M.F. 135

Going to look at and maybe purchase a 1969 M.F. 135. What should I look for in the way of "problem area's" for this model?
Thanks Guy's!!

First place to look is under the bellhousing and tranny. There should be two weep holes. And there should be ends of cotter pins showing through those holes. (The pins keep dirt from clogging the holes) These weep holes will let oil out of the clutch area. Both the Perkins gas and diesel's had cork gaskets in the rear of the oil pan. They had a tendency to fail. (AGCO/MF offers a retrofit fiber gasket now) If they are leaking, oil will end up in the bell housing. A few drops after a hard days work isn't of much concern. A good bit of engine oil IS cause for concern. In only the rarest of cases is this actually from the rear main seal. 999 times in 1000 it's the pan gaskets.

If you see TRANSMISSION oil coming from either weep hole, run. input seal OR MultiPower seals (if so equipped) Much more work involved.

Check for smooth function of 3-point lift. If possible, put a heavy implement on it.

Check front axle center pivot and also steering spindles ESPECIALLY so if it's ever had a loader mounted. All rebuildable, but take this into account when setting a price.

MOST 135's had live power. Some didn't. The "standard" 135's did. The 135 special had a single stage clutch. This was an economy model to compete with the Ford 2000, where the standard was targeting the 3000. Models with Continental 4-cylinder gas had the Z134 in the special and Z145 in the standard. Perkins models were all the same engines.

If the tractor's in good shape, the biggest concern would be that a lot of people would be interested in it. If everything checks out, don't be hummin' and hawin' too much or you could lose it to someone else. Still a good idea to check it over carefully first though. What engine does it have and how much are they asking? All 135's are good tractors with the Perkins diesel being the best of the best. Dave

Descent shape for a 40 year old tractor(paint faded). 4 cylinder gas engine. Has one leak at the pto.(hoping it's a seal) Stubborn to get started and keep running this morning (34 degrees?). I picked it up for 3k cash.