MF 135 or 165

[BigHutch]

I just spoke to a guy that had a 135 for sale, but just missed him as he has already sold it. He said he would have a 165 in a few weeks (he gets them and fixes 'em up). Which would be better for about 6-10 acres of foods plots?

 

[flusher]

I just spoke to a guy that had a 135 for sale, but just missed him as he has already sold it. He said he would have a 165 in a few weeks (he gets them and fixes 'em up). Which would be better for about 6-10 acres of foods plots?

Either one would be more than enough tractor for your needs. My 1964 MF135 diesel is a real brute (45 hp engine, 37 hp pto, 33 hp drawbar). The 165 is even larger (58 hp engine, 52 hp pto, 46 hp drawbar). The only really heavy chore for food plots is discing and with the power you have with these two tractors, you could handle an 8-ft wide disc to make the job go faster.

Just be sure to check out the tractor thoroughly before buying. Run it in all gears, check the pto and 3 pt hitch for proper operation. These old tractors don't have true power steering so you have to muscle the steering wheel at times. On the 135 check the underside of the clutch housing. There is at least one weep hole that should have a loosely fitting cotter pin in it (or maybe no cotter pin). Ream out the hole with a small twist drill or piece of wire and check for fluid leakage. A few drops is normal. Any more leakage could mean a leaking rear engine seal.

Good luck.

 

[BigHutch]

Thanks flusher. I think I've talked myself into trying to stay with the 135. For some reason I just like the fenders better (round) and really don't "need" the bigger tractor.

My dad has a 135 and the weep hole seems to have a little more than a drip. I'll certainly check those things before buying. Thanks for the info, my wife was worried I would buy something that would be "broken".

I also discovered a Ford 4000 for sale locally, but that also is a "bigger" tractor than the 135, probably on par size wise with the 165. But again, just cant seem to break away from the 135!

I found this pic on the web, and I can only hope that I could find one that looks this nice!

 

[165masseyky]

If the weep hole is leaking and its a multi power i would have someone i trusted to check it out. It could be a engine seal or a tranny issue and if its a multi power that can cost big$$$$$$

 

[cowski]

split the difference get a mf150.i like the larger frame of the 150 over the 135.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

We have a 265 but just use box blade and bush hog with it mainly so on the hills I love the weight.

For your use the 135 might be more the right size on most days.

What to you plan to hitch to the PTO?

 

[BigHutch]

We have a 265 but just use box blade and bush hog with it mainly so on the hills I love the weight.

For your use the 135 might be more the right size on most days.

What to you plan to hitch to the PTO?

I plan to get a tiller, box blade/blade, bush hog and maybe a dirt scoop eventually.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I plan to get a tiller, box blade/blade, bush hog and maybe a dirt scoop eventually.

Since PTO HP is the lowest of all for tiller use I would want the larger size tractor unless time is not a factor at all. If you go wide with fast ground speed you will need a lot of PTO HP.

With our 7' bush hog in 2/3 year growth of heavy fescue I have had to get down in a pretty low gear with our 265.

Bottom line any heavy load like a tiller connected to the PTO is going to suck up some fuel and perhaps engine oil. The 135 was not typically used with heavy PTO loads.

Our 265 MF does drip from both weep holes on the bottom side and I think that has been the case for many years. Actually hours are 1290 currently after 35 years of use by my FIL. Well he as been gone for two years now.

 

[Mike476]

Only just started using my 135 PTO after 12 years, doesn't have any trouble with a tiller but does require lower ground speed, 2nd low normally but I find its quick enough. You never know what size rocks you've grown from season to season.............