Looking at a 1957 Ferguson 35. Input Please!

[pcctim]

I'm looking at buying a MF35 for use on a 10acre piece of property. Basically just need it for food plot maintenance, dragging out logs and working a driveway. I don't have much expierience with Ferguson so I appreciate any input. Here's the add...

1957 Ferguson 35 tractor. 20 hours since rebuild new hoses, belts, wiring, lights, footboards, brush gaurd, 3-point hitch. Brand new tires front and back. Back tires are over sized. 6 speeds forward 2 reverse. 35 horse 540 PTO. $2500

1. Does this sound like a reasonable price?

2. Are parts easy to come by for this model?

3. Do you have one of these? How do you like it?

I've got a 47 8n that I rebuilt last winter but it's got a home at the family cabin 300 miles away. This one would be a workhorse/toy. Just don't want to get myself into a problem tractor.

Thanks for the help,
Tim

 

[buford]

sounds good to me I also have one for sale about same description buttt! I need more for mine ,they are real good tractors parts are readly available, easy keeper. where I live you will still find them doing lot's of chore work on small and large farms, don't see where you can go wrong lol Buford

 

[Fred T. Hart Jr.]

I have one, 1957, TO-35 gas with Z134 engine, 12 volt system. Little fellow has been in our family for almost 50 years.

Great little tractor, but like all machines made my man, it can break down sometimes.

drive tractor until its warm. Check all fluid levels, be sure lift arms are in the up position when you check transmission/lift hydraulic oil level.

After transmission is warm check under tractor, should be a upside down carter key in a hole, this is a weep hole for transmission oil or motor oil from rear seal in engine. Sould not be any oil dripping out of hole.

If so, determine if its hyd or motor oil, could be an expensive fix.

Be sure lift system works good, also an expensive fix.

Little tractors are good, well built machines but they can be expensive to fix. They were one of the first to have a two way clutch. Hook it to a plow or something that puts a heavy load on tractor, be sure clutch is not slipping.

Also, hook PTO to bush hog etc and be sure it's not slipping.

If all is ok, tractor is well worth the money. My neighbor just bought one for that price and he likes it.

 

[pcctim]

Thanks for the responses! I'm going to take a look in the next couple days. Hope everything checks out.

 

[Anonymous-0]

To me they are excellent tractors, very reliable. And easy to work on. And when it comes to parts you get almost anything for them. For a very reasonable price too.
This is a tractor that has been produced and is still produced in some ways. Will be parts for it for 50 more years I guess.

Bill

 

[Lou]

I bought a 35 about three years ago that the guy had rebuildt the motor. Tuens out he screwed up the motor and it cost $1700 to have it corrected. Be carefull.

 

[Jeff-oh]

The -35 is one of my favorite tractors. see my reply on tractor talk for more.

 

[Mark from the Fort]

I agree 100% with Mr. Hart--i would add that after she warms up and you play with her a while. check the engine oil dip stick for any dis-coloration. HOPEFULLY, your tractor will have kind of dirty oil--by hopefully, I mean that it wasn't changed just for your visit. Whenever I look at a tractor, I don't like "brand" new oil--makes me wonder about the state of engine.
One of the few weak points of the fergys is the ease at which a block can crack-either from over heating or freezing. In either case, anti-freeze will eventually drip into crankcase and show on dip stick. I'd rather see BLACK oil with zero discoloration, than perfect brand new oil on the stick.
You could also warm her up, pull the plugs, and take a quick compression test. Takes only minutes. Pull all plugs, and open throttle all the way (after engine is warm) Hopefully # 's in the 110 or greater and no more than #10 difference between all.
Sounds like a pretty fair price with all new rubber and a rebuild (although rebuild is used broadly).
Will make your 8n look like a toy in comparison with extra horsey's and (hopefully) 2 stage clutch.
Good Luck, mark

 

[Wesley Stephens]

We have a 1960 35 special with a gas engine. It has been on our farm since it was new and is still a very useful tractor. If the one you"re looking at is in good shape, you"ll enjoy it. I just wish ours had a live pto.