Ford 640 or MASSEY-HARRIS 203?

Which should you choose?

The data can’t decide this. Power at the PTO shaft cannot be compared: the 640 has only engine power (gross or net not stated), claimed — a different quantity from power at the shaft; the 203 has only engine power (gross or net not stated), claimed — a different quantity from power at the shaft.

Generated by rule set compare@4 from the figures on the side-by-side table, allowed by route “the same stated configuration”. Measured figures are compared only with measured, claimed only with claimed, at the same test condition; differences within each figure’s tolerance are not called.

What decides it, question by question?

Buyer questions for Ford 640 and MASSEY-HARRIS 203, with the call on each
Question640203Call
Which puts more power through the PTO shaft?23.8 kW (31.9 hp)Traktorenlexikon, “Ford 600”23.8 kW (31.9 hp)Traktorenlexikon, “Massey-Harris Massey-Harris 203”Not comparableNot comparable on power at the PTO shaft: the 640 has only engine power (gross or net not stated), claimed — a different quantity from power at the shaft; the 203 has only engine power (gross or net not stated), claimed — a different quantity from power at the shaft.
Which turns a litre of fuel into more work at the shaft?——No figureNo call on fuel efficiency at the shaft: no figure on record for the 640 and the 203.
Which pulls harder at the drawbar?——No figureNo call on drawbar power: no figure on record for the 640 and the 203.
Which pumps more oil for implements?10.2 L/min (2.7 gpm) to 22.7 L/min (6.0 gpm)Traktorenlexikon, “Ford 600”—No figureNo call on hydraulic flow: no figure on record for the 203.
Which lifts more on the three-point hitch?567 kg (1,250 lb)Traktorenlexikon, “Ford 600”—No figureNo call on three-point lift: no figure on record for the 203.
Which is heavier, for traction?1,369 kg (3,018 lb)Traktorenlexikon, “Ford 600”2,996 kg (6,605 lb)Traktorenlexikon, “Massey-Harris Massey-Harris 203”Ahead (a fact, not an advantage)The MASSEY-HARRIS 203 is 119% heavier (1,627 kg / 3,587 lb) than the Ford 640 (also listed as 600) (both unladen weight, as stated by the source).
Which may carry more ballast and load?——No figureNo call on maximum permissible mass: no figure on record for the 640 and the 203.
Which has the wider choice of gears?4 to 5Traktorenlexikon, “Ford 600”4Traktorenlexikon, “Massey-Harris Massey-Harris 203”EvenEven on forward gears (both forward gears, as stated by the source): the figures vary by configuration and the ranges overlap.
Which offers a creeper range?——No figureNo call on a creeper range: not stated for the 640 and the 203.
Which is faster on the road?20 km/h (12.4 mph)Traktorenlexikon, “Ford 600”20 km/h (12.4 mph)Traktorenlexikon, “Massey-Harris Massey-Harris 203”EvenEven on top speed (both top speed forward, as stated by the source): the difference is under the 10% threshold, too small to call.
Which offers more PTO speeds?540 rpmTraktorenlexikon, “Ford 600”540 rpmTraktorenlexikon, “Massey-Harris Massey-Harris 203”EvenEven on PTO speeds: the same speeds (540 rpm).
Which PTO runs independently of the ground drive?——No figureNo call on PTO independence: not stated for the 640 and the 203.
Which drives on both axles?2WDTraktorenlexikon, “Ford 600”2WDTraktorenlexikon, “Massey-Harris Massey-Harris 203”EvenEven on drive: all two-wheel drive.
Which is newer, and what about parts?1954–19571940–1947Ahead (a fact, not an advantage)The Ford 640 (also listed as 600) is newer: production began 14 years later. We hold no parts-availability data, so there is no call on parts.

What does this mean in plain words?

  • The MASSEY-HARRIS 203 is 119% heavier (1,627 kg / 3,587 lb) than the Ford 640 (also listed as 600) (both unladen weight, as stated by the source).
  • The Ford 640 (also listed as 600) is newer: production began 14 years later. We hold no parts-availability data, so there is no call on parts.
  • Even on forward gears (both forward gears, as stated by the source): the figures vary by configuration and the ranges overlap.
  • Even on top speed (both top speed forward, as stated by the source): the difference is under the 10% threshold, too small to call.
  • Even on PTO speeds: the same speeds (540 rpm).
  • Even on drive: all two-wheel drive.
  • Not comparable on power at the PTO shaft: the 640 has only engine power (gross or net not stated), claimed — a different quantity from power at the shaft; the 203 has only engine power (gross or net not stated), claimed — a different quantity from power at the shaft.
  • No figure on record for every machine, so no call on: fuel efficiency at the shaft, drawbar power, hydraulic flow, three-point lift, maximum permissible mass, a creeper range and PTO independence.

← Every figure for both machines, side by side, with sources