About
This site is all about one tractor…
Yes that’s right, the Massey Ferguson 135!
Why?
Because it is one of the best tractors ever made, and quite deservedly one of the most popular classic tractors to grace the barns, garages and driveways of the classic enthusiast.
We welcome any comments you have about the information on this website and look forward to your comments. Let us know if you have a 135.
Do you know its age? serial number? How long have you owned the tractor? Have you used it for work on the farm? Do you take it to ploughing matches.
Over the coming years we hope this site will become full of information about the Massey Ferguson 135. A one stop shop for all the stories, information and reader comments about these tractors.
We hope you enjoy your visit to the site as much as we enjoy writing about these brilliant little tractors.
Vintage Massey Ferguson 135 is on Blog Catalogue
Vintage Massey Ferguson 135 .com 
Bill Bolton said
We need advice. How practical is it to attach a loader on an old 135?.
What is the availability of a used loader?
What do we need as additional hydrolics?
Thanks, Bill
josh said
Seems like an old thread, but what the hell…My dad has a 135 (about 1967~ish) and it has a loader on the front. When we got the tractor, it had a rinky dink bucket on it, barely fit two shovels of gravel in it. WE welded up our own bucket, and it can haul about 2 face cords of wood…has some drift, bt strong anyhow.
As far as hydraulics, it has a pump running off of the engine, seperate from the pto. Hope thishelps some
Webmaster said
Hi Bill,
Lots and lots of MF135 tractors have loaders on them. Loaders are widely available second hand and usually cost about £200. I would suggest buying a vintage tractor magazine from your newsagents, as there are many classified ads in there. In the UK ‘Tractor and Machinery’ is a popular magazine. Alternatively you may live close to an agricultural collective machinery sale, where there are often old loaders for sale.
There are a couple of options for the hydraulics. What you do will depend on how much functionality you need. Do you just need up and down? or also hydraulic crowd on the bucket? or also a third service for operating something such as a bale grab?
Is there a connector on your tractor for a tipping trailer? If there is and you only require up and down functionality then the loader can simply be plugged into this service and operated using the quadrant levers.
The best option is to have a 2 or a 3 way valve fitted (if there isn’t already one on). This valve replaces the cap on top of the stand pipe (under the front right hand side of the seat). See this article about a 3 way vavle…
http://vintagetractorengineer.com/2009/01/massey-ferguson-550-exterior-hydraulic-valve/
If you take one of the supplies from the 3 way valve and feed it into spool blocks then that gives good control of your loader and you can have up/down, crowd and third service. Return from the spool vavle comes back into a port on the 3 way vavle. The other ‘2’functions for the 3 way valve are for the trailer tipping pipe and for the normal oil supply to the lift cylinder to operate the lift arms.
Hope that helps,
Steve.
Bill Arnold said
I just bought a M F 135 and don’t know the year. Can you tell me any thing about this tractor. SERIAL # 9A16316. I will be using it to bush hog under brush and rake up Pine straw with a pea rake.Any information would be appreciated.
Andrew said
Hi does anybody did the older type 135 have a fuel gauge ?
Van easterling said
It is a 67 model.
Van easterling said
1967 model
Webmaster said
Hi Bill,
The serial number of your tractor dates it at 1973, so this is one of the later built tractors. It will have a straight front axle as opposed to a swept axle as was also fitted to the earlier range of MF35 tractors. The straight axles are stronger. Does it have multi-power transmission, as this often increases the value of the tractor if the multi-power is working correctly.
Here in the UK, the value of the 135’s has risen quite a lot over the past 4-5 years and they are very sought after tractors. They have a fantastic direct injection engine, they are robust yet very hand for getting into small sheds and useful for smallhoders. There are still quite a lot of tractor still doing a full days work on working farms.
Hope your tractor serves you well.
Steve.
Steve Casaru said
Hi There
I have a massey ferguson 135 which i think dates to 1972.
I have purchased a sisis vertical action solid tine spiker, pto driven, for use on a cricket square,
Problem: To carry out the operation of spiking the tractor has to be in bottom gear low drive.
However in this gear the pto does not operate the spiker at a rate fast enough for the cams which drive the spikes in and out to operate and the tractore simply drags the spiker along.
Can i increase the speed of the pto and keep the tractor at crawl speed ?
If not I have just wasted £800.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Steve
Al said
Steve, this may be a little late, but, the lever for your pto can be pushed forward or pulled back. I believe if you pull it back to engage, your pto will run at 540 rpm when the throttle is full no matter what speed the tractor is moving, the other way the speed of the pto depends on ground speed.
richard evans said
Need help, I am trying to rebuild my steering box on my Masey 135. I can not get my steering arms off. What is the best way to remove them?
