(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

pros cons MF 135

Tractor has a VG reputation. You will need PS with a loader on it. If it doesn't, before I bought it, I would check into the availability/cost of aftermarket PS.
 
When I was a kid, the fella I worked for had a 1964 MF 135 with a Alied loader. It had a 3 speed transmission with Hi-Low range, so 6 forward 2 reveres . No power steering did make it tough to load manure in tight locations. It had a 4 cylinder Continental engine with a under slung exhaust. So in the summer it was a hot tractor to ride. We would sometimes take the loader off, and use it for haying. More that once that under slung exhaust caught the hay field on fire. Nice little tractor over all, just a bit too small. They also had a MF 165 Diesel with a 4 speed Hi-Low range. Both tractors could have the transmission jam in between gears, but of a pain.
 
My father bought his last new tractor, a MF135 diesel, in 1970 or 71. I put a lot of hours on that tractor. A couple things I think we're in error of this tractor are the need to push down on the the brakes and clutch, instead of the natural tendency to push forward. This complicated the fact that this model tractor had very very inadequate brakes. The engine was great, the hydraulics were slow and not at 1970's standards.
 
Good overall tractor, but if you plan on a lot of loader use, be prepared to have front end problems.

Front pivot bushing is light and prone to wear through, eating into the axle.

If no power steering the steering gear will be worn out, and so will the operators arms!

Most had power steering, but the only practical solution is to find a donor tractor with power steering.

Better yet find one with power steering or something better suited for a loader.
 
I had one many years ago, was a good running tractor, cant say anything bad about them. I currently have a a 231 MF with a front end loader on it. Those Perkins diesel engines are some of the best...
 
I agree with most of the comments above, they are decent tractors, but the PTO always bothered me, it is not independent it is a 2 stage clutch, first stage stopped tractor movement and pushing further stopped the PTO. I never got the handle of the clutch and could not stop the tractor without stopping the PTO. Also you cannot kick out the PTO without stopping the tractor, with our Olivers we would very often shut off the PTO when going around the corner with a baler.

All depends how you are going to use the tractor.
 
I had Fords with the independant PTO and I hated it, needed 3-4 hands to operate tractor and use the PTO. Wish they had the earlier 2 stage clutch. Also Drove Deere with that independent PTO, same 3-4 hand needed to operate.
 
It is all what you are doing with the tractor and what you are used to operating, I never had an issue on the Olivers with the independent PTO and could do things that I couldn't on the Masseys.
 
A very good tractor. the only thing I did not care for was how the clutch pedal is oriented. It never felt natural to press down instead of forward, especially on a two stage clutch.
 
Which gasoline engine?

The 4 cylinder Continental is a good engine but the block is prone to cracking between 3 and 4.

The 3 cylinder Perkins is a converted diesel and tough as nails. It also uses less gasoline than does the Continental.

The PS is time consuming and expensive to overhaul.

If it has hydra-power it will coast in low even if the hydra-power is working properly and many/most do not.

Dean
 
I bought a used 135 Perkins gas 21 years ago, and were I in the market for another tractor, I'd buy the same thing again. Mine has a differential lock, power steering, 2-stage clutch, and disc brakes. Hundreds of hard hours later, zero problems.
 
(quoted from post at 14:19:25 07/19/21) I bought a used 135 Perkins gas 21 years ago, and were I in the market for another tractor, I'd buy the same thing again. Mine has a differential lock, power steering, 2-stage clutch, and [b:7b657b78a7]disc brakes.[/b:7b657b78a7] Hundreds of hard hours later, zero problems.
Click to expand...

I have never seen a MF 135 with disc brakes and I have seen a lot of them. Never even heard or read about such a thing until now. I believe you are mistaken.

In my opinion they are the best tractor ever built in their class.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
R&G Loader for MF Tractor
Replies
1
Views
155
DeltaRed
D
B
Massey Ferguson Model 32 Front Loader
Replies
0
Views
204
bl@ckdog1
B
M
Question about head gasket replacement on a MF 135 with Perkins 3cly gas.
Replies
7
Views
351
Dieseltech
D
M
MF-65 Pros and cons??
Replies
5
Views
501
Eric in IL
E
B
Drum Mower and MF 135 or Ford 3000 Tractor?
Replies
4
Views
239
Texasmark1
T
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top