Looking to replace a MF 135

[challengertn]

I'm looking to retire the 135 and replace it with something newer. It is a 38 hp tractor. I need to handle a 2 bottom plow, 6 1/2 ft. disc, 5 ft. bushhog, and 5 ft. tiller easily. I'll be right up front an say I can't afford what I would like to have so I such items as front wheel assist are out of the budget. I would like enough weight to handle the implements listed and a tractor that the 5 ft. implements will cut out the tracks. So do any of you have any serious suggestions for a replacement? Thanks in advance.

 

[SKOALMAN]

challengertn,
I recently retired from the U S Army, live in East Tennessee and I convinced my Dad that we needed to upgrade our (1964) MF135. We looked at many brands and we both ended up buying New Holland. Our reasons were pretty simple. 1. Good Dealer Nearby 2. We liked the tractor and 3. Was the Horsepower and Size we needed 4. Was in the price range we were looking for.

Dad went for a New Holland TN70DA which is a 2WD CAB tractor. His rear tires are the 16.9 - 30"s which I think really complement the CAB and the Size of the tractor. I bought a TN65 a 2003 model with 148 hrs and still had a year of warranty left. It has the 14.9-28 rear tires and Dad initially gravitatied more to my tractor in that size wise it was much closer to the MF135. The horsepower on both tractors is almost double the MF135 and yet not so overly HUGE in comparison. My Tractor weighs overs 6000 lbs with the FEL and Dad's is even heavier with the Cab. I can use with the TN65, ALL of the MF135 implements with NO PROBLEM and not oversized (Too much Tractor for the implement!) 2 Bottom Plow, 6 Ft Disk, Mowing Machine etc....

He can pick up Round Bales of Hay with Ease and that was the primary task he got his tractor for. Of course the CAB was nice too. Now that he has used the TN70 for a month feeding his cattle, I don't think he will ever look back as far as daily use! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I can do the same with the TN65 just NOT with the style (Freezing!) that he is doing it with the CAB. He actually has to take off his coat when using the Heater as it gets so warm in the CAB. It has been extremely COLD here in East Tennessee so I know the tractor is getting the worst of Tennessee winter. Will like to see what the AC works like this summer.

I have enclosed a picture of the TN65 and believe that the new 2004 model TN60 would serve your purposes in 2WD. Got the 8X8 Synchro Tranny and after the 6X2 Non-Synchronized Tranny on the Massey a Major Improvement along with Power Steering.

Hope that this helps! We Kept the MF135 as it was my Grandpaw's. We are getting it repainted right now! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Give me a couple of weeks and I can give you a Shot of All 3 Tractors together.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Try to give us a ballpark figure on what you can spend as here may be a 4WD tractor that fits the bill. You'll probably have to go at least 30 HP, and I think you'll need 4WD in these CUTs to do what you want to do.
John

 

[challengertn]

I'd like to limit it to 15K if possible.

 

[SKOALMAN]

challengertn,
Are you wanting a Front End Loader???

 

[challengertn]

No.

 

[Soundguy]

Give a ballpark budget amount.. Up front I'll say that you are going to be hard pressed to replace a 38hp antique with a modern tractor.. but yet.. don't want to spend alotta money. 5' implements put you in the 25-30 hp range.. except that 2 bottom plows are a hard pull. Tractors from yesterday had more weight per hp than today, and also many had draft hyds. It is like night and day difference to pull a 3pt plow with position control, vs draft control. New name brand will be possibly a tc30.. economy model.. that still pegs you over 10k$. Perhaps a new chineese tractor.. like a jinma 304.. etc. Another option is a newer old tractor.. however.. you are already in the 60's with the 135 right? Perhaps something like a 1900 or 1910 ford. Much bigger and the 5' implements won't cover your footprints.

So why ya retireing the MF?

Soundguy

 

[HayDR]

You might want to look at the Mahindra 4500 2wd and 4500 4wd. They will be right in your price range and if you trade the MF135 you would likely be able to afford a FEL and still stay in your budget.

 

[JLZ]

Another consideration... Just repalced my 135 with a JD5103 w/512FEL. The 5103 is much like the 135 in the sense that it is very basic 2 wd tractor, gear driven (no sync), hi/lo diff lock, no frills but a bit more hp, its rated at 50hp. I also opted for the FEL which was the biggest reason to replace my 135 as it's still a strong running unit, just didn't feel it could handle a loader, plus there's the age factor. My package included the JD5103, JD512 FEL (same as JD510 FEL) and MX6 cutter for 18k and change. The tractor itself was just under 13k. I feel real positive about my purchase and I am comfortable recommending it to others.

 

[tough451]

The 5003 series Deeres are nice simple tractors but I will recommend the 400 series Masseys the 431 and the 451 are good utility tractors in the mold of the 135 built simple strong heavy and durable. Dad still has a 135 in operation he has offerd to trade it in or sell it many times but we (my brothers and me want hear of it.)we all really learned alot on this tractor . Good luck in whatever you do.