This is awesome advice, I've already had the old Massey on three wheels and I don't want anymore excitement than that. It is the 4cyl Continental gasser and I've done nothing but full synthetic oil and filter change and re-connected the alternator, starts right up.Sure, I've been right where you are. A little land, needs a cabin, mechanical ability and not much money.
What i bet you will find is how handy it is to have one tractor to do chores and another for
heavy work. I'm thinkiing you are already more than half way there...
I have two buddies who had Massey Ferguson 135s that lasted just about forever. Thousands and thousands or hours with no repairs at all. Both were gassers with the Continental industrial engine. A more reliable tractor would be hard to imagine and near impossible to build. You already have the Davis Loader which is a good one. But original power steering was optional on the MF, not very popular, and not all that good anyway.
What you could do is buy a modern new power steering add-on kit specifically for your Massey 135. Amazingly, they still sell them Do a Google search. Several vintage tractor parts places have them and even Amazon sells a complete nice-looking kit complete wit hoses and controls for the MF135 for $800. Hard to go wrong for twice the money.
I guess you probably know that 3pt backhoes are death traps on any tractor big enough to have automatic draft control - which includes the Massey 135. That's why you don't see them much or at all for sale new anymore.
But you are all grown up and I can't preach.... I used one myself for years - though never on a sort of lightweight 3pt like was standard on the 135. Mine only nearly got me once. I bailed out sideways just as the BH control panel punched me in the stomach on it's way to tearing up the seat.
As far as 3pt hoes go, I wouldn't. But there is no problem with a backhoe mounted on a subframe if they make a subframe to fit the 135 that would be safe and handy. Also, if you find one be sure to get it with a PTO-drive pump & reservoir. The MF's feeble 4.5 GPM hydraulic pump won't run a backhoe.
And always turn
If I were doing what you are, and the MF is in decent shape I would put a power steering kit on it and call it your 3pt and loader chore tractor. Done.
Then spend some time looking around for a good old yellow pre-2000 industiral backhoe/loader. A JD310 or Case 580 would be my choice. Ask around at the maintenance dept of your local school, church, town, or utility dept.
Maintenance departments often replace on a time/depreciation schedule and some are required to offer to the public.
Those industrial backhoes run forever, are infinitely fixable, and some are even well-maintained. Parts are cheap and anyone can fix them. 10 to 20 K would buy a very nice one - but expect to spend another 2500 for new tires and batteries.
My buddy spend 12K for his 1996 2wd 310 with a 4 speed and reverser, I spent 30K for mine with cab, AC, 4wd, and powershift. Used as we do, they probably won't ever wear out.
Luck,
rScotty
It's got loaded rear tires and I keep the 700lb 6ft land plane or 4ft box blade on the back so I cant wheelie it.
I've heard enough from your one experience to never consider a 3-point backhoe, the MF is unsafe enough without ROPS or any safety features at all.
Sounds like I'll be installing a power steering kit and looking out for a pre-2000 industrial backhoe and loader. If a steal of a deal comes by for an excavator not over 5ft wide, I'd have to think about that as well.