MF 135 UK or 240?

So I have located a nice condition UK built 135 (circa 1974) with power steering and the good old perkins diesel. I also know of a UK built 240 with power steering and diesel. The 240 is in mind an updated 135 and is a bit heavier with larger tires however is there really anything that makes one better than the other for a bit of hobby farming (mowing, light ploughing, etc) ?

The 135 is some what cheaper, has a few more hours on it however parts for a 135 are very common. The 240 is not as common, has a few less hours, and is a bit heavier built in my opinion. The 240 has fresh paint and is a very nice looker. Both tractors appear to be very well maintained examples and tire condition is comparable.

Condition of anything this old comes down to proper care and use so the slight age difference or styling is not a determining factor for me but just wondering if I am over looking some glaring factor. Thanks.

Hi,
What hours have the tractors done? You have mentioned that they are pretty much the same in terms of condition but that the 240 has been repainted so presumably the 135 is still in its original overcoat. The paintwork on the 200 Series in the UK had a strong tendency to fade very noticably. Is this fresh paint to hide this?
If the 135 is original then you can see what you are getting. In terms of spec there are few differences. In the UK, '74 135 would have had a straight front axle but I believe they carried on with the swept axle for export to the States. If this one has a swept axle look closely at the axle pivot bush. Excess wear can be seen and will put the steering geometry out of line. Does the 135 have UK or American flat-top or clam-shell fenders? On both tractors check for play between the drop arms out of the steering box. Wear here will cause the tractor to wander and shimmy. Check the inside of the brake drum backplates for any sign of oil which would suggest a failed seal and possibly contaminated shoes.Check all of the controls for wear and play. Test the 3-pt if you can and take it on the road and listen for any strange noises. My money would be on the 135. There will be things that will require attention, hopefully small so you'll have some money to spend on it.
DavidP, South Wales

Doesn't the 240 share most parts with a late 135 diesel?

A late 135 would be a nice "classic" tractor, there is a very low hour one, mint condition locally (not for sale)

Shift pattern is different on 135 versus a 240, or at least any 8-speed 135 I've compared our 240 to.

(quoted from post at 22:52:05 02/22/11) Doesn't the 240 share most parts with a late 135 diesel?

A late 135 would be a nice "classic" tractor, there is a very low hour one, mint condition locally (not for sale)

Shift pattern is different on 135 versus a 240, or at least any 8-speed 135 I've compared our 240 to.

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The lower price and collectability of the 135 attract me as not much tax to pay and I can always move it on again if I find a really good deal on a 60+ HP model, if I still want to go that route. I'm always conflicted between the small and handy 135 and larger more capable models. This would be considerably less than half of what the dealer wanted for the Case/IH 585 I looked at last week.

David, it has the swept back axle and clamshell fenders.

You will find a 135 to be a lot more nimble than a 585....especially with the swept back axle...

495man, the British built 135 is a 6 speed,the 240 is 8 speed, I
never saw a British built 135 with a swept- back axle and original
power steering.
Sam

Hi,
I stand corrected for my omission about the 240 being an 8-speed.
DavidP

Hour meter is broken. (Why don't people repair these?) Tractor was used by a fellow to haul out his personal firewood and a few loads of Christmas trees each year however it does not show the signs of abuse that a woods tractor is often subjected too. This creates a big unknown however it seems well cared for and is a price consideration. Good oil pressure and no blue smoke on start up or once warm. My uncle always says that hours mean nothing and maintenace means everything. I agree, but only up to a point.

One of the metal power steering lines has chaffed and several years ago they spliced in a repair that weeps. That line would need to be replaced.

Front tires are quite worn and will need replacing soon. Rears are at about 60% and they believe them to be original. Steering and front bearings seem good however one tie rod may need replacement after further use. Tractor was used with ring chains which are included.

Mesh in grill is damaged some however headlight housings, radiator, etc are fine. Lights work. New starter and alternator last year. New battery however it is not a proper diesel tractor battery and should be upgraded.

Tractor needs an overall freshening. New 135 emblems on bonnet as a start, clean it up some, get the tractormeter operational, replace front tires and power steering line.

All fluids and filters replaced last year with proper oils from dealer. 3 point and pto work and are smooth. Tractor was kept in a shed most of its life.

The biggest concern I have is with the unknown hours. I'm considering making an offer, which if accepted will allow room for some unknown repairs. Otherwise I'll keep looking as there are lots out there.

Thanks to both yourself and 495 for your help. If I end up with it, I will let you know.

Hello,
Most of the items you mention are normal faults that you'll find with an older tractor. The broken hourmeter is a little disconcerting. However there are a number of items that you can check to get a better idea of the amount of work its done. First of all do you know whether it is the clock or the cable that is broken? If the tractor has been standing then it is possible for the clock to seize.
If it has a straight drawbar check for elongation in the holes. Check the lift arm ball ends and lift rod pins and knuckles. What condition is the seat in? Is there a lot of wear on the gearlever knobs? Check the clutch and brake pedals for tread wear. Check ball joints and for any gap under the upper steering arms on the kingpins. Shake the front wheel for bearing play and push and pull the front wheels at the 3 and 9 o'clock position. Any significant wear here may be in the drop arms of the steering box. Check the front axle pivot bush and pin.
If the amount of wear in the above items is low then the tractor would appear to be genuine.

DavidP

The UK 135 (round head lights square insets in grill) near me is an 8 speed, the guy who owns it was looking over our 240 and commented 3rd and 4th were in different places on the two tractors.

(quoted from post at 09:31:45 02/23/11) Hour meter is broken. (Why don't people repair these?) T
Thanks to both yourself and 495 for your help. If I end up with it, I will let you know.

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As long as you are happy with what you buy, that is what counts.

I would not trust an hour meter ever if it did work, I've seen very low houred tachs that didn't match the tractor condition at all, either broken or disconnected or replaced.

Broken hour meter only means the meter did at least that many hours , assuming on that tractor....

[I would not have any problems buying a high houred MF 135.
I bought one with 13,000 hours and it still was capable of a full days work. If well maintained they are very reliable, and parts are easy to source and reasonably cheap. Do the checks that others have mentioned and then adjust the price to cover repairs. But remember they are expensive for a tractor of that age when in very good condition.