Massey 135

[rkelman]

Hi i'm new to tractors and i'm looking at buying a Massey 135 diesel with loader. I have a couple of concerns about the tractor. One is the loader is pretty slow. Maybe I could add a front mounted pump to help? Is there a "kit" that could be bought to make it easier for a hydraulic newb? Also it grinds when engaging the pto for the first time after sitting. From what google tells me this could just be a pto clutch adjustment? It runs well / drives well. Has good tires and doesn't leak profusely so overall I think its a pretty decent tractor. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Butch.]

They are a really good tractor and will probably still be around and running for your Grandkids.

 

[nophun]

If it's running off the main hydraulic system, yes a front mounted pump would help. I'm no expert but I recall reading here that the tractor's main system doesn't have high enough flow to really run a loader like it should.

Is it an MF loader or and aftermarket?

 

[wellmax99]

does the tractor have power steering?

I think if you want a loader tractor, whatever the brand, you will much happier in the long run, buying a tractor that the loader works as it should and it has power steering.

with a load on the loader and you are trying to turn, it can be a handful with manual steering, work you to death,

just my two cents.

many times the front axle pivot point bearing is worn bad on a small tractor that has been used with a loader.
be sure to check out the bearing on the front axle center pivot,
you have to jack up the front of the tractor getting the weight off the front axle to make this check,
I have seen the axle break under load and the whole tractor, loader, etc: comes crashing to the ground.

again, just my humble opinion!

 

[derwen1959]

here in the UK the MF 135 is the best tractor to be made by MF according to a retired tractor sales rep I know what sort of loader does it have? is it power or manual tip? what are you going to use it for? perhaps you should consider having a ballast weight on the back when using loader.. about the only weak point on a 135 is the brakes are not the best!! one thing to remember when using the loader is only turn the steering wheel when tractor is moving to avoid wear on steering but sometimes you will have to turn steering with tractor stationary
after saying all that I would never buy a second hand tractor and loader because of wear, what I would do is buy a tractor without loader then fit loader but don't let that put you off

 

[rkelman]

Thanks for the info. It does have power steering. Any thoughts on the PTO issue?

 

[ptfarmer]

The pto sounds like a clutch adjustment is needed. If the loader has down pressure on the lift arms raise the front wheels off the ground, and wiggle the hubs, spindles, and axle to see if there is anything loose.

 

[rkelman]

Thank you for the reply. If the front end is loose Are the parts easily found / replaceable? All my experience is working on cars not tractors. I can replace the front end in a truck so i'm hoping the tractor should be similar. It has about 5300 hours on it. I'm hoping the engine / transmission has a long way to go before needing anything major. The clutch feels ok so i'm assuming in that time its been replaced?

 

[ptfarmer]

Parts are easy to get for 135's, they aren't complicated to fix, and sounds you have ability to do any work needed.

 

[rkelman]

Thanks! I pulled the trigger and it arrives today!