What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

[MasseyLady]

What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

I'm inquiring about the differences between the MF 135 special and deluxe models. Hubby and I have looked at the specs on tractordata.com but wondered what are the specific differences between the models. Are there options on the deluxe that are never on the special and visa versa?

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

We are researching some of the differences in regards to the Continental gas engines on a MF135 the Z-134 and the Z-145. Wanting to double check our data. Is the Z-145 only offered on the deluxe? I know the deluxe also has more gauges, correct? And does the deluxe only come with a dual clutch? Is the differential lock only offered on the deluxe? What is the specific HP on the deluxe and the special and the HP at the pto of each?

Also is a dual clutch ever offered on the special or standard MF 135? Any info on the options and differences between these two models would be appreciated, again we have checked tractordata.com, but the info seems incomplete on some of our questions.

 

[flusher]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

I'm inquiring about the differences between the MF 135 special and deluxe models. Hubby and I have looked at the specs on tractordata.com but wondered what are the specific differences between the models. Are there options on the deluxe that are never on the special and visa versa?

There are differences in the instrument cluster. The Special is bare bones--water temp gauge and oil pressure gauge. The Deluxe adds the tachometer/hour meter, ammeter, fuel level gauge.

With the Deluxe you can get the optional differential lock to lock the rear axles together for greater traction under some conditions.

The Special offers the 134 cid gas engine, 6 speed tranny, spring cushioned clutch, manual steering.

The Deluxe offers the dual clutch, live hydraulics and PTO, ground speed PTO, foam float seat.

The Deluxe has more engine options: 145 cid gasser, 152 cid diesel.

The Deluxe offers what MF calls its "power steering" option. It's really power-assisted steering. There is no large hydraulic cylinder built into the front axle assembly. The power assist comes from a small hydraulic gizmo on the steering column.

The Deluxe offers the 6 speed tranny (6F/2R) and the 12 speed tranny (12F/4R).

Hope this helps

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Thanks Flusher! Yes that helps and reconfirms some info we were not sure about. We really appreciate it.

 

[Lava Rancher]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

I would ask what spec would you want given the choice and if all were in good condition. My answer would be:
Deluxe
Peekins Diesel
Independent PTO
Diff Lock
Power Steering
W/O multipower

What would the rest of the 135 people choose?

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Lava Rancher.......yep, that would be our choice too! :thumbsup:
Just wanting to find out about the gas versions........thanks!

 

[Lava Rancher]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

The displacement and horsepower these tractors started with may have changed significantly. My z145 engined massey has no problem with a 6 foot bush hog in thick head high pasture. I suspect that at some point the engine was rebuilt and that the kit used had sleaves and pistons that upped the displacement. The rebuild kits are available with several bore measurements at the same price. I would be surprised if most folks didn't opt for the increase in displacement and power with no additional cost except increased fuel consumption. Most of these tractors are well over 4000 hours and their engines have been rebuilt a time or two. Some of the users tha. Have torn into their units may be able to confirm or refute ths.

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Lava Rancher,

How much fuel consumption would you say you use when you bush hog pasture that is that high? Are you talking acres and working all day?


Also does anyone know of the best place to buy a quality rebuild kit for a MF135 Z-145 tractor?

Thanks, Massey Lady :tractor:

 

[Lava Rancher]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Lava Rancher,

How much fuel consumption would you say you use when you bush hog pasture that is that high? Are you talking acres and working all day?


Also does anyone know of the best place to buy a quality rebuild kit for a MF135 Z-145 tractor?

Thanks, Massey Lady :tractor:

Haven't done enough to have a gallons per hour figured but I'm guessing 3++. It doesn't labor or bog down at all so I'd say the power is sufficient. Diesel would be more efficient but I couldn't find one nearby and the initial outlay for newer equipment wasn't something that I could justify. A big plus for gas is that most rural mechanics can resolve most gas issues w/o difficulty. It seems that finding service manuals for the continental powered 135 is problematic. My parts manual has it covered but my user''s is for Perkins powered models.

