Looking to buy old 3 to 4K

BobReeves · Sep 17, 2005

Tired of having to beg to use the neighbors MF 135 so am looking through the local bargin post.

From what I can see I have several choices in the price range, Ford 600, MF 35 and MF 135. There is a MF 35 diesel real close for 3 K but haven went to look at it yet. Having used a MF 135 for the last year I have a little something to compair the Ford and MF 35 to.

What's the general opinion of the MF 35 vers the 135 and what about the Ford?

Thanks
Bob

Soundguy · Sep 18, 2005

If the ford is a 660.. Id go for it or the mf135.. that way you can have live pto. MF135 is arguably a better tractor than the 660.. so look at price and condition as a determining factor.

Soundguy

BobReeves · Sep 18, 2005

Thanks, exactly the type of info I was looking for. Wasn't aware the MF 35 didn't have live PTO, saved me a couple of phone calls and a little gas.

geneP · Sep 18, 2005

I agree that the 135 is the later model, but don't let a phone call make you miss a good tractor. I was thinking that the two stage clutch was available on the 35, maybe the deluxe model? Some of the 135s had power steering. If you think you are interested in a tractor, make the calls and ask all the questions before you rule it out.

Farmwithjunk · Sep 18, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Thanks, exactly the type of info I was looking for. Wasn't aware the MF 35 didn't have live PTO, saved me a couple of phone calls and a little gas. )</font>

MF 35 wasn't live power, but MF35 Deluxe was. Just a few subtle differences, and hard to tell just by looking.

Best way to tell is to push the clutch pedal.

Soundguy · Sep 19, 2005

Yep.. also.. as for PS.. it was optional(rare) on the 6xx series... If you find a 660 with ps.. it's a decent machine.. still.. even money and near same condition.. the mf 135 is a better buy. mf 35 deluxe might really make me thing vs a 660.. etc.

Soundguy

Farmwithjunk · Sep 20, 2005

From what I've been told, the 35 Deluxe had live power, power steering, deluxe seat, ground speed PTO, and spin-out rear wheels. Dad had one years ago. Good little tractor.

If I was planning on buying a 135 Massey, I'd look for a 150. Same identical tractor, only with bigger fuel tank, heavier front axle, better loader mounting, and slightly different sheet metal.

For my dime, the 150 was as good as it gets. (Did I tell you I have one?)

Also I like the later model 3000 Ford's. Even better yet was the late model 4000 Ford. Talk about a stump puller!

In the John Deere line, 1530 or 2030's are good tractors, and the xx40, xx50, and xx55 series utilities out-shine their contemporaries. MUCH simpler design. But not cheap. Anyone who has one hangs on to them.

The Fords and Massey's from early '60's 'till late '70's were great all-around tractors, built with the ruggedness of bigger tractors, yet small and light. They had all the important features that a tractor needs, without all the "modern technology" that a farm tool that lives in a barn doesn't need.

Soundguy · Sep 20, 2005

My step father has a JD 2240 that is an absolute brute.

I one day hope to get a ford 5000.. they are what i consider, one of fords best designs. Looking at the rear ends, the basic design casting of the 5000 rear end is mirrored up thru the 7000 series tractors even today.

Soundguy

Farmwithjunk · Sep 20, 2005

My first tractor (when i bought the farm) was a 5000 Ford. ('72 model) I sold it when i bought my 2440 Deere. I like the Deere, but wish I'd kept the 5000 TOO. I couldn't afford 2 tractors that new at the time (Probably still can't /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif) I've had the 2440 since new in '78 with next to no trouble. (Although, I did replace 2 tie-rod ends yesterday /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

I'm a big fan of "simple design". That allows me to do 95% of my own mechanical work. I watch AG PHD (on RFD-TV) all the time. The Hefty Brothers preach what their father taught them, which is to do all the $100 an hour jobs on the farm, and let someone else do the $5 an hour stuff. Being a bit more "low dollar" than them, I do all the $50 an hour jobs myself. (and the $5 an hours stuff too /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) Turning wrenches is one such chore. No need to pay someone else to do what I can do. Tractors from the 60's through the mid eighties allow me that luxery.

Soundguy · Sep 20, 2005

My stepfathers 2240 is a 79 model.. he's had it since new.

Other than a few leaky lines it has had not much work done on it.

A hired hand once hooked up a too-long pto shaft from a tiller to it and damaged the pto bearing carrier cover / independant pto clutch plates. I helped him and a friend split it and replace all the pto components from the tranny counter shaft back to the pto stub... was a 2 day job working casually.

And it actually did have tie rod ends replaced at the beginningof the year.. one was so loose you could wiggle it around and pop it off by hand! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif All better now!

Soundguy