The Massey Ferguson 135: A Timeless Classic in Agricultural Machinery
The Massey Ferguson 135 (MF 135) is more than just a tractor; it's a symbol of reliability and enduring design in agricultural machinery. Introduced in 1964, it quickly became a favorite among farmers worldwide, renowned for its simplicity, versatility, and robust build. This article delves into the specifications, history, and enduring appeal of this agricultural icon.
Massey Ferguson 135 Specifications
| Feature | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | Perkins AD3.152 (Diesel): 3-cylinder, 2.5L (152.7 cu in), Naturally Aspirated; Continental Z-134 (Gasoline): 4-cylinder, 2.2L (134 cu in), Naturally Aspirated | Diesel engine offered better fuel economy and torque, while the gasoline engine was initially cheaper. Perkins AD3.152 became the dominant and more desirable option. |
| Horsepower | Engine: 45.5 HP (Diesel), 38 HP (Gasoline); PTO: 38 HP (Diesel), 32 HP (Gasoline) | PTO (Power Take-Off) horsepower is the power available to run implements. Horsepower ratings may vary slightly depending on the source and testing conditions. |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed manual: 6 forward, 2 reverse; Multi-Power (Optional): 12 forward, 4 reverse (Hi/Lo range in each gear) | The 6-speed was the standard transmission. Multi-Power provided a greater range of speeds and allowed for on-the-go shifting between high and low ranges within each gear, offering increased versatility. |
| Hydraulics | Open Center: Gear pump; Lift Capacity: 2,140 lbs (970 kg) at 24 inches behind link ends; Pressure: 2,500 psi (172.4 bar) | The hydraulic system was essential for operating implements such as plows, mowers, and loaders. The lift capacity determined the size and weight of implements the tractor could handle. |
| PTO | Type: Independent; Speed: 540 RPM | Independent PTO allowed the operator to engage and disengage the PTO without stopping the tractor, increasing efficiency. |
| Brakes | Mechanical Shoe: Drum brakes, located on the rear wheels | Simple and reliable braking system. |
| Steering | Manual (Standard): Power Steering (Optional) | Manual steering required more effort, especially with a front-end loader. Power steering significantly improved maneuverability and reduced operator fatigue. |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 US gallons (54.9 liters) | Provided ample fuel for a full day's work in many applications. |
| Weight | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) | A relatively lightweight tractor, contributing to its agility and ease of handling. |
| Wheelbase | 76 inches (193 cm) | Contributed to its stability and maneuverability. |
| Tires (Typical) | Front: 6.00-16; Rear: 12.4-28 | Tire sizes could vary depending on the specific application and region. |
| Electrical System | 12-volt | Standard electrical system for starting, lighting, and operating accessories. |
| Production Years | 1964-1975 (approximate, depending on the country) | While production officially ended in 1975 in many regions, some licensed production continued in other countries for several more years. |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom (primarily), France, and other locations under license | The MF 135 was a global tractor, manufactured and assembled in various locations around the world. |
| Common Attachments/Implements | Plows, disc harrows, mowers, loaders, backhoes, cultivators, planters, sprayers | Its versatility allowed it to be used for a wide range of agricultural tasks. |
| Key Features | Simple design, reliable engine, versatile hydraulics, independent PTO, available with Multi-Power transmission | These features contributed to its widespread popularity and longevity. |
| Identifying Marks | Massey Ferguson badging, distinctive red and grey paint scheme (though colors may vary slightly by region and year), serial number location (typically on the transmission housing). | These features help in identifying and dating the tractor. |
| Original Price (Approximate) | Varies greatly depending on location, year, and included options. In the mid-1960s, a new MF 135 might have cost around $3,000 - $4,000 USD. | This is a rough estimate and should be adjusted for inflation. |
| Common Problems/Issues | Oil leaks (especially around the engine and hydraulics), brake wear, electrical problems (due to age), clutch wear. | These are typical issues associated with tractors of this age and can usually be addressed with regular maintenance and repairs. |
Detailed Explanations
Engine Options: The Massey Ferguson 135 was primarily offered with two engine options: the Perkins AD3.152 diesel engine and the Continental Z-134 gasoline engine. The Perkins AD3.152, a 3-cylinder, 2.5-liter diesel, was the more popular choice due to its superior fuel efficiency and higher torque output. The Continental Z-134, a 4-cylinder, 2.2-liter gasoline engine, was available primarily in earlier models and offered a lower initial cost.
Horsepower: The engine horsepower of the MF 135 varied depending on the engine type. The Perkins diesel engine produced approximately 45.5 horsepower, while the Continental gasoline engine produced around 38 horsepower. The PTO horsepower, which is the power available to drive implements, was approximately 38 horsepower for the diesel version and 32 horsepower for the gasoline version.
