Used MF 135

[Grapeman]

Looked at a used MF 135 tractor today. Little hesitant even though I know a fair amount about this model. Tractor is a 1972 gas model with the 3 cyl. Perkins, 3/speed over 2/Range with a multipower giving it 12F/4R. Tin is good, hydraulic filter changed last fall, tires at 40%, couple of small oil leaks, and 3000 hrs,(not bad for a 36 year old tractor). Tractor has spent its whole life within 15 miles of me and is on 2nd owner. Comes with a Ford 2btm plow in very good shape, an old pittsburg 3 pt harrow, Ford 5' backblade, a pretty nice 5' bushhog type mower, front weight bar and 7 suitcase weights, rear rim iron wheel weights, loaded tires, pulley box, shop and parts manuals and a lot of small 3 pt accessories. Only real noticable problem is that rear rims are rotted from calcium leaks. Guy is 75 and selling his home. He wants $4800 for whole shebang. Tractor will serve as a backup for my 135 diesel. It will be the first gas tractor on farm in years and might get 35 hours use a year once I move a Shaver post pounder onto it. Be interested on opinions as to wether or not this looks like a reasonable deal. Hoping to beat him down another $200 or so. I am concerned about cost of replacement rear rims. Your thoughts will be appreciated.

 

[MrJimi]

I would be willing to say if you went to see him with a trailer and $4,500 cash, that would get you a tractor and the oil leaks could be just loose bolts on leaking items
do it

 

[flusher]

Looked at a used MF 135 tractor today. Little hesitant even though I know a fair amount about this model. Tractor is a 1972 gas model with the 3 cyl. Perkins, 3/speed over 2/Range with a multipower giving it 12F/4R. Tin is good, hydraulic filter changed last fall, tires at 40%, couple of small oil leaks, and 3000 hrs,(not bad for a 36 year old tractor). Tractor has spent its whole life within 15 miles of me and is on 2nd owner. Comes with a Ford 2btm plow in very good shape, an old pittsburg 3 pt harrow, Ford 5' backblade, a pretty nice 5' bushhog type mower, front weight bar and 7 suitcase weights, rear rim iron wheel weights, loaded tires, pulley box, shop and parts manuals and a lot of small 3 pt accessories. Only real noticable problem is that rear rims are rotted from calcium leaks. Guy is 75 and selling his home. He wants $4800 for whole shebang. Tractor will serve as a backup for my 135 diesel. It will be the first gas tractor on farm in years and might get 35 hours use a year once I move a Shaver post pounder onto it. Be interested on opinions as to wether or not this looks like a reasonable deal. Hoping to beat him down another $200 or so. I am concerned about cost of replacement rear rims. Your thoughts will be appreciated.

I paid $3600 two years ago for a 1964 MF-135 diesel with no extras. I'd say figure out the cost of new rear rims, deduct that from $4800 and make an offer.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Based on the tractor being in average to above average condition, it's an "OK" deal but not a steal. Gas 135's typically sell for $500 to $750 less than a diesel (around here anyway) Plow would sell for $250 to $400 here, Harrow, maybe $300, rear blade $150, Mower $500(+ or -) Weights and manuals, figure $100 to $150 extra.

Rims are available through a number of sources. (Are they "standard" or PAVT's) Figure $400 each with shipping as an average. You MIGHT be able to find a set 2nd hand. (I know of 2 sets, rims, centers, even includes tires @ $350 or $500 not far from here)

 

[Grapeman]

Thanks for the replies. Probably going to pass on this deal. Don't want or need any of the equipment and would just have to resell. Tractor is probably slightly above average but does have some apparent minor problems. It's difficult to find decent 135's in this area and I'm sure it won't take long for it to be sold. The rims are the adjustable tread type, (rotted worse than is common), altho I would have used standards if I had decided to go ahead with the deal. Just not getting good vibes off the tractor, (real scientific, huh?).

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Thanks for the replies. Probably going to pass on this deal......... Just not getting good vibes off the tractor, (real scientific, huh?).

Maybe not "scientific", but I've found that good ol' "gut instinct" is the most reliable method for decision making more often than not.

If you sold all the implements at top dollar, and bought a set of new rims, then changed rubber too, you'd still have every penny that 135 is worth wrapped up in it. Not a bargain, so UNLESS it's an extremely nice one, I'd probably pass too.