New 1974 Massey Ferguson 150

[dieselman1967]

Hi, you'll find this is one of the all-time top tractor model groups - capable, extremely user-friendly and with basic maintenance reliable to the point of being almost unkillable. :thumbsup: You're even more fortunate - it is a diesel, and has a bucket.

You're in the same enviable position as we are - custodian of a machine that was for decades relied upon, valued and cared for by previous generations of your own family. Look after it (better than I currently do ours), use and enjoy it as well as encouraging your children to as well, and preserve it with them involved so it stays in the family.

My father bought our diesel 135 new when I was a boy, we now have it and all drive it doing various jobs here. I recall after it was parked in the shed for over 9 years, I pumped up two tyres, fitted a battery, checked oil and water. Then I turned the key - it cranked over for 2-3 seconds and started up like it had been working the previous day. I was quite amazed, also that instantly took me 30 years down memory lane! I could drive onto the tilt-tray I borrowed to bring it 400 miles to where we now live.
That was about 10 years ago. Now not only our son but also both our daughters are extremely familiar with it, and capable drivers as well. :laughing: We'll have it here forever! :drink:

Awesome story! There is a sense of pride that goes along with getting a tractor passed down to you from your family. This is one is next in line to be restored; right after my JD Model A

 

[dieselman1967]

The hyd's can seem a little confusing. There's several different setups that were used on these tractors. Usually you lock one of the levers back(or forward) and use the side 3 pt. controls. My 135 has 2 levers in front of the seat. The inner one locks back to use the 3 pt. If I put it in the middle position, I then lock the outside one back and the valves for the loader work or I can use the that lever to run a remote cylinder. You can't use them at the same time.

Yea I'm not too crazy about how they are set up. Especially with the controls being on top of the trans, the hoses are right in the way of where you put your right foot. The only way to hit the brakes is to use your heel. I'd like to relocate the controls to either the fender, or ideally the loader post (if its even possible).

 

[PatrickS2222]

Awesome story! There is a sense of pride that goes along with getting a tractor passed down to you from your family. This is one is next in line to be restored; right after my JD Model A

Hi Dieselman, Great to hear you liked reading that. You can see pics of it in action in my thread about building another dam. No exaggerating, tears were trickling down my face when I started that engine. :laughing: Remembering my late father and how much time we spent together farming, looking after stud Friesian cattle and the generally relaxed lifestyle, working in fresh air and quiet rural surroundings, that was country living. We'll never forget that.

You're fortunate to have a Model A - I reckon you'll look after that one well too!

Regarding your MF150, you will find the cylinders are really easy to overhaul - I did both pairs on my loader soon after I bought it. A straightforward job, honed the cylinders a bit with an engine cylinder flexi-hone and builder's speed-bore extension rod to smooth scratches, polished rods a little with fine emery strip oiled; bought new seals from seal specialist and back together.
Check the hose ends - you may well find they are re-usable, in which case you need only buy a length of replacement hydraulic hose. :thumbsup: Most of mine are - at least the remaining original hoses have re-usable ends. I burst one hose, 18" of hose and a half-hour's work later I had a good-as-new hose, cost = $11.80 and back in business! Don't ever throw them out - they're original equipment, also, you then only need to keep a few feet of spare hose. New re-usable ends are also available from good specialist suppliers.
Axle seals are really easy to change, presuming it doesn't have hub reduction. If it does, they're still easy, just heavier components! :laughing: What type of brakes does it have?
I nearly forgot to mention we also have my Dad's MF35 diesel (his first tractor) as well. The same friend picked up a small truck from near our farm, so he took a car trailer and brought the 35 up here for me. It's severely weathered, hasn't run for 29 years, but will again - they'll both be restored whe I get some time. The loader will also get some much-needed refurbishment.