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Haven't done enough to have a gallons per hour figured but I'm guessing 3++. It doesn't labor or bog down at all so I'd say the power is sufficient. Diesel would be more efficient but I couldn't find one nearby and the initial outlay for newer equipment wasn't something that I could justify. A big plus for gas is that most rural mechanics can resolve most gas issues w/o difficulty. It seems that finding service manuals for the continental powered 135 is problematic. My parts manual has it covered but my user''s is for Perkins powered models.

LavaRancher, have you considered Agco for your manuals? Been following a thread by MasseyWV called - My 1966 Massey 135 tractor pics. He is doing a total restore, on a MF 135 with a Z-145 Continental engine. It is very interesting thread and he talks about agcopub.com as a source to get manuals on these gas engines. I do believe its on page 12 of the thread. Hubby and I will probably be purchasing these ourselves too, we own a MF150 Diesel and are contemplating a possible MF135 Deluxe that is for sale in our area. That is why I was asking for info on these MF135 gas engines and the differences in the two models.

:tractor:---MasseyLady

 

[Lava Rancher]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

I've been lurking around MasseyWV's thread and thekid's thread as well. I've been impressed with their knowledge and skill. I wasn't sure that the manual difficulty had been resolved. I guess I'd best reread his thread.

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

I've been lurking around MasseyWV's thread and thekid's thread as well. I've been impressed with their knowledge and skill. I wasn't sure that the manual difficulty had been resolved. I guess I'd best reread his thread.

I think MasseyWV even has a picture posted of the actual manual Item numbers he purchased on that thread also, somewhere around page 11 or 12.

:tractor:---MasseyLady

 

[The kid]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Lava Rancher.......yep, that would be our choice too! :thumbsup:
Just wanting to find out about the gas versions........thanks!

Greetings. You can actually get three versions of gas 135's. Perkins made a 3 cyl diesel and a 3 cyl gas. The 4 cyl came depending on year and a Z134 and Z145 Continitial gas models. The Z145 has a slightly larger motor. I have a 65 Z145 and it starts as good as my 2012 Honda Accord. It's best to educate yourself before buying. Taking a MF owner with you would be a plus. These are tough little tractors that are very versatile. All I use mine for is Bush Hogging and will be spreading some gravel soon on my driveway. If and when you buy a vintage 135, get yourself a "operators manual" close to the same vintage as your buying. It saves from learning the hard way.

If your Pro Ebay, it's an excellent source for manuals. FYI, buy only original printed vintage manuals to be assured you get what you need. BTW Welcome to TNB from a Tennessean. -robert:thumbsup:

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Greetings. You can actually get three versions of gas 135's. Perkins made a 3 cyl diesel and a 3 cyl gas. The 4 cyl came depending on year and a Z134 and Z145 Continitial gas models. The Z145 has a slightly larger motor. I have a 65 Z145 and it starts as good as my 2012 Honda Accord. It's best to educate yourself before buying. Taking a MF owner with you would be a plus. These are tough little tractors that are very versatile. All I use mine for is Bush Hogging and will be spreading some gravel soon on my driveway. If and when you buy a vintage 135, get yourself a "operators manual" close to the same vintage as your buying. It saves from learning the hard way.

If your Pro Ebay, it's an excellent source for manuals. FYI, buy only original printed vintage manuals to be assured you get what you need. BTW Welcome to TNB from a Tennessean. -robert:thumbsup:

Hello Robert - "The Kid" - Like your username! Thank-you for the warm welcome. Hubby and I really appreciate it. Very nice and informative members here! Thank-you for the info on the MF 135 gas engines. We have taken advantage of the info here to educate ourselves on these great older tractor workhorses. We are fortunate too to have a close friend who farms that owns a few and one of them is a MF 135 and we have been asking several questions from him also. He has the 3 cyclinder Perkins gas. We just had some confusion of the differences in models from the special and the deluxe. Glad to read all the replies and advice, thank-you very much. Been following your thread too, kid, and enjoy learning about your and MasseyWV restoration projects, great learning info indeed!

Oh, theKid, a Tennesssean, that's neat, we lived there several years ago in McMinnville, Tn.

