- Standard layout, Rigid chassis
- WhichTractor size: Standard-size
- No lab test on file
- 1968–1971
WhichTractor size, not the maker’s category
Derived by WhichTractor from a sourced three-point linkage. How we decide what a machine is
Massey Ferguson 178 (A) specs: hp, weight, years
Perkins A 4.248 four-cylinder diesel. The manufacturer claimed 71 horsepower. No laboratory has tested one, so there is no measured figure at the shaft.
Engine power, claimed · gross or net not stated
71 hp
53 kW as stated by the source
No lab test on file
Claimed · standard not stated by the source
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178”, claimed
This is the maker’s own figure, measured at the engine. Power at the PTO is lower — by how much, for this machine, nobody has measured.
- Weight
- 6,129 lb
- 3-point lift
- 3,880 lb
- Hyd. flow
- 4.3 gpm
- Top speed
- 18.6 mph
Massey Ferguson 178 (A) specs: key facts
The Massey Ferguson 178 (A) was built from 1968 to 1971.
The Massey Ferguson 178 (A) has a claimed engine power (gross or net not stated) of 53 kW (71 hp); it has no measured PTO figure.
The Massey Ferguson 178 (A) is two-wheel drive (2WD).
The Massey Ferguson 178 (A) has a Perkins A 4.248 engine, a 4-cylinder 4.07 L diesel unit.
The Massey Ferguson 178 (A) weighs 2,780 kg (6,129 lb) unladen.
The Massey Ferguson 178 (A) has a rear PTO running at 540 rpm.
The three-point hitch of the Massey Ferguson 178 (A) lifts 1,760 kg (3,880 lb) at the lower-link ends.
The hydraulic pump of the Massey Ferguson 178 (A) delivers 16.4 L/min (4.3 gpm).
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178”
How does the 178 (A) compare with its class?
- Limitation:
A three-point lift at the lower links of 1,760 kg is low for its class — 35% below the median of 2,700 kg across the 308 machines within 10% of its power that hold this figure.
- Limitation:
A hydraulic pump flow of 16.4 L/min is low for its class — 59% below the median of 40 L/min across the 329 machines within 10% of its power that hold this figure.
- Limitation:
Eight forward gears is low for its class — 33% below the median of 12 across the 391 machines within 10% of its power that hold this figure.
Derived by WhichTractor from 400 comparable records. How we work this out

How much horsepower does a 178 (A) have?
The only figure for the 178 (A) is 71 hp (53 kW) of claimed engine power, gross or net not stated, no test standard stated — not power at the shaft.
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178”
What engine is in a 178 (A)?
A 178 (A) has a Perkins A 4.248, a 4-cylinder 4.07 L diesel engine.
| Make & model | Perkins A 4.248 |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 248.2 ci · 4.07 L |
| Max torque | 206 lb·ft · 279 N·m @ 1,300 rpm |
| Injection | direct injection |
| Electrical system | 12 V |
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178”
How much will a 178 (A) lift, and what is its hydraulic flow?
A 178 (A) lifts 3,880 lb (1,760 kg) at the lower-link ends of its Category 2 three-point hitch.
| Pump flow | 4.3 gpm · 16.4 L/min |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 3,001 psi · 207 bar |
| Hitch category | Category 2 |
| Lift at ends | 3,880 lb · 1,760 kg |
| Rear PTO | 540 rpm @ 1,684 engine rpm |
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178”
What transmission does a 178 (A) have?
Transmission specifications for the 178 (A) are below.
| Clutch | Pedal-operated dry double clutch |
|---|---|
| Steering | Mechanical recirculating ball steering |
| Top speed | 18.6 mph · 30 km/h |
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178”
How much does a 178 (A) weigh?
A 178 (A) weighs 6,129 lb (2,780 kg) unladen.
| Unladen weight | 6,129 lb · 2,780 kgA:3,520 |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 84.0 in · 2,134 mmA: 2,450 |
| Length | 135.8 in · 3,450 mmA: 3,750 |
| Width | 78.0 in · 1,980 mm |
| Height | 99.6 in · 2,530 mm |
| Ground clearance | 17.3 in · 440 mmA: 350 |
| Front track | 52.0–76.0 in · 1,320–1,930 mmA: 1,520 and 1,840 |
| Rear track | 56.3–87.8 in · 1,430–2,230 mmA: 1,520-2,230 |
| Turning radius, braked | 11.7 ft · 3.57 m |
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178”
What oil does a 178 (A) take, and how much?
A 178 (A) engine takes 9.5 qt (9.0 L). Single source, not independently verified — always confirm against the operator’s manual for your machine.
| System | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | 9.5 qt · 9.0 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178” · single source, not independently verified |
| Transmission | 29.6 qt · 28.0 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178” · single source, not independently verified |
| Cooling system | 14.4 qt · 13.6 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178” · single source, not independently verified |
Always confirm against the operator’s manual for your machine before service.
Which tractors compare with a 178 (A)?
Within 10% of its 71.3 hp at the PTO as the maker claimed it, with no laboratory test on file, the same type, and first built within 15 years of it.
- Massey Ferguson 194 (A)71.5 hp PTO, claimed · 1980–1983Side by side with the 178 (A) →
- International Harvester 75671.8 hp PTO, claimed · 1967–1971Side by side with the 178 (A) →
- International Harvester Farmall 75671.8 hp PTO, claimed · 1967–1971Side by side with the 178 (A) →
- Lamborghini R-485 (DT)71.8 hp PTO, claimed · 1971–1973Side by side with the 178 (A) →
- Leyland 28270.8 hp PTO, claimed · 1979–1981Side by side with the 178 (A) →
- Deutz D 750670.4 hp PTO, claimed · 1968–1970Side by side with the 178 (A) →
Common questions about the Massey Ferguson 178 (A)
Is a 178 (A) two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive?
The Massey Ferguson 178 (A) is two-wheel drive (2WD).
What PTO does a 178 (A) have?
A 178 (A) has a 540 rpm rear PTO.
Sources and how this page was built
Compiled from Traktorenlexikon, “Massey Ferguson MF 178”.
Sources
Facts taken from these documents, units converted. Numbers beside a figure refer to this list. Licences and attribution
- Traktorenlexikon: Massey Ferguson MF 178 — CC BY-SA 4.0, WIKIBOOKS-TL-76619 · revision 1069046. Wikibooks contributors (Traktorenlexikon). Original document