Massey Ferguson 35 Government tractor

[Gov35]

About a year ago a photo was posted of a yellow 35 utility tractor on this site. With the help of one of the memeber on this site I was able to buy the tractor. This tractor is one of 167 Goverment MF35 Utility tractors that was built and sold in 1963. I have been trying to find out the history of this tractor. Would anyone of you know how I could do so?
I have the following info from the tractor
it has decals with the following info Registration USAF 63D1567
F.E 2835 1974 0334
REMS INVENTORY

There is a large brass plaque with the date of purchase, engine # manufacture, etc
Corps of Engineers US ARMY
NOM Tractor Wheeled Industrial Pneumatic Tires GED
3725 5175 DBP
Stock NO FSN 2420-050-8648
Contract NO PO NO 88-A 49976
Purchase Date 10-63
Any help in finding any information on the history of this tractor would be appreciated, or if you know of somewhere I could check please let me know,

Thank you
 

[Christos]

This is probably somewhat generic, but more than likely it was used as an aircraft tug or mowing rig on a flight line.

Since it has Air Force stenciling that could only be my guess. If you've ever been near a runway the grass is usually meticulously groomed. The base I work at now uses big New Holland tractors to mow and plow snow installation wide.

Was there an installation close to you? There were a few airports that were formerly Air Force bases and satellite installations.

If you were really into the history, the contract sounds like it was listed, if you wanted to find the record in the National Archives you might be able to find it still.

Christos
 

[Paul in AZ]

Here is some basic information about how these tractors were equipped.

 

[s19438]

send your info to agco/massey ferguson and ask them for help. nothing ventured nothing gained.
 

[Gov35]

Thanks for your help everyone. I have tried everplace on the internet without any luck. The tractor was located in NY when I bought it. It did have a inventory lable from the University of MA, so I have no idea of where in the North East it started its life. I am in WI so it would be hard to find out anything in person. If anyone knows of an internet site I can check I would appreciate it. Also, if anyone would like to see a photo of the badge on the side you can email me at Fenatreas@gmail and I can send it to you.
Thanks again
 

[Gov35]

Just wanted to let you know that there were 167 of these 35 Gov utility tractors with out cabs and 2 with cabs (winterized). They were closer to the 35 special tractors as they did not have live pto or power sterring. These had a serial number of there own series. Mine is #6555131000030. I have the parts book for this tractor and there are a few parts that are unique to the Gov 35.

I can try to posst photos if anyone is interested, and can remind me how to do so.
 

[David Shea]

I just bought a MF35 Special that fits your description. The one that I have has large rear wheel weights, has a foot throttle, seat similar to the MF150, and a cab. The tractor is in excellent condition. I have one of two with a roof made? Very cool.
 

[samn40]

David, we called with a guy last year in NY state, he had quite a lot of ex gubberment tractors, all very low hours like this MF20 with only 300 hrs, If I can find his address I will send it to you.
Sam

 

[Gov35]

David,
Could you send photos, and serial number? I have a parts book on pdf that I can send you, if you like. Send me your email address at fenatreas@gmail.com.
 

[Tony in Mass.]

I got a hunch, since Westover AFB, closed in 1973, and the B52's moved elsewhere, alot of the stuff there went to state of Mass. Your tractor was only 10 years old? Less?
U Mass has a campus a few miles north, they have a huge campus and farms, horse pastures go for miles, so I bet they asked the AF for ag, mowers and pavement stuff. One state trades sells or just go to each other's auctions, or this might have just ended up going to one of New York state's big tractor auctions, not necessarly NY state property, search for Westover Stategic Air Command base archives, see if there were any pictures of the mowers.
For a short time I had a MM 4 star that had all the brass plates... it was either at Plattsburg AFB or Griffis fighter base in the Mohawk Valley, it should have stayed there, what a gashog! Our tax money at waste... but, when it was new, army gas was probably 20 cents.....
 

[Gov35]

Tony, thanks for the lead for the base. I will check into it. Any history of the tractor would add a lot to the tractor. Also thanks for all the post you have had on your tractors.
 

[Tony in Mass.]

You read all my posts and replies on here??? Now that's a scarey thought...
My ex street sweeper 2135.... it cleaned the parking lot where military airplane engines are made...does that count?
My gorgous ORIGINAL (paying attention Sam???) from the factory metalic blue and safety yellow New York Thruway Authority 3165, which, was later owned by a small town in western Mass, who sold it at auction to the fella I bought it from...
BTW, my father said all the horse farm stuff at UMass Amherst is something to do with the 'absorbine linement company'.... after all day in the snow, I need some of that...


 

[DanP]

Sirum Equipment in Montaque Ma has a Army Corp of Engineers tagged MF35. Pretty beat up, may be good parts machine...
 

[Gov35]

I called the tractor dealer that you mentioned and they sent photos of MF 35 #SGM 246474 and said that it was a gov tractor, and it ran good, wanted $2500. This is just a normal farm tractor without any wheel weights and was painted red and grey. Is this the one you saw?
Tony, I do appreciate all your photos and experiences. I also had a fire in my Ferguson implement building and ended up selling my collection of mostly TE-20 varients, anround 15 counting my Ferguson Brown. If you would like to see one of my tractors there is an article of my TEF-20 Reekie conversion in the March 2012 issue of the Furrows. I hope to find info on the Gov tractor and have it restored by the fall of 2013 as it would be 50 years old then. If I can I would like to do an article on it. So far no luck on its history. Anyone want a years membership paid for the FENA for finding info? I seem to be better with carbs than computers.
 

[Tony in Mass.]

You had a Ferguson/David Brown? and it burnt? Oh man.... I wasn't into feriges when my barn burned down, they were all too expensive up there back then! I could barely afford ol Allises.
I saw your tractor! It was the first Furrows I got, and the subscription must be due soon? I'll dig up that issue tonight.
There was an ex Army Corp of engineers one for sale foever in Conn, closer to NewYork City, I never checked it out, I bet it is the one Sirum has, unless this area was infested with federal fergies, have no clue.....