Front End Loader

[Bill and Alisa Barrick]

We recently bought a MF135 with the intentions of adding a front end loader. After our purchase we were told these tractors couldn't handle it.Then on another thread we were told the opposite. Can anyone explain what this tractor can handle? It is 38 hp. We certainly don't want to overload but it sure would be nice to be able to move a little dirt around, etc.
Thanks for any input.

Alisa
Farmer Bill's
Cooper, TX

[JerryG]

We recently bought a MF135 with the intentions of adding a front end loader. After our purchase we were told these tractors couldn't handle it.Then on another thread we were told the opposite. Can anyone explain what this tractor can handle? It is 38 hp. We certainly don't want to overload but it sure would be nice to be able to move a little dirt around, etc.
Thanks for any input.

Alisa
Farmer Bill's
Cooper, TX

They are not designed for industrial use, but there are 10s of thousands of MF135s with loaders. As long as you don't get carried away and try to use it as a bull dozer, you will be fine.

[Farmwithjunk]

We recently bought a MF135 with the intentions of adding a front end loader. After our purchase we were told these tractors couldn't handle it.Then on another thread we were told the opposite. Can anyone explain what this tractor can handle? It is 38 hp. We certainly don't want to overload but it sure would be nice to be able to move a little dirt around, etc.
Thanks for any input.

Alisa
Farmer Bill's
Cooper, TX

Jerry told you pretty much "how it is". There are limiting factors on just how much a loader can do on a 135. One is the front axle. It's not designed for HEAVY loader work. Wheel bearings are too light. Hubs are light, so is the axle's center pivot. The axle itself has been known to sag under constant heavy loader use. Without power steering, a loader can make a tractor mighty hard to steer. Loaders will wear on power steering parts finally. During the same years MF built 135's they also built the model 150. (I've got one!) It was in essence, the same tractor with a MUCH stouter front end under it. They hold up to loaders much better.

Main hydraulic pump; The pump in the 135 is 4.6 GPM (in NEW condition) It carries sufficient psi for a loader, just relatively low FLOW. Makes for a slow cycling loader compared to many newer tractor/loader combo's. A front (to crankshaft) or rear (pto) pump are options to increase flow rate. You'll find a LOT of aftermarket loaders w/ auxilary pumps on 135's. Most all the Massey "industrial loaders" of the day carried front auxilary pumps.

I've seen people using smaller Masseys and Fords to carry 1000lb round bales with a front loader, carrying "low and slow", being carefull, and getting a lifetime of service from them. And I've seen people trash a 135 with a loader in a day. Like Jerry said, don't use it for a bulldozer and you'll do fine. A tractor that's been out of production for almost 35 years and is STILL as popular as the 135 Massey Ferguson can't be too bad!