:tractor:---MasseyLady

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Hi MasseyLady...I've been following your 150 threads....I have a '67 135 Deluxe with the Cont. Z145....as a previous poster stated, it may be 25 deg. outside but it won't turn over more than one rev. and it will be running....mine has all the guages and tach and such, it has a 12 volt/ with generator..I had the gen checked out guessing that the tach hours (670hrs) may be wrong..the auto electric guy pulled it apart checked it, put it back together with only a new front pulley bearing (so it won't need oil put in it) and told me simply..."Its perfect...." I have had to replace a rear tire as the original owner (now about a 90 year old gentleman) only used it with a 6ft finish mower to cut his yard about 3 times a year...soooo, yeah the tires are actually OEM...I don't have power steering, but its very tight, I also do not have the diff. lock, but every thing else....Oh, the old fella let it sit so much that his sons (who I bought it from), replaced the gas tank, the hyd pump and a brand new carb...(he even gave me the old one as well). I also bought the 6ft Land Pride finish mower as well...I've got a few other tractors, but this old unit is quickly becoming my favorite for quick response stuff..sorry for the long posts...enjoy and get a 135 if hours aren't too many and the engine "sounds" smooth and it idles well. Good luck... BobG in VA

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Hi MasseyLady...I've been following your 150 threads....I have a '67 135 Deluxe with the Cont. Z145....as a previous poster stated, it may be 25 deg. outside but it won't turn over more than one rev. and it will be running....mine has all the guages and tach and such, it has a 12 volt/ with generator..I had the gen checked out guessing that the tach hours (670hrs) may be wrong..the auto electric guy pulled it apart checked it, put it back together with only a new front pulley bearing (so it won't need oil put in it) and told me simply..."Its perfect...." I have had to replace a rear tire as the original owner (now about a 90 year old gentleman) only used it with a 6ft finish mower to cut his yard about 3 times a year...soooo, yeah the tires are actually OEM...I don't have power steering, but its very tight, I also do not have the diff. lock, but every thing else....Oh, the old fella let it sit so much that his sons (who I bought it from), replaced the gas tank, the hyd pump and a brand new carb...(he even gave me the old one as well). I also bought the 6ft Land Pride finish mower as well...I've got a few other tractors, but this old unit is quickly becoming my favorite for quick response stuff..sorry for the long posts...enjoy and get a 135 if hours aren't too many and the engine "sounds" smooth and it idles well. Good luck... BobG in VA

Thanks Bob G in VA! Glad to meet you. Wow your MF 135 sounds great, and with that low of hours to boot. Sounds like you have a real gem there. Do you have pictures posted anywhere here?
The MF135 we are looking at needs some TLC and possible motor work, but hubby has rebuilt motors before and if we buy her I want to be more involved in that rebuilt process to learn the ins and outs of that engine. Hubby and I have also rebuilt a few salvage yard automobiles in years past so it will be neat to work on these tractors together.
If we do get this MF 135, I told hubby I'm claiming the MF 135 tractor as mine and the MF150 will be his..."HIS and HERS."

Hubby and I are still in the process of locating a replacement rim and tire for our MF150 Diesel and hope to have that changed out soon. Eager to put the ole' gal to work, we have a large goat manure pile that was cleaned out from the barn that needs some attention :laughing: That pile was all scooped out with pitchfork, shovel and wheel barrow, so the MF150 Diesel with FEL will be a blessing. Now that I think about it, the pile outside is from three years worth of cleaning out the barn! So it's quite large...lol!

No worries on the long post Bob, I enjoy reading posts here, you can learn so much from those that have as they say, "been there and done that!"

OOPS, I think I have drifted on my own thread........sorry.

:tractor:--MasseyLady

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

"Thanks Bob G in VA! Glad to meet you. Wow your MF 135 sounds great, and with that low of hours to boot. Sounds like you have a real gem there. Do you have pictures posted anywhere here?"

MasseyLady, Here's a couple one is the day I brought it home with the finish mower still on it...the other is with a post hole digger that I used to put up a gate with (note the cedar posts under the tractor)...As a sidenote, I've read that some folks are looking for ways to "weigh down" the front end as it becomes very light with a brush hog on the back...the "old gentleman" was a very astute fella/ as he cut a rail road rail and bolted it to the front bolster/axle...it can still get light though with a 5ft brush hog on...BobG in VA

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

"Thanks Bob G in VA! Glad to meet you. Wow your MF 135 sounds great, and with that low of hours to boot. Sounds like you have a real gem there. Do you have pictures posted anywhere here?"

