Just a note from someone that was raised on a farm whose father bled green. but I went to work and found MF and MM, and some other breeds along the way. Now don't have any green ones left but do has some red ones filling the shed. As noted before the TO 35 in gas is a good tractor. Then came the MF 35 almost the same tractor but diesel started to creep in the picture. Early diesels used a Standard motors diesel (English) are hard to get parts for later ones used the IDI Perkins diesel. Then the model changed to 135 hood changed to resemble the bigger tractors mostly otherwise the same basic tractor. The engine choices were Z134 later Z145 Continental (4 cyl), D3.152 Perkins diesel (now DI) and same Perkins converted for gas. Then the 235 came along again upgraded hood and "improved" steering than was used on the previous 135. Quickly the 230/245 were brought out to remedy the steering "problem". Now hydrostatic steering. Most of the models were available with a HD front nonadjustable axle that is best for loader work. Although the swept back axle will work for loaders they can be a weak point. The 202, 203, 204, 204, later 2135, 20, 30, were industrial models basically same tractor most equipped with a "hard nose" , even some had Instant Reverse (a hydraulic reverser).
Now the good . These tractor from the TO 35 to the later tractors of the 90's and possibly later used the same design and a lot of parts are interchangeable as for the power train. That said parts are readily available. Most that have used and or owned on say the 135 is a tough tractor to beat. The Perkins diesel is very fuel efficient. Some people used to think they made fuel and said they did not have to refill very often when used a lot. The Perkins has a good reputation and are usually easy to repair and keep running.
The Bad: MF made these tractor just about like a burger joint--You could have it your way. When looking at a tractor note the hydraulics, clutch, and steering and transmission.
Hydraulics: Most only used the scotch yoke pump, some had another auxiliary pump added. The scotch yoke pump "runs" the three point hitch it can be used for auxiliaries but it can be confusing and the hitch and valve cannot be used at the same time. The auxiliary pump when equipped runs the auxiliary valve and leaves the scotch yoke pump to run the hitch.
Clutch: A single clutch was used on the economy versions similar to the 8N. Then a two stage was used one stage for the transmission and do to the "floor" for the PTO to stop and start of course the hydraulic works with the PTO. Later tractors has what was referred to as a split torque clutch basically a single stage to control the transmission but the PTO and hydraulic run whenever the engine runs.
PTO single stage clutches was a "transmission driven" PTO Two stage clutch use what most refer to a a "live PTO" the second stage of the clutch controls the PTO. Then the "independent PTO" a separate lever engages or disengages the PTO without any clutching or stopping and only stops when the lever is moved to off.
Transmission: 3 speed, 4 speed, or multi power. All transmissions have a shorter stick on the right side for High, Start, Low so you wind up with a 6 speed, 8 speed, or 12 speed. BUT for a new tractor driver / owner I do not recommend the Multi Power as it freewheels in low when going down hills. The industrial versions also used a mechanical or hydraulic reverser.
Steering: Power steering or nonpower. The To35, 35, and 135 are basically the same, easily repairable and adjustable. BUT they are not great for loaders they can 'blow out' the cylinder if abused also the swept back axle can wear and the radius rods can be bent if used or abused with a loader as I said before the industrial axle or 230/245 and later axle work best for a loader.
As for service and parts Agco still carries most parts although at a price. There are aftermarket suppliers for most needed replacement parts some are almost at steal prices.
www.agcopartsbooks.com for parts and
www.agcopubs.com for service, parts, operators manuals. Yes they even list the manuals for the older models just looked up for the TO35.
The MF make a great tractor for this size, parts are readily available, and they are fairly easy to service. Would say it if I didn't keep a few around. A TO35, 20 (industrial 135) and a 245 with a 232 loader. Enjoy the all and get a lot of work done. Just disappointed I can't run'em all at the same time