Jerry Anderson said
I have just bought a MF135 with a serial number of 9A66372 – can you tell me what year this is? It came with a loader already attached – do you have any idea as to the value of the tractor with and without the loader – It is running and it appears in good condition – just needs painting.
Webmaster said
Hi Jerry,
The year of your tractor can be found on the Serial Numbers Page…
https://vintagemasseyferguson135.com/2010/05/13/massey-ferguson-135-serial-numbers/
If you take a look there you can see it is a 1969.
As for the value, well you’ve just bought it, so what did you pay for it?
If it is in good original and mechanical condition then I would think about £3,400 to £4,000.
Steve.
mitch 35 x said
Hi I have just purchased a 1965 massey ferguson 135 serial no 26624 do have any information about this tractor thanks look forward to hearing from you alan
Mitchell said
Hi Steve
Great finding your site this evening.
I am based in South Africa and have an MF 135 which we use for grass cutting on our farm. It’s been a real workhorse and in the past 4 years at any time I could jump on it and start it, even in mid winter. This year however a lot of dirt that had accumulated in the diesel tank started a series of fuel supply problems which I have slowly been ironing out.
In the process of working on it I’ve taken an added interest in this tractor and its history and that’s when I found your site after a bit of Googling. I would love to know this tractor’s age but I simply cannot find a serial number plate on it anywhere. There are numbers in various places on the engine block but none of them match up with any of the serial numbers on your site. How else could I go about identifying my Massey 135? I could take some photos which might help to narrow it down.
The restoration bug has bitten me a little and I’m keen to start replacing little things that are missing on it.
The fuel tank problems resulted from a missing fuel gauge on the tank. It had a big hole in the tank where the fuel gauge is supposed to fit from the time we bought it. I originally took a piece of rubber and siliconed it over that hole but over time it peeled loose and let a lot of dust and muck into the tank. Ultimately I’m trying to find a second hand fuel gauge so that when she comes back from being reconditioned I can fit that and actually have a working fuel gauge.
I’ve pretty much ironed out the fuel problems and she’s running strong. Under load (driving with pto driving slasher) the motor dies and it seems air was getting into the fuel system somewhere so I replaced all the fuel lines to rule out any possibility of a cracked pipe somewhere. Just need to replace a copper washer on one of the banjo pipes on the CAV injector pump which has a very slow drip and then I’ll fire her up again and test her under load. That’ll happen in the next day or two.
I’d love to get hold of a workshop manual for the MF135, do you know where I can get one? Preferably in PDF format. Could you also recommend any sources of Vintage parts for the MF 135? Over time I’d love to see her fully restored with all the missing bits and pieces that seem to have disappeared during her life before I became the owner.
If there is some way I can start off by identifying it’s year of manufacture it might help me along the road with restoration.
Kind Regards
Mitchell
Bob Gillies said
Hi Mitchell, I know it’s 2013 now but I just saw your note. I am in Springs RSA and found an old MF135 stored at a local hospital so I decided to work on it, I have done a lot of interesting repairs including a broken lift arm pin and steering box service. Also ripped out all the wiring and re did it with a new temp and volt guage. I am getting the fuel guage repaired as I stripped and cleaned the sender unit which now gives 5 -33 ohm reading.I haven’t put any attachments on it but the hydraulics seem to be OK.
TJ van Rooyen said
Hi Mitchell,
Just saw your article. Did you find a manual? I’m also in SA & want to service, repair, upgrade my recently acquired MF 135.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
TJ Van Rooyen
stephen canney said
i bought a massey ferguson and i was wondering if you ever heard of any one putting a faster gear box in one of those tractors because i dont like reving any engine that much
Murray Glue said
Is this site still active? I have just bought a 1969 MF135 diesel, and have set about replacing some of its most worn or rusted parts. It has been used for some years as a haul out vehicle for a fishing boat, so the rear stabiliser brackets and rear rims have rusted and the transmission oil had water in it. Otherwise it runs like a dream and responds well to some love and care.
We have a 20 acre block and plan to use the MF for a wide range of jobs. I am suprised at the availability of parts here in NZ and at the very reasonable price for varous bits and pieces.
Will Thomas said
where can i get the date that my 135 was built?
Al said
Will, there should be a tag on the dash with a serial number. Go to serial number page on this site or to tractordata.com to match your number with a year.
Adrian Oliver said
Hi Guys,
Great site – will get the DVD when I get round to my full restoration plans next year.
For now I am having trouble with fuel starvation. Have replaced both fuel filters but the engine dies under any load. Am thinking I should replace the fuel lines – is that the next step?
Thanks,
Adrian
Mitchell Krog said
Adrian, if I were you I would give the whole fuel system an overhaul. I did mine last year and it really did not cost me a hell of a lot.