MasseyLady, Here's a couple one is the day I brought it home with the finish mower still on it...the other is with a post hole digger that I used to put up a gate with (note the cedar posts under the tractor)...As a sidenote, I've read that some folks are looking for ways to "weigh down" the front end as it becomes very light with a brush hog on the back...the "old gentleman" was a very astute fella/ as he cut a rail road rail and bolted it to the front bolster/axle...it can still get light though with a 5ft brush hog on...BobG in VA

Wow BobG! It looks nearly brand new, what a gem indeed! You are very fortunate! :thumbsup: Hum.....railroad tie, that is creative way to ad weight. We heard that too about the 135 being light in the front end. We also heard that with too heavy of a load in a FEL on a MF135 the front axle is known to break, which is one of the reasons we opted to go with a MF150 and tickled that it's a diesel. But I have read a few posts of those that do use a FEL on the 135, I often wonder if their FEL is hydraulic or a trip bucket.

Looks like you got some work ahead of you BobG, bush hog, post hole digger and it appears you have a nice pile of fine gravel in that one pic too. Your tractor sure will make it a lot easier for sure. Thanks again for the pics, one mighty fine tractor.

:tractor:--MasseyLady

 

[Kev from oz]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Hi Massey Lady. My wife and I were fortunate enough to lay our hands on a 135 diesel - 3 cyl Perkins. was owned by an older guy who used it now and then. It was sitting in a paddock for about 2 years and of course, battery was completely dead. Chucked in a new battery and I reckon the starter wouldn't have completed half a turn and she was off and running. It's got an original 2000 hours and must be deluxe cos its got all the meters and a diff lock to boot. we paid 3k Au for it with a finishing mower and 12 foot stick rake And spare tyres. For info, it has a very old style bucket with an extremely long boom and a hand tipper mechanism. Funny thing, the ram - which is a large bore single, is on a pivot, so i'm adapting it to become a log splitter. . Never had any probs with axles from load. Am going to fit a fel which is closer to the front and also power steering to make the turns a bit easier. Was thinking at one stage about trading for a compact but u just cannot beat the mf's -handled with care they are nearly indestructible and I have NEVER seen any motor which idles so slow. As for weight at the front, u can get inserts for the front rims which work really well. By now you have probably purchased and if so good luck!

 

[MasseyLady]

Re: What are the differences between a MF 135 "special" and the MF 135 "deluxe"

Hi Massey Lady. My wife and I were fortunate enough to lay our hands on a 135 diesel - 3 cyl Perkins. was owned by an older guy who used it now and then. It was sitting in a paddock for about 2 years and of course, battery was completely dead. Chucked in a new battery and I reckon the starter wouldn't have completed half a turn and she was off and running. It's got an original 2000 hours and must be deluxe cos its got all the meters and a diff lock to boot. we paid 3k Au for it with a finishing mower and 12 foot stick rake And spare tyres. For info, it has a very old style bucket with an extremely long boom and a hand tipper mechanism. Funny thing, the ram - which is a large bore single, is on a pivot, so i'm adapting it to become a log splitter. . Never had any probs with axles from load. Am going to fit a fel which is closer to the front and also power steering to make the turns a bit easier. Was thinking at one stage about trading for a compact but u just cannot beat the mf's -handled with care they are nearly indestructible and I have NEVER seen any motor which idles so slow. As for weight at the front, u can get inserts for the front rims which work really well. By now you have probably purchased and if so good luck!

Hello Kev from oz and welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a really nice set up and with low hours too Post some pictures when you get a chance. Yes hubby and I have jumped into MF's full force, we own two now. A "His" and "Hers" mind you....lol. Hubby has a MF 150 diesel with a fel and he is working on the MF 135, doing a total overhaul of the engine. There are a lot of nice gentlemen on this forum and being I'm the elected go between for info to relay to hubby they have been very helpful and cordial to me. Enjoy that tractor of yours, I'm sure we would all enjoy some pictures. Best to you and your wife.

:tractor:--MasseyLady