Massey Ferguson mf35 restoration with pics

somanytractors · May 31, 2023

I've also posted my 8n HERE

This restore happened over several years and 3 owners.
The person that started it did an amazing job. Way better then I would have. They rebuilt the motor and tranny. They patched up most of the rust, actually welded them in and ground them down till they looked good. And then for whatever reason, they was unable to finish it.

The person that bought it from them tried to get it running and couldn't, and then they left it sit for a few years. They had no idea how close it was to running, but all it would do is backfire.

I bought it from them, and after checking compression I started checking ignition timing. While checking the timing I checked the wires to make sure 1 was on 1 2 on 2 etc. Turned out, they had them in the right order except they went around the distributor cap backwards. Switched the wires around the right way and that's all it was. Of course after sitting so long I had to clean the carb and stuff but it was basically a new tractor, still had the hone marks in the cylinders.

5030 · May 31, 2023

somanytractors said:
I've also posted my 8n HERE

This restore happened over several years and 3 owners.
The person that started it did an amazing job. Way better then I would have. They rebuilt the motor and tranny. They patched up most of the rust, actually welded them in and ground them down till they looked good. And then for whatever reason, they was unable to finish it.

The person that bought it from them tried to get it running and couldn't, and then they left it sit for a few years. They had no idea how close it was to running, but all it would do is backfire.

I bought it from them, and after checking compression I started checking ignition timing. While checking the timing I checked the wires to make sure 1 was on 1 2 on 2 etc. Turned out, they had them in the right order except they went around the distributor cap backwards. Switched the wires around the right way and that's all it was. Of course after sitting so long I had to clean the carb and stuff but it was basically a new tractor, still had the hone marks in the cylinders.

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Nice....

Paystar · May 31, 2023

Another great tractor.

Doug Vee · Jun 3, 2023

The 35 is a great tractor. I ran my grandfather's when I was about junior high age, probably the early '70's. I think it was pretty old at that time. It was a very stable machine on the steep ground of SW Pennsylvania.

The baler could push it going down hill, so you had to plan your turn at the end of the windrow. My uncle developed a method whereby he would back the baler up, while turning so that the baler was jackknifed with the tractor facing downhill, and the rear of the baler was facing downhill. Then he would turn the tractor hard toward the baler, to orient the tractor parallel with the contour of the hill and pull forward. the idea was to have the 35 level with the contour before the baler was facing downhill. It was a maneuver that had to be done quickly so the tractor would not be pushed to the hollow. We never had any accidents using this method.

Again, it is a great tractor.

Doug

Thomas · Jun 3, 2023

Indeed showroom

big bubba · Jun 3, 2023

outstanding work. had it's cousin TO35 for 28 yrs, but nowhere near the class of your good work.

Paystar · Jun 3, 2023

The gentleman I just bought my Ford 3000 diesel from is restoring a Massey 35 diesel to sell right now. I was almost going to end up with it, but then he decided to sell me the Ford.

Love the old Fords and Massey's. So simple and reliable.

somanytractors · Jun 3, 2023

Paystar said:
The gentleman I just bought my Ford 3000 diesel from is restoring a Massey 35 diesel to sell right now. I was almost going to end up with it, but then he decided to sell me the Ford.

Love the old Fords and Massey's. So simple and reliable.

Fords and fergusons are my favorites by far. They are simple and they just keep going.

EddieWalker · Jun 8, 2023

Are both the Ford and the Massey, easy to find parts for?

somanytractors · Jun 8, 2023

EddieWalker said:
Are both the Ford and the Massey, easy to find parts for?

Deffinately. That's one of the main reasons I like them. Some parts are a little difficult but they can be found. Like a power steering box for a 3000, but still you can find them. Just expect to pay too much. Common parts are super easy to find on ebay, amazon, or just ggole the part you're looking for.