– I replaced all fuel lines
– filters
– replaced all copper and aluminium washers on the fuel pump
– had the tank rinsed (acid washed) and recoated
– replaced fuel tap and gauze pre-filter on tank
My Massey is running like an absolute dream now 🙂 It’s a great tractor and worth spending a little bit on it 🙂
Adrian Oliver said
Thanks, Mitchell. I have, under advice from my local tractor mechanics, put some additive in the diesel to clean up the sludge that I suspect is blocking. Am waiting for the ground to dry round here to get out and do some topping of reeds that is always hard work for the poor old girl so should test that. I suspect that you are totally right and that will be my next step if I get no improvement.
Regards,
Adrian
Murray Glue said
I had the same symptoms, repeatedly , while doing my fertilising work this spring. My 135 would die after about 45 minutes, and despite replacing filters and bleeding the system over and over, there was no improvement. Finally found that there was a diesel bio-gunge blockage in the standpipe in the tank ( cleared it by blowing air backwards through it…).
Bob Gillies said
Hi I am in south africa and working on a hospital’s old 135, still trying to determine it’s age. In the 80’s we had trouble here with algae growing in diesel, my Merc 240D at the time was the first casualty ,conking out while driving normally, diesels don’t do that! I found the small filter near the fuel pump full of ‘green cotton wool’ which was found to be algae, we rinsed the tank with an algaecide and that sorted it.
Andrew Goddard said
Hi all, I have a 135 fitted with a 3 way valve, 1 setting for the loader, or for the arms and the 3rd I presume for tipping a trailer. I want to operate a log splitter, and tried tonight with the return feed fed directly into the oil filer hole. I had no joy at all, can anyone advise where I might be going wrong, and do i need the control levers in a particular position. Any help gratefully received.
John grant said
I have a massey 135 tat only tips a trailer when i put the lift arms fully up would love to know how i can use hydralics with lift arms staying down.thanks
david said
Hi
I own a 1966 MF 135 which my grandfather bought new. I am having the engine done and now have been told that the block has cracked. Where can i find another block and what should i be prepared to pay for it?
Charles Story said
Have 1967 MF 135 with 4 cylinder gas engine. Fuel tank has a slight leak and needs to be removed to be repaired. How do I remove tank? What is the best was to seal hairline crack in bottom of tank? Thanks
Eddie said
Hi my dad has just bought an early Massey ferguson 135 with round mud Guards could you till me if it should have a four bladed fan or a two bladed fan thanks
TJ van Rooyen said
Good afternoon from South Africa,
I’ve recently become the proud owner of a MF 135 as part of the property I bought on the Vaal Dam. I use it for mowing the grass & launching my boat. I found your web site while looking for information on manuals, services, parts, etc. My MF is running well but definitely needs some attention & my father in law is keen to get involved. I’ve had make some repairs already & so far so good. Do you have any contacts in South Africa?
Great reading — keep it up!
Thanks
TJ
Webmaster said
Hi TJ,
I don’t have any contacts in South Africa for manuals and information etc. to suggest for you. Just one bit of advice really. I would recommend the genuine Massey Ferguson manual which is much better and more comprehensive than the manuals from other publishers (imho). The only thing with the genuine manual is that it doesn’t have the engine information in there, you need the Perkins manual for the engine.
Good luck with the tractor.
Steve.
TJ van Rooyen said
Thanks Steve.
I’ll go on line & look for the manuals as recommended.
Best regards
TJ
Bob Gillies said
Hi TJ, I am in Springs and found a MF135 at a gov. hospital here not working, I did a load of repairs on it, never having worked on a tractor before, but I found it very easy with spares lists and breakdown drawings from the internet. I replaced a lifting pin after removing the mudguard and rear drive shaft housing, rewired the whole thing, repaired the rev counter and fuel guage with a R9 resistor after being quoted R1000 by the guys in benoni to do them! I sell AGIP oils and 2 x 20 ltrs of Super Tractor Universal oil 15w40 does the engine and transmission. I looked for manuals and was offered a CD at about R600 but decided to go on my own , you need quite a few AF (British) spanners. Does your 135 have headlights built into the grill or red ones bolted to the sides , that was American style. “My” tractor was 1971 as I traced the serial number on the internet. I also stripped and reassembled the steering box to get rid of half a turn of play and it was a very easy job , just adjusting and shimming the right bits. I always wanted to drive a tractor and got plenty chances as I was fixing it. If you want to contact me with any questions I am on 082 555 3124, Bob Gillies, Diesel-Electric Industrial Pty Ltd, Springs.
TJ Van Rooyen said
Hi Bob,
Great to hear from you & thanks for the valuable feedback & contact details. I’m down at the Vaal dam next week to check the serial number & then take it from there. I’ll definitely give you a call.
