MF135, NEED HELP, POSSIBLE GOOD BUY??

I spent a few months looking for a 135; found 3 cyl. Perkins gas with MF232 loader and PS for 7900 (Can$). During my search I found out a few things that might be useful. 1) Don't buy a 4 cylinder diesel, only the 3 cyl. The four's were notoriously bad starters and MF was pretty quick to phase them out. 2) If there is ever any possibility of getting a front end loader for your machine get power steering. (I know there's some discussion about this on other threads, but you really do want PS with a loader. For most every other use you could get by with manual steering IMHO). I looked at a couple of great 3 cylinder deisel tractors with fine loaders, but neither had power steering. The best of these was asking 7500 ($Can). I almost bought it, but after exchanging a few emails with Big Dean, decided against the non-power steering machine. (2000 to 3000 US$ to retro-fit PS) 2 and 1/2 months later the same tractor is still for sale at $6500 ($Can).

3) I bought gas because I wasn't patient enough to wait for 3 cyl. deisel, but also because I don't use the tractor enough hours to be overly worried about the increased fuel costs. If I were using the tractor 6 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week, I would have waited for a diesel. Also, I believe the gas engine will be easier to work in the winter.

I saw an immaculate early 70's 135 for sale last week. No power but darn near mint/show quality. Square fenders, 3 cyl diesel, all the lights and extras, dual turf tires. 8000 ($Can).

As for the year, (Jack's right about that too) compare the serial # of the tractor with those in the 135 section of the tractor registry and serial # sections of this website. You can definately pinpoint time of manufacture to within 4 months or so.

I suggest you check on Big Dean's website for things to look for when buying such a tractor. (He has a section for just that.) I found his advice very useful.

Good luck! (And I know it's easy for me to say, but be patient too.)

They are an exceptional tractor. Powerful, reliable, comfortable, one of the most fuel efficient on the market, easy and economical to repair (with aftermarket parts, which are plentiful). The Perkins is probably the cheapest engine on the market to overhaul.

About 40 hp. If you have a serial number, there is a reference here to tell you the year.

While the price may be $500 high for my taste, if you consider that it will still be running another 30 or 40 years from now, (when we probably won't have any more fuel!), it's a good investment.

And there's lots of helpful advice here to get you over any rough spots.

Good luck!