Buying Advice Massey Ferguson 135

pbman · Dec 6, 2012

I am looking at a Massey Ferguson 135.
Are they good tractors? Anything bad about them? Any other recommendations?
I only have about $4000.00 to spend.

MIKE R · Dec 6, 2012

Very good tractors.

tessiers · Dec 6, 2012

Nice tractor, I have one with a perkins diesel. What I would consider the first generation of modern tractors. If it has a loader check the front end and steering carefully, if they have a weak point it is the front end and steering components, they were really designed for a loader. They could handle manure and farm chores pretty well but gravel and dirt work is hard on them. PTO equipment is what they were designed for. Mine has the rear remote capability, if you need it and its not there you are looking at $400 to $500, and as with all tractors rear tires are not cheap, if they are good thats worth a lot.

pbman · Dec 7, 2012

tessiers said:
Nice tractor, I have one with a perkins diesel. What I would consider the first generation of modern tractors. If it has a loader check the front end and steering carefully, if they have a weak point it is the front end and steering components, they were really designed for a loader. They could handle manure and farm chores pretty well but gravel and dirt work is hard on them. PTO equipment is what they were designed for. Mine has the rear remote capability, if you need it and its not there you are looking at $400 to $500, and as with all tractors rear tires are not cheap, if they are good thats worth a lot.

Thank you very much fro your response. It is useful and much appreciated information.

flusher · Dec 7, 2012

pbman said:
I am looking at a Massey Ferguson 135.
Are they good tractors? Anything bad about them? Any other recommendations?
I only have about $4000.00 to spend.

135s are highly regarded classic tractors. I paid $3600 for my 1964 MF135 diesel Deluxe with Multipower in July06.

The steering is generally stiff. My 135 has a power steeering pump that runs a dinky hydraulic assist gizmo on the steering column, so it's not true power steering (i.e. with a hydraulic cylinder on the front axle assembly).

There are two 135 models--Deluxe with 5 gauges on the dashboard and the Special with 2 gauges.

Multipower is an option that changes the 6F/2R tranny to 12F/4R using an internal hydraulic clutch in the tranny. There's a two-position up-down lever located on the right lower dashboard to select MP HIGH/LOW. Old 135s with MP can have problems with the MP hydraulics in which case you'll only have MP LOW.

The 135 comes with three engine selections--2 gas and a diesel. The diesel is a 3-cylinder Perkins engine that's highly regarded for its reliablity.

The clutch pedal is at an odd angle that some folks feel is uncomfortable.

Good luck.

pbman · Dec 7, 2012

Thank you for your response. It is great information and I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

The kid · Dec 7, 2012

pbman said:
Thank you for your response. It is great information and I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

If looking at the tractor. If the muffler is on the right side. It's a Continental 4 cyl gas version. If the muffler is on the left side it could be either a Perkins 3 cyl gas or diesel. That's is how to tell what kind of engine is in them at a distance. The 3 cyl diesel Perkins is considered the gold standard on MF135's and are usually a bit more than 4 grand if they are in good condition. The money you have would buy you a really nice Continental gas 4 cyl in really good shape. I have a 1965 Continental I've been sprucing up. Do all the reading you can absorb about the 135's. The more you know about them the smarter buyer you are and you'll find yourself a sweet 135. Be patient and be picky. Google is your friend as for finding info about the infamous 135. 135's are being used as we speak all over the globe. England and India has a huge presence. They are like a Timex watch. They just do what they do. and do it well. Parts are not hard to find. If you have a car hauler it would broaden your search and increase your chances of finding a sweet 135. Good luck with your quest. -robert

tessiers · Dec 7, 2012

flusher said:
135s are highly regarded classic tractors. I paid $3600 for my 1964 MF135 diesel Deluxe with Multipower in July06.

The steering is generally stiff. My 135 has a power steeering pump that runs a dinky hydraulic assist gizmo on the steering column, so it's not true power steering (i.e. with a hydraulic cylinder on the front axle assembly).

There are two 135 models--Deluxe with 5 gauges on the dashboard and the Special with 2 gauges.

Multipower is an option that changes the 6F/2R tranny to 12F/4R using an internal hydraulic clutch in the tranny. There's a two-position up-down lever located on the right lower dashboard to select MP HIGH/LOW. Old 135s with MP can have problems with the MP hydraulics in which case you'll only have MP LOW.

The 135 comes with three engine selections--2 gas and a diesel. The diesel is a 3-cylinder Perkins engine that's highly regarded for its reliablity.

The clutch pedal is at an odd angle that some folks feel is uncomfortable.

Good luck.

Mine is an 8 speed perkins diesel, paid $3000 last year, good working tractor, not perfect but field ready. New rear tires and rear remote hydraulics. I felt I got a real good deal, worth $4500 in my opinion. I have the power steering with the cylinder on the front axle, still stiff and still not made for a loader. I use mine for baleing hay with a small square baler and chopping grass with a flail chopper, thats where it shines, I added a rops and canopy for shade more than anything and its a comfortable and very fuel efficient.

murphy1244 · Dec 7, 2012

tessiers said:
Mine is an 8 speed perkins diesel, paid $3000 last year, good working tractor, not perfect but field ready. New rear tires and rear remote hydraulics. I felt I got a real good deal, worth $4500 in my opinion. I have the power steering with the cylinder on the front axle, still stiff and still not made for a loader. I use mine for baleing hay with a small square baler and chopping grass with a flail chopper, thats where it shines, I added a rops and canopy for shade more than anything and its a comfortable and very fuel efficient.

What year is yours?

johnking · Dec 7, 2012

Gold standard for bush hoggin.

Soundguy · Dec 8, 2012

overall, decent machines. lots around.. good parts support generally.

if on a budget.. look at those and hte 55-64 era fords..

tessiers · Dec 9, 2012

70 I think

murphy1244 · Dec 9, 2012

tessiers said:
70 I think

What is your serial # ?

Brian Cox · Jan 23, 2013

In the U.K., 135s are very collectable so it's not easy to find one for restoration.Once restored they command high prices, so to buy a restored model is normally out of the question.At every outing there are always a few on show and are a very practical machine and so good looking. If you can find one, go for it, you won't be dissapointed

mikeh71 · Mar 7, 2013

Buying a massey ferguson 135 for $4000 or less may have some internal problems that don't show on the outside. Most good ones are going to be a little more. That has been my experience.

murphy1244 · Mar 7, 2013

mikeh71 said:
Buying a massey ferguson 135 for $4000 or less may have some internal problems that don't show on the outside. Most good ones are going to be a little more. That has been my experience.

:welcome:to TBN, Keep shopping. I looked for a year and found a 1967 MF 135 Diesel With power steering and 2 stage PTO.

murphy1244 · Mar 7, 2013

Sorry, I paid 2500 and the tractor has 5100 hours and runs great.

mooselake · Mar 17, 2013

New to the page. Not sure where to askthis question. MF 135 gas power. today stuck in gear. Played with it a little now I have 1st and reverse. shifter will not move sideways to engage 2nd or 3rd. have hear it could be shifter spring? Not sure. Is this something I can fix on my own or do I need to send it out for repair?

Thanks in advance

murphy1244 · Mar 17, 2013

mooselake said:
New to the page. Not sure where to askthis question. MF 135 gas power. today stuck in gear. Played with it a little now I have 1st and reverse. shifter will not move sideways to engage 2nd or 3rd. have hear it could be shifter spring? Not sure. Is this something I can fix on my own or do I need to send it out for repair?

Thanks in advance

:welcome: To TBN