Now that I bought my 135, I'm a little more aware of MF's. The neighbor to my farm in WV has a 165 that's been sitting for at least 5 years. There is no radiator in it, don't know what else may be missing. Other than the rad, it looks complete. I'm heading up tomorrow for 4 days of hunting. Is there anything I should look for? One trans that's better than another, engine options? He hauls scrap for a living, and has piles all over the place because the price is down on scrap. I'm going to try and get the low down on it and see if he'll let it go. Thanks, Joe.
- Thread starter JoeMartin
- Start date
ptfarmer
Well-known Member
- Location
- San Antonio, Tx
The transmissions are pretty much the same, if your 135 has the Perkins AD3.152 diesel, and if the 165 is a diesel it's just a 3.152 with a extra cylinder. One thing to really check is the oil in the planetary's on the rear axles, if there is any water, and or rusty looking gear oil in the planetary's those can be expensive to fix. If it has a multi-power transmission all you can do make sure the linkage moves, and is not disconnected, and check the weep holes underneath. Other than the planetary's on the rear axle look at it like you would any other tractor.
I have a 165D and have had a 135D also for
many years. My humble opinion is the 165 is
much better than a 135, at least for me, as
I cut and bale hay, and mow around farmstead
with 6ft rotary mower in some hilly areas in
MD. The 135 is real good, but drive a 165
and likely you won't go back if you can use
a bit more hp, weight and stability. I have
a 265 also in great condition, but I use the
165D more often. IMHO, the best 165s are
diesel, the 4x2 tranny, have the square rear
axle that is more heavy duty than round.
Seems most all the 100 series MF leak some
oil, it's ok for few drops to fall from the
2 cotter pins in underbelly for few seconds
after running but should not be steady drip.
Check all the usual tractor mechanicals out.
Dont forget rear tires are really expensive,
so check them too. The 3pt should hold up
vertical for several minutes to couple hrs
after shut down. All these old MFs were
designed to slowly drop 3pt after shutdown.
Good luck. Finn
many years. My humble opinion is the 165 is
much better than a 135, at least for me, as
I cut and bale hay, and mow around farmstead
with 6ft rotary mower in some hilly areas in
MD. The 135 is real good, but drive a 165
and likely you won't go back if you can use
a bit more hp, weight and stability. I have
a 265 also in great condition, but I use the
165D more often. IMHO, the best 165s are
diesel, the 4x2 tranny, have the square rear
axle that is more heavy duty than round.
Seems most all the 100 series MF leak some
oil, it's ok for few drops to fall from the
2 cotter pins in underbelly for few seconds
after running but should not be steady drip.
Check all the usual tractor mechanicals out.
Dont forget rear tires are really expensive,
so check them too. The 3pt should hold up
vertical for several minutes to couple hrs
after shut down. All these old MFs were
designed to slowly drop 3pt after shutdown.
Good luck. Finn
Thanks guys. I got to talk to my neighbor. Talked to him at dark as we were leaving so I didn't get a chance to climb on it. He said he ran a stick through the rad while skidding logs. It's a gas engine with 2000 hours. Didn't know if it was a Perkins or Cont. He said it needs a clutch, works but hangs up? He used it for years to bale hay in the summer and skid firewood for his own use. Just baled a few acres for his dads 8 or 10 head of cattle. I doubt that he took care of it, he's not much of a go getter or hard worker. Does just enough to get by. He said he would take $1500 for it. I paid $1000 for my 135 running, and a MF 40 wiith a FEL just sold at auction, running, for $1500. From about 30 yards the tires look good and they have held air for several years as it's been sitting. It does have ROP with a canopy, so I could mow in the shade. I think I'll offer $800 cash, and if I get it pull the engine and do a total rebuild so I'll have a good runner. I've got the 135 to use till it's done. Thanks again, Joe.
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