Massey Ferguson serial numbers typically follow a pattern that indicates the date of production, the factory where it was built, and the unit number. The serial number format for Massey Ferguson tractors is a 9-digit code composed of three sets of three-digits separated by hyphens.
The first three digits indicate the birth month, day and year of the tractor in a six-digit format. For example, if the first three digits are 041-730, the birth date of the tractor is April 17, 1930.
The second set of three digits (the middle set) indicates the plant of manufacture, while the third set of digits indicate the unit number. The unit number helps identify the exact tractor. For example, if the middle three-digits are 580 and the last three digits are 698, the tractor was manufactured at the factory marked 580 and has a unit number 698.
Some models of Massey Ferguson tractors may have slightly different serial number formats due to changes in manufacturing standards over time. However, the general principle remains the same.