It seems I have the American version with the red headlights bolted to the sides. My tractor is in running order but I need to do a fair amount of work to restore MF 135 to the original state.
Cheers
TJ
Bob Gillies said
Hi TJ, Maybe I’ll come look at it one weekend and bring a fishing rod! Regards Bob
TJ Van Rooyen said
For sure Bob!
gerard said
i im looking for the chassia number i got the engine no 234877D 152UA AD3 152 1977 ???? BUT no chassia number ???
Webmaster said
The tractor serial number (chassis number) is located on the identification plate. The ID plate is located on the bottom right hand side of the dashboard (next to where the driver’s knee would be).
Steve.
John Brown- Paul said
My M/F 135 was built apron 1947, its been running great until last week when the engine would not throttle down, i made minor adjustments to the linkage which worked for awhile she has started running rough and smoking very badly, i suspect injectors any thoughts.
Joe.morris said
Hi all I’m 15 and in the winter I am hoping to restore and re spray my grandads MF135 I am going to spray the engine and the core of the tractor in the grey colour but is the a specific grey I need to buy like the Massey Ferguson red? Any help appreciated
James Adkins said
If the data plate is missing, how does one determine the year model on a 135 Massey-Ferguson Diesel?
pat said
I have a massey ferguson 133 tractor. I am trying to find out what year it is . numbers on website don’t seem to match mine . the serial number on the dash is 45419 . the engine number is 152ua 3187 416157d7.
Andrew said
Hi. Could any body tell me does the quadrent control of a 135 fit a 35.
paul oirpresaud said
I have a 135 Massey Ferguson and i want to know the year model but it has know bonnet no dash i buy it scrap an i have it running again so how can i know the year of the tractor and the engine?
DarrinTurner said
i just purchased a Massey Ferguson 135 not sure of year model. It has the Perkins diesel motor and 5 gauges on the dash. My question is when I have the bush hog hooked up when I press the clutch all the way down the lift drops down. Then when I release the clutch the lift comes back up. Also when the engine is off the lift won’t stay up. This is my first tractor is this normal? Thanks for any help
eugene said
Trying to work out the year of a 135.can it be worked out with the letters on the castings. Any information would be great. Thanks in advance.
David peime said
Can you mount a hydraulic pump to the Perkins engine underneath the generator on a 135 Massey with 3 cylinder diesel engine
AP said
I have a 1972 Massey 135 with a clutch that will suddenly not engage. I was plowing snow in my driveway when it occurred. The hydraulic fluid was low, so I topped it up, but the pedal still gives no resistance. Unfortunately, we were just walloped with 60cm of snow and the farm driveway is 150ft from the road. “Old Fergie” has been a faithful friend that has rarely ever let me down. What terrible timing. 😕 I would appreciate any advice!
reece said
Has anyone got a link / pictures of step by step on how to fit turbo to a 135
Randy quave said
How do I find out what year my 135 is without the tag
Bob Gillies said
Mine has a small aluminium plate on the lower dashboard and I found a site that listed year and sequence of numbers, mine is a 1971.
Judi said
I want to get a backhoe for my Massey Ferguson 135 – what specs do I need to know if it will fit?
Peter said
What year was the first perkins ad 152 diesel engine fitted to the massey ferguson 135 and what’s it’s serial number, from December 1964 to mid 1965 they were petrol but when did they switch engines
Malcolm Armitage said
1965 Massey Ferguson 135 petrol, multi power. Any idea of it’s value? Also Dexta petrol around same year.
Thanks!
🙂
Chad said
I have a 1963 135 diesel with a bad engine can I replace my diesel engine with a gas engine
Van Easterling said
I have a 135 Ferguson believed to be 1965 model. The plate with the serial number is missing.
michael quirke said
searching for serial numbers on a massey ferguson 135 ?
While changing the engine oil this evening i noticed some serial numbers about 100mm forward of the sump drain plug nut,
-was surprised to see numbers in such an odd location, theres three lines of numbers there, so may be that might help.
my tractor has numbers at the usual locations also ,i.e. just inside the clutch lever and forward of the clutch lever.
Frank said
C a n u tell me how to fix hydraulic releave valve
Brian Spurrell said
Hi. I bought a Massey Ferguson 135 diesel tractor. Not running. I was able to bleed it and get it started. It ran great. Then I tried to stop it. When I pulled out the cav pump fule cut off, it ran faster and will not stop. I put it in high gear and stall it. Starts fine but will not stop. It is not a runaway. It only revs a little faster and stays steady. Air filter looks ok. Any ideas?Brian.
Bob Gillies said
I just replaced the hydraulic relief valve in my 1971 MF 135 as it was so cheap and easy to do.
Bob Gillies South Africa
Darrin said
How can you tell if your Massey is multi-power.
And a brief explanation of what multi-power does.
Thanks for any help.