Massey Ferguson 290
Massey Ferguson 290 tractor, Daya Chiker, Bab Boudir, Taza, Morocco · Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author. I would, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Massey Ferguson · Modern · Utility

290

Built 1983–1986 at Banner Lane (sources differ, some giving 1989); later 290 and 290 Xtra versions built elsewhere in Banner Lane, Coventry, England; licensed factories in other countries
Power
77engine hp
Engine
4-cyl 4.1 L Diesel
Weight
—
Gearbox
8 forward, 2 reverse standard

The story

The 290 joined Massey Ferguson's 200 series in 1983, replacing the 275 at the top of the range, and it was essentially the long-running 185 with a little more power from the same 4.1 litre Perkins engine. The 200 series used proven parts rather than new technology and was aimed at buyers all over the world.

It was also the first Massey sold in Britain with a styled cab as standard, with makes such as GKN Sankey and the Scottish Duncan cab, which was popular in Ireland. Two- and four-wheel drive were offered, with an eight-speed gearbox or the more sought-after 12-speed Multi-Power.

The 300 series replaced it in Europe, but the 290 name lived on in export markets for decades.

Did you knowThe very last tractor built at Banner Lane was a 200 series machine, an MF 263.
For sale

No Massey Ferguson 290 listings yet. Dealers and private sellers will be able to list them here soon.

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Specifications

Engine
MakerPerkins (AD4.248)
FuelDiesel
Cylinders4
Displacement4.1 L / 248 cu in
Power
Rated engine power77 hp
Drive
Transmission8 forward, 2 reverse standard; Multi-Power 12 forward, 4 reverse optional; 12-speed synchromesh also offered in the 200 series
Hitch3-point, Category 2, with draft and position control
History
Built1983–1986 at Banner Lane (sources differ, some giving 1989); later 290 and 290 Xtra versions built elsewhere
FactoryBanner Lane, Coventry, England; licensed factories in other countries

About these figures. 77 hp is the figure given by Agriland and the Irish Farmers Journal; Southern Star quotes 80 hp. A later 290 built from 2007 for export markets used a 4.4 L Perkins 1104A rated 82 hp (ISO) and is a different machine.

Sources

  1. Southern Star: Massey Ferguson 290, a back-to-basics machine
  2. Agriland: Classic corner, surviving example back to its former glory
  3. Irish Farmers Journal: MF 200 series followed a turbulent decade
  4. Koneviesti Konedata: Massey Ferguson 240–290

Last checked 1 November 2026

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