Price Check MF35 - Decent Price?

[genusCastor]

I have ten acres of east Texas prairie and have need of a small tractor, mostly for mowing the property right now, but also for odd jobs like pulling out posts, using a box blade, maybe some light plowing later, etc. And I have a limited budget, so I'm looking for a deal on something used.

This Massey Ferguson 35 is for sale near me, wondering if $2500 is a decent price for this tractor(?) I grew up with a MF35 gasser and remember it served us well enough. But I'm wanting to buy a diesel. Any known issues with the diesel model?

Thanks in advance.
- djb

PS - I'm posting questions about every potential used tractor candidate in the appropriate forum section...I hope that's the proper protocol(?)

 

[WilliamBos]

If it is a 3 cyl Perkins diesel, I don't think you will find too many negatives about them. If it is a Standard Motors 23C 4 cyl, good diesel, but parts are harder to find day by day.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I have ten acres of east Texas prairie and have need of a small tractor, mostly for mowing the property right now, but also for odd jobs like pulling out posts, using a box blade, maybe some light plowing later, etc. And I have a limited budget, so I'm looking for a deal on something used.

This Massey Ferguson 35 is for sale near me, wondering if $2500 is a decent price for this tractor(?) I grew up with a MF35 gasser and remember it served us well enough. But I'm wanting to buy a diesel. Any known issues with the diesel model?

Thanks in advance.
- djb

PS - I'm posting questions about every potential used tractor candidate in the appropriate forum section...I hope that's the proper protocol(?)

The MF35 is a GREAT tractor. And that's a fairly good price at that. It'll have a first generation Perkins 3-cylinder. They had indirect injection. Once the 135 was introduced, with the updated AD3-152, they started using direct injection. A great engine then became a classic.

Problems.... As with any Perkins of that era, they CAN have leaking oil pan gaskets. Oil will end up in the bellhousng. There should be a pair of weep holes under the bellhousing. They SHOULD have a cotter pin sticking through them. (pin is to prevent dirt from clogging holes) If you see excess oil there, a set of pan gaskets may be in order. A few drops after a long day in the field isn't an issue.

The tranny may have a tendency to hang in gear. (or may not) There's an oil filler cap right next to the shifter. If they hang, tae a long straight screwdriver and move the big gear you can see (looking straight down through the filler plug) A slight movement will pop it out of gear. I wouldn't term this a chronic issue, but it's not uncommon either.

The TO35/MF35 has been called the most copied tractor ever. There's a good reason why.

 

[flusher]

I have ten acres of east Texas prairie and have need of a small tractor, mostly for mowing the property right now, but also for odd jobs like pulling out posts, using a box blade, maybe some light plowing later, etc. And I have a limited budget, so I'm looking for a deal on something used.

This Massey Ferguson 35 is for sale near me, wondering if $2500 is a decent price for this tractor(?) I grew up with a MF35 gasser and remember it served us well enough. But I'm wanting to buy a diesel. Any known issues with the diesel model?

Thanks in advance.
- djb

PS - I'm posting questions about every potential used tractor candidate in the appropriate forum section...I hope that's the proper protocol(?)

The MF-35 was offered from 1960-63. MF-135s were introduced in 1964. In July06 I paid $3600 for a 1964 MF-135 diesel so $2500 for that MF-35 is reasonable, assuming it's in good condition--engine runs OK, tranny works in all gears, 3pt works OK, pto works OK, gauges work, no major leakage from engine, tranny, pto shaft, decent tires.

 

[genusCastor]

Thanks for the responses. The guy returned my call this afternoon... SOLD!

- djb

 

[genusCastor]

...The tranny may have a tendency to hang in gear. (or may not) There's an oil filler cap right next to the shifter. If they hang, tae a long straight screwdriver and move the big gear you can see (looking straight down through the filler plug) A slight movement will pop it out of gear. I wouldn't term this a chronic issue, but it's not uncommon either...

You're bringing back fond memories of the MF35 gasser we had when I was a kid. It stuck in gear just like you say, and we'd pry the gear back...

- djb

 

[Nasty135]

djb, When I started looking for my first tractor, I canvased the classified adds and every smallish (less than 40hp)tractor I called about was sold...I will admit that I figured the tractors for sale would be there for awhile so I was in no big hurry... naive to the small estate size properties being sold at that time needing more than just a lawn mower.

I'm not saying you did this , But I finally woke up to the fact that if I find a deal I had better jump quick and at least be the first to look or some Good Ole'Boy like FWJ would be there to buy it first (jab-jab)

But I finally did get my first tractor and not really knowing anything about the tractor world , I feel I lucked out in getting a MF 135 with the diesel...

Good Luck in your tractor hunt...

 

[Farmwithjunk]

djb, When I started looking for my first tractor, I canvased the classified adds and every smallish (less than 40hp)tractor I called about was sold...I will admit that I figured the tractors for sale would be there for awhile so I was in no big hurry... naive to the small estate size properties being sold at that time needing more than just a lawn mower.

I'm not saying you did this , But I finally woke up to the fact that if I find a deal I had better jump quick and at least be the first to look or some Good Ole'Boy like FWJ would be there to buy it first (jab-jab)

But I finally did get my first tractor and not really knowing anything about the tractor world , I feel I lucked out in getting a MF 135 with the diesel...

Good Luck in your tractor hunt...

I LOVE a bargain, what can I say

 

[genusCastor]

"FarmWithJunk" has a Massey Ferguson avatar?



- djb

 

[Farmwithjunk]

"FarmWithJunk" has a Massey Ferguson avatar?



- djb

Screen name come from the fact that for years, I bought used, often disabled equipment for pennies on the dollar and then repair them. (to sell or use) For 35+ years, I made a living with other peoples "junk".