Buying a Mitsubishi MT160–MT240: experiences and points of attention

Thinking about buying a Mitsubishi MT160, MT170, MT190, MT200, MT220 or MT240? Then you're looking at the bigger brothers of the well-known Mitsubishi MT mini tractors: compact Japanese four-wheel-drive diesel tractors from the Pulseed series, built to work for years with little fuss. In this buying guide you'll read who this MT series is suited for, what the strengths and weaknesses are, what sets the models apart, and what to watch out for when buying a used one.

Suitable for the whole series: Mitsubishi MT160, MT170, MT190, MT200, MT220 and MT240 — all with four-wheel drive.

What kind of tractor is the Mitsubishi MT160–MT240?

The MT160 through MT240 form one cohesive series of compact tractors in the 16 to 24 hp class. All of them have an upright, water-cooled four-stroke three-cylinder diesel engine, four-wheel drive, wet disc brakes, and a differential lock. They are light (775 to 900 kg) and maneuverable, with a turning circle of 1.8 to 1.9 metres, making them a pleasure to use on smaller plots, in horticulture, around the yard, and for hobby-scale earthwork.

These are fully mechanical tractors with no engine electronics. However, some versions do feature handy assist systems such as position control with automatic depth control (PAC) on the lift arms, and on the heavier models, microcomputer control and an automatic steering brake for tight turns.

Mitsubishi MT160–MT240: the models at a glance

The practical differences within the series lie in power, engine, drivetrain, and gearbox. Below are the main points from the manual:

Note one important difference in the drivetrain: the MT160, MT170 and MT190 have permanent four-wheel drive — there's no front axle disengagement. The MT200, MT220 and MT240, on the other hand, have a 4WD lever that lets you engage and disengage the front axle. On these heavier models, you can also select eight gears instead of six, and a creep gear is available as an option.

Mitsubishi MT160–MT240: two engines

Important to know before you buy: the series uses two engines. The MT160, MT170, MT190 and MT200 feature the Mitsubishi S3L of 1125 cc; the MT220 and MT240 step up to the larger S3L2 of 1318 cc. Both are water-cooled three-cylinder diesel engines, but they differ in displacement and bore. This has consequences for parts: head gaskets and gasket sets are not automatically interchangeable between the S3L and the S3L2. Always order engine parts by the correct engine type, not just by the tractor model.

Strengths

What makes this MT series appealing is the combination of simplicity, four-wheel drive, and reliability. The S3L and S3L2 engines are economical, mechanical, and will last for thousands of hours with proper maintenance. All models are 4WD, which gives surprisingly good grip for such compact machines during tilling and loading work. The three PTO speeds, the position control with PAC depth control, and (on the larger models) the creep gear make them versatile with a tiller, mower, spreader, and front loader. Many wear parts — filters, clutch, gaskets, glow plugs, water pump — are still readily available new.

Weaknesses and points of attention

Let's be honest: this is still a tractor that's thirty to forty years old, often imported through grey channels. Experience from the field and owners' feedback keep pointing to the same issues. When buying a used one, pay particular attention to the following:

• Cooling system and overheating. Radiator hoses harden and crack, old radiators leak, and the radiator screen gets clogged. The S3L/S3L2 engine is known to be sensitive to overheating — and running hot even once can result in a blown head gasket or even a cracked cylinder head (white smoke, coolant loss). Thoroughly check the cooling system and coolant, and look for signs of previous overheating.
• Front axle (4WD). Because all models are 4WD, the front axle oil is especially important. A commonly reported leak is at the seals near the front wheels — often because sand was pressure-washed behind the seal. Check and change the front axle oil, and watch for leaks and noise from the front axle.
• Clutch and brakes. A dragging or heavy clutch and worn wet brakes do occur. A notorious issue is a wet clutch that sticks after long periods of standing still and won't disengage, even after adjustment. The clutch set is available for the MT series as a whole.
• Preheating and starting. Difficulty starting when cold often points to worn glow plugs or — a known weak spot — a faulty glow relay or glow timer. In the latter case, the resistor behind the dashboard can get hot or even start smoking. Check that the tractor preheats properly and starts smoothly.
• Hydraulics. If the lift arms or front loader don't work while the engine is running, it's usually a clogged hydraulic screen or intake filter, air trapped in the system, or a control knob under the seat set incorrectly. Test both the lift arms and the loader extensively during viewing.
• Electrical. After years of use, a worn ignition switch can damage the voltage regulator, preventing the battery from charging. Check that the charging current is fine and that all lighting works.
• Nameplate and numbers. Grey imports can cause naming confusion. An "MT200" from this series is different from, for example, an older "MT2001". Check the nameplate and engine number (S3L or S3L2), and order parts by engine type.

Which Mitsubishi MT is suitable for whom?

Looking for a light 4WD tractor for a riding arena, lawn, or small yard? Then an MT160 or MT170 will more than suffice. Want to do serious tilling, use a front loader, or pull a soil bucket on heavier ground? Then the MT200, MT220, and MT240, with their extra power, eight-speed gearbox, and optional creep gear, are the better choice. Keep in mind that the stated engine power (16 to 24 hp) isn't the same as the power available at the PTO or as drawbar pull: some is lost in the drivetrain. In practice, you'll work comfortably with light to medium-duty tillers, flail mowers, a small tipper, a front loader, and earthmoving on a horticultural scale — not ploughing on heavy clay.

Original parts still readily available

A major advantage of the MT series is that many parts are still available new — handy if you're restoring a used unit with a maintenance backlog. Frequently requested for the MT160–MT240:

• Filter set and individual filters for the major service
• 15W40 engine oil, GL-4 transmission/hydraulic oil and 80W-90 front axle oil for the complete oil change
• Water pump and thermostat for the cooling system
• Glow plugs for smooth cold starting
• Clutch set for a complete clutch overhaul
• Gasket set with head gasket and — for a major engine overhaul — an overhaul kit for the S3L/S3L2

Always order engine parts by engine type (S3L or S3L2) and check the fit against the chassis and engine number.

What does a Mitsubishi MT160–MT240 cost?

Used prices vary widely depending on condition, power, hours run, and equipment. Based on the current supply on the Dutch and European second-hand market, these are roughly the guide prices you'll see:

For reference: ready-to-run 20–22 hp 4WD units are regularly offered for around € 3,950 – € 4,300. When you spot a "bargain", always factor in the maintenance backlog: cooling, oils in all housings, clutch, and brakes add up quickly. (Indication based on second-hand supply, last checked June 2026 — not a valuation.)