??

I am sort-of questioning this dealer, as he has given my friend a couple of wrong parts already.

All guidance appreciated!

Tommy D.

Tommy D.

The Massey Harris 50 is rated at 32 drawbar Hp 34 PTO Hp. Basically same tractor as Ferguson 40. The Massey Ferguson 50 is a newer model of the same tractor. The Massey Harris 50 was painted Bronze Metalic on the engine and transmission (same color scheme that the 333 thru 555 used). The Massey Ferguson 50 was flint Metalic Grey. The MH 50 also had scallops in the hood similar to the 44 as opposed to rounded corners between the top and the sides on the MF 50.

Tom
Dold Implement Co.
Howard, SD
dold@alliancecom.net

I assume you are refering to what Massey called the High-Arch. They are equipped with 38" rear tires, as opposed to the Utility which has 28" rears. The parts manuals however refer to them as High clearance or Low clearance so there is some confusion. The 1st letter of the serial # will give you the chasis type:

S - Utilty
R - Row Crop Twin
T - Row Crop Single
C - High Arch
J - Multi Purpose

The 2nd letter will give you the fuel type:

N - Diesel G - Gas
B - L.P.
H - High-Altitude Gas

The 3rd letter will give you the clutch type:
F - Single
M - Double

Then the serial number follows:
MH - 500001
MF - 515708

I don't believe there were any Massey Harris diesels. Nor do I believe there was any distinction in actual numbers for any particular type.

Tom