1971 MF135 FEL, What Fits, Where to Buy?

[logixjock]

I have an old state mowing tractor with the mid-mount sickle bar. I am planning on removing the sickle and installing a front end loader. The only quote I have so far is for a Westendorf for just under 7 thousand dollars. This seems a little high, although to be fair, I really don't have a good frame of reference for FEL prices.

What brands do you guys like? or better yet, what models within those brands? I'm generally pretty good at researching my purchases but I'm not really having much luck here.

I've read a lot about the inherent weakness of the 135 front axle, but I've spent a fair bit of time searching for a 40(ish) HP tractor with a FEL already installed, and they are just nonexistent in my area right now and I'm at the point where I really need a loader.

I'd be really grateful for some other options to the Westendorf.

 

[jeff9366]

FEL SUPPLIERS:

Front-End Loader - Compact Tractor Aftermarket Loader Suppliers

Often we see threads like this: Considering Kubota M4800 - where to get a loader? I'm considering an in-family purchase of a 2005 Kubota M4800 but I'm completely new to tractors. Any ideas on where I could get a loader for it? Thanks. Let us compile a comprehensive list of aftermarket...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[jeff9366]

2-WD tractors are poor at Loader work.

 

[fried1765]

I have an old state mowing tractor with the mid-mount sickle bar. I am planning on removing the sickle and installing a front end loader. The only quote I have so far is for a Westendorf for just under 7 thousand dollars. This seems a little high, although to be fair, I really don't have a good frame of reference for FEL prices.

What brands do you guys like? or better yet, what models within those brands? I'm generally pretty good at researching my purchases but I'm not really having much luck here.

I've read a lot about the inherent weakness of the 135 front axle, but I've spent a fair bit of time searching for a 40(ish) HP tractor with a FEL already installed, and they are just nonexistent in my area right now and I'm at the point where I really need a loader.

I'd be really grateful for some other options to the Westendorf.

You have a BAD idea!
The only cost effective way to own an old used loader tractor, is to buy one with the loader already installed.
The Massey 135's are nice old tractors....for pulling things,.....but.....
Spending $7K to buy the parts and pieces to hang a loader on a 50 yr. old MF 135 tractor makes absolutely zero economic, or practical sense!
You either need to be more patient, and find a different used tractor with loader, or bite the bullet, and start making payments on a new tractor with loader!

 

[GeorgiaRebel]

About 15 years ago I had the opportunity to by a MF FEL from a guy who had it on his 135. When I asked him why he was selling it, he showed me his tractor. The front end was bent pretty badly. Needless to say, I passed as I didn't want my 135 to look like his.

Alan

 

[logixjock]

A New Holland TC29 with a factory loader has come up this morning about 100 miles away. It's a little smaller than I'd like, but is available now, and not much more expensive than the Westendorf loader I was looking at for my MF135. I'm going to go look at it after lunch today.

 

[puzlrock]

I have had a Massey Fergusson 165 with a Ford loader on it for 20 years. 2WD, it works great for most jobs on the farm. Still get parts at a Massey Dealer. Has the Perkins Diesel AD4-203 engine. I just chain it up in the winter and I have an old Brewster Rotary snow blower that I pull behind for removing deep snow. I am real happy with it. For logging I have a real heavy pipe arch on my post hole digger. I just use a short chain on it and i am able to skid 2' diameter logs easily to the landing, bigger ones I have to use my dozer.

 

[logixjock]

Well, I ended up buying the little TC29 yesterday, got it delivered today. Thanks for the information fellas, it pushed me to go ahead and spend the money on another tractor. I guess you can't have too many.....

 

[GeorgiaRebel]

There is no such thing as too many tractors. Good luck with your new FEL

Alan

 

[fried1765]

Well, I ended up buying the little TC29 yesterday, got it delivered today. Thanks for the information fellas, it pushed me to go ahead and spend the money on another tractor. I guess you can't have too many.....

You will like your TC29D.
I have it's older brother, the Ford 1920.
It is small but handy.
You can remain on the lookout for something with a loader, that is larger.