Would you recommend a MF135 to new tractor owner?

[canoetrpr]

I'm buying a property with 16 acres of pasture and primarily I need to keep the pasture clear with a rotary cutter. I might mow a 2-3 acre field out of the 16 acres as well on a regular basis, in addition to the bush hogging.

I've looked around for used compact Kubotas and the like but they seem like a lot of money for not very much HP.

There are a number of MF135's around here - about 30 years old - but they seem to be in good condition. I've even tracked one down that only has over 2000 hours on it - diesel. At 42 HP seems like it might be just right for what I need to do. Would let me drag a 5 or 6 ft rotary cutter vs. a 4 ft that I would have to drag with the smaller Kubota's I can find.

Just wondering what you experienced guys think about this tractor for me. Never driven a tractor before. I drive a 5 speed manual car but in honesty would prefer an automatic - just because I find my clutch too **** tight. I have no clue what clutches on tractors feel like.

All of my pasture is open field - pretty much flat.

Would appreciate your comments?

 

[Nasty135]

canoetrpr, Well I can tell you about my experience with the Massey 135, Mine is a diesel and it runs a 5' bushog with ease and sips fuel , I like the way it drives ,it sits fairly low as they were used alot in orchards so it is very stable...

If I sound a little biased, its because I am!! Put it this way I have a new massey 1433v and a massey 135 and I like the 135 better for everything except loader work since the 135 doesn't have a loader /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Then you asked about the clutch, Well you better weigh in around 200lbs if you don't want to struggle with a clutch that if you have to hold it in for more than 15seconds your leg will start twitching.... Or you could bulk up on your squats!!

In other words its TOUGH.... But hey thats the price you pay for a great tractor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Birdhunter1]

It sounds like you are asking about a very ideal tractor for what you are needing to do. Those things hold their value well and they are very durable and will last along time and always ask for more.
I have used one on the farm alot for bush hogging, running a small disk or 2 bottom plow and moving snow in the winter with a 6' blade. You need that tractor. It is easy to figure out how to use, very stable on hills, easy to maintain, and it's a very simple designed tractor that isn't complicated.
I run a 6' bushhog with ours, it's got a 42 hp gas engine in it, the deisel will do that just as well, I am sure ours and the one you are looking at will run a 7' as well but I have never tried it. They do get a bit light in the font end when you raise your mower all the way up but I have never had a major problem with this, add a 100-200 lbs up front and you'll be well off.
I have the rear tires filled on mine, you woudl be amazed what a difference it makes too.
I highly recommend that 135 you looked at.

 

[Nasty135]

Oh!! One other thing I forgot to mention, When it gets cold outside my 135 never failed to start right up /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif this is a good thing... But cold in Md. was probably something like 20 degrees and for your cold ,Well I'm not sure I want to know /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Power steering is good to have also.

 

[diggerman]

We run our 9' haybine and skid wood with our's there like the tractor that could /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif The fuel it consumes is very little which is nice with the way fuel is going up.We can cut and rake a 10 acre hayfield on less then a tank of fuel. The one we have has glow plugs? I think that's what there called so that when you turn the key to that position it heats the fuel which makes it start almost any time you want.I've had to start it in 35 below weather to blade the driveway so my dad could go to work.There great tractors /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[WilliamBos]

Hey,

The are awesome tracotors. its actually called " Thermostart " It is only 1 glow plug that heats the fuel on the way into the intake!!

See you

Will