Are Massey Ferguson 35 good tractors ?

I might have a chance to buy a mf 35 tractor.i was just wondering how good are they and if there is any issues on blocks cracking or any thing else on them
 
My TO35 is a 1957 model still runs good, but has had proper service and care.

The newer models have more power, power steering is nice, diesel tractors use much less
fuel.

Would be nice if you could have a mechanic spent an hour with it and check all systems,
is cost might be the best money you ever spent on the old tractor.

All depends on how it was serviced and cared for and what job it was used on.
 
They are very well liked amongst most owners. The are quite versatile and certainly useful. Definitely built to last and there are still plenty of parts available both in the used and new aftermarket categories. There are a few things to look for, is it gas or diesel? Dual clutch? Running, restored, fixer upper. What is your level of mechanical ability? Are you ok with fixing things yourself or do you want something turn key?
 
the z-120, z-129 and z-134 continental engines all had problems with blocks cracking between the cylinders.. it was not an epidemic but it is something to be aware of.

I have owned in my lifetime seven ferguson's with continental engines and two (z-120 and z-134) had cracked blocks. other than that they are truly one of the great tractors of all time.
 
I currently own a MF35 that I bought from a fellow that had abandoned it in a field. It had a broken camshaft. I rebuilt it 10 yrs ago and use it to this day. The only
think i dislike is it is very hard to steer. other than that I can highly recommend. It has lots of power and lift is so strong that it will lift the front of tractor if
weight is too much.
 
that's what worries me is if they had problems with blocks cracking.was there a certain year that they was bad about it.
 
The ones with the 4 cylinder Continental gas engines are the ones most likely to crack, but they are still pretty good engines. The ones with the Perkins 3 cylinder gas, or diesel are good as they both share some of the same parts. As stated by others the Perkins 3 cylinder diesel is the most desirable.
 
Hi Bob,
There are a number of reasons why the steering may be heavy. Have you checked the condition of the king-pin thrust bearings? Is there a gap of more than 1/8" under either of the top steering arms? If so the thrust bearings may be worn or dry of grease. Are the kingpins free? Can you work grease through? Have you checked the condition of the axle pivot pin and bush? Wear here will affect the geometry of the axle and cause heavy steering. Is the axle at its narrowest setting? Opening to one hole out will help. Have you checked your tyre pressures. If you do not have a loader about 25-30psi should be OK. Are the tyres worn and have a large footprint. This will cause heavy steering. Lastly is the bearing at the top of the steering column adjusted correctly? If this is tight or grinding this will add to the problem.
Please let us know.
DavidP, South Wales
 
For my money, the 35 with the 3 cyl perkins diesel is the best value for money EVER in its power range. For all the reasons the others have mentioned. Functioning 3-pt hitch with position control, live PTO, fuel efficient, dead nuts simple to repair. And parts availability at very reasonable prices.

Parts for a Perkins rebuild are probably half the cost of other similar sized engines (or were, when I did the last one 20 years ago!).

Later models become increasingly complex . . .

I had 4 in my sod-growing operation.

Had hard steering on 3 of them. One was caused by the front-end loader, disappeared when removed. David's trouble-shooting tips cured the second, and the third occurred when we experimented with 12 inch wide flotation tires. Back to standards, and no further issues.
 
Thanks David, I will check all the points you brought up next month when I bring her into the shop. She is stuck in gear and I have to remove steering column to access. Right now my shop spot is taken by a Ford 841 undergoing rebuild.
 
I own a MASSEY FERGUSON 35 x 3 cylinder Perkins......40+ HP. Pulling a three bottom plough (3 X 14's ) in four year old hay land in 3 gear low range (at standard PTO RPM)it will not use 1 GALLON /hr.! My neighbour's have various styles of the Ferguson 35..........my money is all on the 3 cylinder Perkins Diesel.
A great machine IF you like Diesels.
 
kevin,
you have mentioned it twice, blocks cracking on MF35,

my advice to you: not to buy it, invariably, as you are very concerned about the blocks cracking, the one you would buy, would be cracked.

I would be more concerned about how much hyd/trans oil is running out of the weep hole under the belly of the tractor.

my old Ferguson TO35, I can not fill it over 1/2 way on the dip stick or it will run out.
seals can be replaced, but some of the older models the housings wear and they cannot be fixed.

remember these old tractor are around 50+ years old, my 1957 TO35 is 58 years old and purrs like a kitten, will idle at 375 rpm's and pull 3-12" plows.

Questions:
how often was the coolant changed, hyd trans fluid changed, air filter oil changed, most folks would change the motor oil once a year, but the other items come into play as the tractor gets more years of service and also how hard it was used.

My dad bought this TO35 used (it was Beige color when new) in 1960, I still use it and it runs fine. Others may not have gotten as good of service with theirs, but this one has been well looked after.
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