daro said:
I have just heard about a 1970 MF 37hp perkins. I do not know the model # but know it is a one owner with 2486hs. and was barn kept when in storage. I hope to see it soon. Any idea as to the value? Asking 5K
Thanks for the time and knowledge?
Daro
It's PROBABLY a 135. In their era, (1965-1975) they were the best selling tractor worldwide. (Production ran past 1975 everywhere EXCEPT US) (They were built in the U.S. [Detroit], The Banner LAne plant in England, also France, and Turkey) Also, it COULD be a 150. They had the same powertrain as the 135 with a heavier front axle, better power steering, bigger fuel tank, and all the options of a 135 as standard equipment. They were a "row crop" version of the 135 for the most part. They were also available as a "high arch" tractor. (38" rear wheels, much more ground clearance) My PERSONAL OPINION is, the 150 was the best utility tractor EVER built.
Easiest way to tell the difference for the "untrained eye" would be the US market 135's had radius rods running from the "swept back" front axle to just under the steering column. The 150 had a "straight axle" and no radius rods.
There's also ANOTHER possibility. It COULD be an industrial tractor. (2135, MF 20 ect) The "AG" tractors had a "medallion" on the side of the hood with model designation. (i.e. 135, 150, ect) The industrials (with the EXCEPTION of the 2135) had the model designation PAINTED on the hood.
GOOD 135's are selling upwards of $5000 nowdays. Decent 150's are selling over $6500.
That "little" PErkins AD152-3 is one of the most efficient engines ever built. It went into production in the mid 50's, and STILL is used today in an updated form. (Sort of the small block Chevy of the tractor world) In addition to great reliability, outstanding fuel efficiency, and great performance, it's without question the cheapest engine to rebuild on this or any other planet. A complete rebuild "kit" will set you back just over $400. Better yet, they'll go 5000 hours and up before they need any attention other than routine maint. (A neighbor has a 135 with 11,000 hours on the original engine. Yeah, it smokes a bit. But that's more than double the life expectancy of most diesels)
37 HP was a VERY conservative estimate of HP. Mine dynoed at 42 when serviced during pre-delivery. I turned up the injector pump a few years later to its present 47 PTO HP level.
Here's my 150! It's a 1971 Perkins diesel, 3025 hrs. It was the first new tractor I owned. I wouldn't take $10,000 for this one!
