MF 135 Upgrade update

Frankmn · Oct 19, 2014

I went and looked at the 135. It is a 3 cyl gas that was purchased by this gentleman's father brand new in 1969. He said it never really went in the field but that his dad used it to haul feed to some sheep he had on a different place. It seemed to check out ok and run good. Good oil pressure, power steering, live hydraulics and live power. The right brake doesn't work correctly and the axle seal looks like it is leaking. The other brake worked good. So I bought it and tried it out mowing down the 10 acre garden before I plow it. Wow night and day difference to the tired 8N. How difficult is the rear axle seal? I guess I will find out eventually.
The operators manual he gave me with it is for the 4 cylinder model so I will be needing the right tune up specs etc, but I think it is a good honest original tractor with a known history.

Phil Tibbetts · Oct 19, 2014

Too bad it wasn't a diesel, but there is nothing wrong with the gas. I just like diesels because they are A lot more fuel efficient.

DavidP, South Wales · Oct 20, 2014

Hello Frank,
It will be too late now but check the level of the transmission oil to start. The dipstick is by your right heel. If it has been overfilled drain it back to the correct level.
To replace the seal you will need to support the failed side safely and remove the wheel and brake drum. It will be almost certain that you will need new or relined shoes. Remove all of the nuts or bolts holding the hub to the axle casting. Support the backplate and withdraw the hub and shaft. Be careful it is heavy. The photo shows the seal that needs to be replaced. Lever it out and tap a new one into place using a suitable tube or socket. Make sure that the exact number of shims between the backplate and axle are replaced.
Let us know when you are ready to do the job and we'll help you with it.

DavidP, South Wales

Frankmn · Oct 20, 2014

The tranny oil was within range on the stick. Doesn't sound like too bad of a job. Thanks for the pictures. The tractor was shedded so the differential oil looked new.

2 Old 2 care · Oct 20, 2014

Back in the day, I made probably 1/3rd of my income just buying and selling 135's, 150's and 165 Masseys. Had my hands on a bunch of 135's. Long story short, amongst people who've owned them, they have an almost cult following. They are one of the best tractors ever built, pound for pound and dollar for dollar. They sell and sell good, gas OR diesel.

I like the diesels too, but there is nothing wrong with the gassers. Either the Perkins 3-cylinder OR the Continental 4-cylinder gas will out run the Energizer Bunny. If you're going to be doing a lot of "start and stop" "off/on" use in winter weather, you can make a good argument that the gaseers are BETTER in some regards.

Tractors that have a known history, and one that does NOT include torturous use makes it all the better.

Get the correct engine manual. It also pays to have the parts manual too. Good "exploded view" of part assemblies.

Frankmn · Oct 20, 2014

Well thanks. That is encouraging. I will be getting the manuals at some point. I am hoping I will have them before I need them.

Farmer7 · Oct 22, 2014

(reply to post at 14:43:20 10/20/14)

Got my MF 20 Industrial Service manual and original operator's manual on SOMeTHINGbay. The service manual is a reprint for around $88. Don't expect too much with the photos as they have been reproduced many times over. It is better than nothing and has been a tremendous help. The original operator's manual has excellent photos and the usual oily fingerprints but none the less a great original manual that was well worth the $20. Hope this helps.

MF 135 Upgrade update

Frankmn

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Phil Tibbetts

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DavidP, South Wales

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Frankmn

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2 Old 2 care

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Frankmn

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Farmer7

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