Questions on MF135 I'm Looking to Buy

nrowles

Member
Looked at a 135 with a MF232 loader this evening that will be going at estate auction Saturday. The son knows the tractor a little bit but not the specifics.

It is gas but I couldn't tell what engine. It had markings all over it but no name or size. How do I tell what engine it is? Also is there an advantage or disadvantage with gas engine?

At the base of the steering column there was a unit with lines going into it. I'm assuming this is the power assist?

It had a bit of oil on the pan and the lights don't work but other than that it is very straight and clean. Tires are good but the wheels are a little rusty around the valve stem so I'm thinking they have calcium. Had a concrete barrel on back because all it was used for was plowing snow for many years. Gear drive.

Any idea of value based on this info?
 
In the midwest, I would say 2,700 - 4,000 IF brakes,
pto, engine and clutch and 3 pt are all good.

Be sure to check all fluids, and for exhaust smoke.
Gas tractors are generally less desirable than a
diesel, they burn a little more fuel and often don't
hold up quite as long as a diesel. One good point of
a gasser is usually they start easier than a diesel in
the winter. Just my $.02 worth, good luck! Let us
know?
 
(quoted from post at 16:23:27 06/16/16) In the midwest, I would say 2,700 - 4,000 IF brakes,
pto, engine and clutch and 3 pt are all good.

Be sure to check all fluids, and for exhaust smoke.
Gas tractors are generally less desirable than a
diesel, they burn a little more fuel and often don't
hold up quite as long as a diesel. One good point of
a gasser is usually they start easier than a diesel in
the winter. Just my $.02 worth, good luck! Let us
know?

That's quite bit less than I expected especially with it having a loader. Also I forgot to put in original post it has 1544 hours. I was going to give up to $5000 before I saw the oil on pan and lights don't work. After seeing that I backed down to $4500 but that still sounds high????
 
Can't help on the value but the FIRST thing I would check would be the bolster or front axle support. Loaders on that tractor can ruin one pretty quick. Look for welds at the pin and how much slop exists when turning the steering wheel. They are not cheap to replace.
 
If the engine is a four cylinder it's a Continental. If it's a three cylinder it's a Perkins. I'm trying to get a 135 diesel, no power steering but with the twelve speed MP transmission. Owner is not sure he wants to part with it yet..
 
(quoted from post at 17:17:58 06/16/16) Can't help on the value but the FIRST thing I would check would be the bolster or front axle support. Loaders on that tractor can ruin one pretty quick. Look for welds at the pin and how much slop exists when turning the steering wheel. They are not cheap to replace.

I'm somewhat of a newbie here so bear with me. Is the process of checking the condition of front axle looking for welds at pin and steering wheel slop? Or is that in addition to whatever I need to do to check bolster and axle support?

Also it is a swept axle. not straight.

Maybe I should consider a heavier tractor if I want to use the loader regularly. There is a 150 with loader near me also but they won't go less than $4500 and it is rough.
 

Ok that's straight forward. It looks like there were 2 different continental gas engines though. A 2.2 and 2.4.
 
Take a good flashlight and check the top and bottom where the pin fits to the bolster. Look carefully for any cracks or welds. To check the wear of the axle it helps to turn the steering wheel slowly both ways and look for any slop or movement of the entire axle while moving or in place(engine running). Also while turning look for slop at each tie rod end which causes shimmy at road speed(aka death wobble). I would not run away from some wear but would want to be aware of how much. If the price is right then it may still be a good deal. ANY loader tractor can have this problem, not just the 135.
 
I wouldn't think that is out of line for a good tractor
and loader, if everything mentioned checks out ok.
Might check for pin wear on the loader also, and the
condition of the hoses. Most of these old tractors
drip some oil, in my experience. Always a good idea
to get a feel for whether the drive clutch slips at all
also. On re-sale, people love fresh paint, new
decals, seat and working gauges.
 
it is a Perkins gas.

Everything checked out except the oil on pan. Looks like it's coming from front crank seal. Can't tell how bad. I have a couple hours to research that issue. Any input?

The owner was a mechanic and has a lot of nice things so you would think he would have taken care of it.

They have a reserve of 4500 with expectations of 5-7000. Other than the oil it is very straight and clean with good rubber.

5 isn't bad but 7 is too much. We will see. I will report back with what it goes for and if I get it.

Also me has 2 MF 30 in the auction.
 
Went for $5200. Dont know how far he would have gone. Felt like I should have been bidding though. Was nervous about oil leak. Guy that bought it also bought the real estate.
 
It could have been a cheap fix, or a expensive fix. Surprised it made the reserve, much less $5200. There is better deals out there (just have be patient, I've been there).
 
(quoted from post at 15:25:17 06/18/16) It could have been a cheap fix, or a expensive fix. Surprised it made the reserve, much less $5200. There is better deals out there (just have be patient, I've been there).

Really I want a 150 by preference though. Im not sure where to find these deals at. Dealers are high. Craigslist is high. Auctions are high. Oh well. Thanks for the advise.
 
I'll have my 1965 MF 2135 industrial gas tractor up for sale when I get my 1967 MF 135 diesel finished (changing the cab for it some). I'd rather have a MF 150 also, but they are hard to come by, and they don't go cheap. Last one that came up for sale here (diesel) went for $5500 and it needed some work.
 

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