Massey Ferguson 281

The Massey Ferguson 281 is a tractor produced by Massey Ferguson. It is equipped with a 256.3 ci 4.2 L engine. The listed engine power is Diesel (listed): 75 hp / 55.9 kW. Transmission: 8 forward and 2 reverse. Operating weight: 6350 to 6635 pounds.

Engine Power

Diesel (listed): 75 hp / 55.9 kW

Fuel & Capacities

21.1 gal 79.9 L

Transmission

8 forward and 2 reverse

Operating Weight

6350 to 6635 pounds

Overview

	1998 - 2000 200 One SeriesUtility tractor 200 One Series Utility tractor

Production
Manufacturer	Massey Ferguson
Utility tractor
Original price was $21,100 in 1999

Massey Ferguson 281 Engine
Perkins 4.2L 4-cyl diesel
Engine details ...

Massey Ferguson 281 Transmission
8-speed sliding gear
Transmission details ...

Massey Ferguson 281 Power
Engine	75 hp 55.9 kW
PTO (claimed)	69 hp 51.5 kW

Mechanical
Two- or four-wheel drive
Differential lock	mechanical rear
Power steering
Mechanical wet disc brakes
Two-post folding ROPS.

Capacity
Fuel	21.1 gal 79.9 L
Hydraulic system	11.1 gal 42.0 L

Hydraulics
Capacity	11.1 gal 42.0 L
Pressure	2500 psi 172.4 bar
Valves	2
Pump flow	9.5 gpm 36.0 lpm

Tractor hitch
Rear Type	II
Control	position and draft control
Rear lift (at ends)	4908 lbs 2226 kg

Power Take-off (PTO)
Rear PTO	live (two-stage clutch)
Rear PTO Type	540

Dimensions & Tires
2WD Wheelbase	90.2 inches 229 cm
4WD Wheelbase	89.8 inches 228 cm
Weight	6350 to 6635 pounds
Front tire	7.50-16
Rear tire	18.4-30
Full dimensions and tires ...

Electrical
Ground	negative
Charging system	alternator
Charging amps	35
Battery CCA	420
Battery volts	12

References

MF Loaders for Compact & Agricultural Tractors published in 2003, by Massey Ferguson
MF 281-2/4WD Tractor published in 1999, by Massey Ferguson

Engine

Engine Detail — 256.3 ci / 4.2 L Diesel

Manufacturer	Perkins 1004.42
Fuel Type	Diesel
Configuration	4-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement	256.3 ci 4.2 L
Bore/Stroke	4.055x5.00 inches 103 x 127 mm
Power	75 hp 55.9 kW
Air cleaner	dry
Pre-heating	thermostart
Rated RPM	2200
Starter volts	12
Oil capacity	7.2 qts 6.8 L
Coolant capacity	14.8 qts 14.0 L

Transmission

Transmission — 8 forward and 2 reverse sliding gear

Type	sliding gear
Gears	8 forward and 2 reverse
Clutch	305mm dry disc

Dimensions

Massey Ferguson 281 Tires
Ag front	7.50-16
Ag rear	18.4-30

Dimensions
2WD Wheelbase	90.2 inches 229 cm
4WD Wheelbase	89.8 inches 228 cm
Length	153 inches 388 cm
Width	79 inches 200 cm
Height (ROPS)	99 inches 251 cm
Height (Folded ROPS)	76 inches 193 cm
4WD Shipping weight	6635 lbs 3009 kg
2WD Shipping weight	6350 lbs 2880 kg
Clearance (drawbar)	14.2 inches 36 cm
2WD Front tread	54 to 70 inches 137 to 177 cm
4WD Front tread	55.7 to 75 inches 141 to 190 cm
Rear tread	56 to 84 inches 142 to 213 cm

Attachments

Attachment overview
Massey Ferguson 1036 loader
Massey Ferguson 1038 loader
The model 1036 loader was compatible with the Massey Ferguson 281 with two-wheel drive. The model 1038 loader was compatible with four-wheel drive.

Photos

Massey Ferguson 281 tractor photo

Recommended Implements & Sizing Guide

Engineering recommendations for Massey Ferguson 281 based on its 75 HP power envelope and ASAE agricultural standards.

Implement & Operation	Recommended Size	Workload Rating	Engineering Notes
Moldboard PlowPrimary Tillage	3 to 4 Bottom (16")3 - 4 铧 (40 cm)	Heavy Duty	Suitable for medium loam and stubble turnover.
Rotary Cutter / MowerMowing & Clearing	7 to 8 ft (84-96 in)2.1 - 2.4 m	Heavy Duty	Heavy-duty twin spindle cutter for overgrown acreage.
Rotary TillerSeedbed Prep	78 to 84 in200 - 215 cm	Heavy Duty	Heavy commercial tiller with multi-speed gearbox.
Disc HarrowSecondary Tillage	10 to 14 ft Tandem / Offset3.0 - 4.2 m 重型交错耙	Heavy Duty	Aggressive residue cutting in corn/cotton stubble.
Hay BalerHay & Forage	4x4 to 4x5 Round Baler1.2x1.5 m 紧凑圆捆机	Heavy Duty	Silage and dry hay; 540 RPM PTO with slip-clutch.

Sizing & Soil Condition NoteActual implement sizing varies depending on local soil conditions (heavy clay vs sandy loam), field slope, and operating speed. Heavy tillage implements may require front ballast weights and wheel weights.

Fluids, Capacities & Working Autonomy

Standard fluid requirements, service intervals, and continuous runtime estimates for Massey Ferguson 281.

Estimated Continuous Field Runtime: 5.4 hrs

Approximately 5.4 hours of continuous field operation at ~75% rated power on a full tank (21.1 gal / 79.9 L).

Estimated 75% Load Fuel Burn~3.9 gal/hr (14.8 L/hr)

Engine Crankcase Oil

SAE 15W-40 (Heavy Duty Diesel)

Standard Spec: API CK-4 / CJ-4 Heavy Duty

Service Interval: 150 – 250 Hours

Transmission & Hydraulic System

UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil)

Standard Spec: ISO VG 46 / 68 (Wet Brake & Trans Compatible)

Service Interval: 600 – 1000 Hours

Engine Cooling System

50/50 Ethylene Glycol Pre-mix

Standard Spec: ASTM D6210 / Heavy-Duty OAT Antifreeze

Service Interval: 2 Years / 1500 Hours