Transmission Options: The standard transmission on the MF 135 was a 6-speed manual transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse gears. An optional Multi-Power transmission was also available, offering 12 forward and 4 reverse gears. The Multi-Power system allowed for on-the-go shifting between high and low ranges within each gear, providing greater flexibility in various field conditions.
Hydraulics: The MF 135 featured an open center hydraulic system powered by a gear pump. The system provided a lift capacity of approximately 2,140 lbs (970 kg) at 24 inches behind the link ends and operated at a pressure of 2,500 psi (172.4 bar). The hydraulic system was used to operate implements such as plows, mowers, and loaders.
PTO: The tractor was equipped with an independent PTO (Power Take-Off), which allowed the operator to engage and disengage the PTO without stopping the tractor. The PTO speed was 540 RPM, a standard speed for many agricultural implements.
Brakes: The MF 135 utilized mechanical shoe brakes, which were drum brakes located on the rear wheels. These brakes provided adequate stopping power for most applications.
Steering: Standard steering was manual, requiring more effort from the operator, especially when using a front-end loader. Power steering was offered as an optional upgrade, significantly improving maneuverability and reducing operator fatigue.
Fuel Capacity: The fuel tank had a capacity of 14.5 US gallons (54.9 liters), providing sufficient fuel for a full day's work in many applications.
Weight: The approximate weight of the MF 135 was 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg), making it a relatively lightweight tractor. This contributed to its agility and ease of handling.
Wheelbase: The MF 135 had a wheelbase of 76 inches (193 cm), contributing to its stability and maneuverability in the field.
Tires (Typical): Typical tire sizes for the MF 135 were 6.00-16 for the front tires and 12.4-28 for the rear tires. Tire sizes could vary depending on the specific application and region.
Electrical System: The MF 135 used a 12-volt electrical system, which powered the starter, lights, and other electrical accessories.
Production Years: The Massey Ferguson 135 was produced from approximately 1964 to 1975, although production continued in some countries under license for several more years.
Country of Origin: The MF 135 was primarily manufactured in the United Kingdom, with production also taking place in France and other locations under license. It was truly a global tractor.
Common Attachments/Implements: The MF 135 was a versatile tractor and could be used with a wide range of implements, including plows, disc harrows, mowers, loaders, backhoes, cultivators, planters, and sprayers.
Key Features: Key features of the MF 135 included its simple design, reliable engine, versatile hydraulics, independent PTO, and the availability of the Multi-Power transmission. These features contributed to its widespread popularity and longevity.
Identifying Marks: Identifying marks of the MF 135 included Massey Ferguson badging, a distinctive red and grey paint scheme (although colors may vary slightly by region and year), and the serial number location (typically on the transmission housing).
Original Price (Approximate): The original price of a new MF 135 in the mid-1960s might have been around $3,000 - $4,000 USD. This is a rough estimate and should be adjusted for inflation.
Common Problems/Issues: Common problems and issues associated with the MF 135, especially in older models, included oil leaks (especially around the engine and hydraulics), brake wear, electrical problems (due to age), and clutch wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the horsepower of a Massey Ferguson 135? The horsepower of an MF 135 varies slightly depending on the engine type; the diesel version produces around 45.5 HP (engine) and 38 HP (PTO), while the gasoline version produces around 38 HP (engine) and 32 HP (PTO).
What years was the Massey Ferguson 135 made? The Massey Ferguson 135 was manufactured from approximately 1964 to 1975, although licensed production continued in some countries for a few more years.
What kind of oil does a Massey Ferguson 135 use? The type of oil recommended for an MF 135 depends on the specific component. Generally, a good quality 15W-40 engine oil is suitable for the engine, while a universal tractor hydraulic fluid (UTF) is typically used for the hydraulics and transmission. Consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations.
How much does a Massey Ferguson 135 weigh? The Massey Ferguson 135 weighs approximately 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg).
Is the Massey Ferguson 135 a good tractor? Yes, the Massey Ferguson 135 is widely considered a good tractor due to its reliability, simplicity, and versatility, making it a popular choice for small farms and various agricultural tasks.
How do I identify the year of my Massey Ferguson 135? The year of manufacture can be determined by locating the serial number, typically found on the transmission housing, and cross-referencing it with a Massey Ferguson serial number chart.
Conclusion
The Massey Ferguson 135's enduring popularity is a testament to its well-engineered design and robust construction. Its simplicity, versatility, and reliability have made it a timeless classic in agricultural machinery, remaining a valuable asset for farmers even today. Consider an MF 135 for small-scale farming, hobby farming, or as a reliable backup tractor.