What trans fluid should I use in Massey Ferguson 135?

80sDweeb · Oct 30, 2015

1972 MF 135 diesel with 8 speed (no multi power) - what trans fluid (budget is a concern) should I use? And what would Tractor Supply carry that would work for me? I'm more likely to do that than to locate a Massey Ferguson dealer locally to buy pails of oil.

Also, I'm not set up with a shop currently - the tractor is at my permanent home, which was damaged by fire, and will be demolished soon, and replaced with a new house over this winter. I'm wondering what recommendations anyone can give me for changing out the fluid. How in the heck do I deal with, what, 8 gallons of fluid? That sounds crazy to me - 8 gallons - I can't see myself carrying tubs of oil (and perhaps some water) sloshing all around... I guess I can cut up a plastic barrel to have some big tubs to work with.

I'd rather learn from the pros before I guess my way through this one!

Scott in Brighton NY

Texasmark · Oct 31, 2015

You don't need the fancy stuff because you don't have wet brakes, hydrostatic shifter, hydrostatic steering and on and on. JD 303 hydraulic/tranny fluid spec on the can will do it. Ford is 134A spec. Don't know the MF spec but had a 35 and that is what I used in it. Most after market parts jobbers around here carry it. WM carries the 303 rated also as does Tractor supply but don't buy their premium that meets J20C.....that's way more than you need and the price is too.

On the container, too bad that you have to empty one to get one. Maybe a filling station has one out back or one of the oil change stations that are popular now.

seaneastok · Oct 31, 2015

Alway's used the plain jane generic for my 70's MF135 with the Perkin's diesel ...Never had a problem...In fact..Why the crap did I get rid of it anyway???

SIMassey · Nov 1, 2015

80sDweeb said:
1972 MF 135 diesel with 8 speed (no multi power) - what trans fluid (budget is a concern) should I use? And what would Tractor Supply carry that would work for me? I'm more likely to do that than to locate a Massey Ferguson dealer locally to buy pails of oil.

Also, I'm not set up with a shop currently - the tractor is at my permanent home, which was damaged by fire, and will be demolished soon, and replaced with a new house over this winter. I'm wondering what recommendations anyone can give me for changing out the fluid. How in the heck do I deal with, what, 8 gallons of fluid? That sounds crazy to me - 8 gallons - I can't see myself carrying tubs of oil (and perhaps some water) sloshing all around... I guess I can cut up a plastic barrel to have some big tubs to work with.

I'd rather learn from the pros before I guess my way through this one!

Scott in Brighton NY

tractor supply carries at least two brands of oil that meet Massey Ferguson M1129 specification. One is their traveler brand and a more reasonable priced in a yellow and green bucket. I cant remember the name.

Check with someone that has an oil burner to heat their shop. They may provide the containers for the used oil.

Texasmark · Nov 3, 2015

seaneastok said:
Alway's used the plain jane generic for my 70's MF135 with the Perkin's diesel ...Never had a problem...In fact..Why the crap did I get rid of it anyway???

I got rid of my 35 with a Perkie 3 banging diesel because the clutch springs were too hard. One thing that engine in that tractor taught me was having the peak of the torque curve below the PTO rpms....1000 rpm and PTO was 1600 as I recall. As you go into lug mode, the rpms start falling off, but the torque rises and mitigates the loss of rpms. Tough little tractor (that doesn't need todays elite tran/hyd fluid.....had to keep it on subject).