MF 135

I am looking at buying a 135. The present owner is an older gentleman that lives a couple hours away. I know nothing about these tractors and what to look for when purchasing one besides tire condition etc.
What should I watch out for? He says it is a 1969 model with gas engine. What would be a fair price with fair tires? Thanks

They are good dependable tractors. I have one that my Dad bought new in 1966. If it is a 1969 gas it will have a 3 cyl. perkins engine. If it is a 4 cyl it is a early 67 or older. They are all good engines. If it has multi-power check to see if it shifts good from low to high. It may have either a transmission driven PTO or independent or a live power with a two stage clutch. Check under the bellhousing for a small hole that may be plugged. See if any oil drips out. If so it may have either a rear main seal leaking or front transmission seal, depending what kind of oil comes out. Hope fully nothing drips out. Good luck

this one has the square fenders with the lights in them, which seems odd. Is that correct?

My 1967 MF 150 had square fenders which were rusted and bent. Replaced with older style clam-shell ones. So, I'd say fenders are OEM. Also has four cylinder gas continental z145.

You could get the square fenders on the 135 as an option. They cost a bit more than the old clam shell fenders, the 135's look better with the square fenders IMHO.

Hi,
First of all have a good look at pictures of or other tractors then take your time to look around this one and look for any differences.

In addition to what has been suggested below, check the following;
Any oil presence inside the rear wheel hub backplates;
Oil leaking from the PTO shaft seal;
Your flat-top fenders will be different to the UK ones but check for any rust in the support bracings;
Check the transmission oil for any discolouration. Anything towards mayonnaise colour suggests water contamination.
Check for excess looseness in the main gear lever and check if rubber gear lever boots are fitted. If not, its a source of water entry into the transmission;
Play in the top of the steering column including up and down movement when turned;
Condition of steering ball joints;
Any gap over 1/8" under steering arms on the axle;
Swept axle, inspect closely the condition of pivot pin and bush;
Waggle each road wheel by hand and check if movement is repeated on the other wheel or if there is play between the two. Play is likely to be between drop arms on steering box;
Front wheel bearings for play.
Remove the engine dipstick and check for oil drops being blown out of the hole when the engine is running. If a lot, not a good sign!;

Let us know what you find.

DavidP, South Wales

My 150 doesn't look too bad with Clam Style fenders I used them because the tractor is used in my woodlot most of the time. Thought the overhang of the square fenders would catch on trees and brush.

Look up: tractor data site, for a MF 135

The site will give you information about the tractor, serial numbers so you can check build dates to be sure it's a 69 model.

Run it long enough to get the engine up to operating temp then stop and start it again, some do not like to start when warm.

Would be nice if you could hook a Bush hog to it to insure the pto clutch is good. Hook a plow to it to insure the clutch pulls under load.

Some did not like the 3 cylinder gas motor even if it a was a Perkins, was not
smooth running like the 4 cylinder engine.

I only knew one person that owned one, he traded it for a MF diesel 135.

Is this the Mike on Eberle Rd.near McKee?