MF 35 Utility???

[44 massey]

My son is looking at mf35 utility, looking for info on it, year???

 

[shaeff]

(quoted from post at 11:32:12 02/01/18) My son is looking at mf35 utility, looking for info on it, year???

That's odd. The MF35 Utilitys have a 9 digit serial number, that one is 12 digits.

Do you have any more pictures of it? Here's the serial number info I have on the MF35 Utility:

The original color of that machine is yellow, as suggested by the red paint flaking away. All the Turfs and Utility models were considered industrial, so they were painted yellow.

The Utility shares many attributes with the MF35 Agricultural tractor and the MF202 Work Bull. It's a mix of both. The Utility has a solid steel front axle capable of handling a lot more weight than the Ag counterparts, it has power steering with actual rams to turn the wheels, they generally had shorter rear tires, like 14.9-24 rather than the 28's that came on the Ag machines.

Quite often, the Utility machines were fitted with a loader from day one. The usual loaders are either MF or Davis (MF bought out Davis), and the models are most commonly 99, 101, or 102. Their durability, lift and breakout strength increases with the model numbers.

Most of the Utility models had an actual gas pedal, which was not found on the Ag tractors. It's very useful, especially for loader work.

The main difference between the Utility and the 202 is the nose of the tractor. The 202 has a huge steel surround that acts as an extra support for the loader, it's VERY beefy. The Utility models had a smaller grille guard when fitted with a loader.

I'm missing some stuff, but my lunch break is about over. That should get you started. I have a '64 Utility, I love it. It's a beast of a machine. Only thing I'd change is that I wish mine had a differential lock.

 

[44 massey]

Thats the same problem I experience with the serial number
that?s why I had him take a photo of the tag!! Here is a photo
of the tractor!!!

 

[44 massey]

Here are what photos I have of the mf35!!!
<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto9952.jpg"/>

<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto9953.jpg"/>

<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto9954.jpg"/>

<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto9955.jpg"/>

<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto9956.jpg"/>

 

[ptfarmer]

(quoted from post at 15:08:53 02/01/18) Thats the same problem I experience with the serial number
that?s why I had him take a photo of the tag!! Here is a photo
of the tractor!!!

U.S. government tractor, those rear wheels were for government tractors.

 

[ptfarmer]

 

[shaeff]

Good call, ptfarmer! I wouldn't have known that! I guess that explains the funky serial number.

Weird thing is, it looks more like a Turf Special rather than a Utility. No heavy axle, no power steering, turf tires on it.

What's your intended use for the machine?

 

[ptfarmer]

The front axle used on the "655" is the non adjustable orchard axle, my 2135 industrial came with the same axle (plus you can mount a front mount hydraulic pump on it).

 

[shaeff]

Very cool, I didn't realize that from the pics. I noticed that it was non-adjustable but I thought it was still the weaker Ag style. Learn something new every day!

 

[44 massey]

My son lives in a housing development and has 3 acres and want to fix it up and repaint it and use a rotary mower
and blade!!! The tractor does have power steering!!!

 

[ptfarmer]

(quoted from post at 10:42:11 02/02/18) Very cool, I didn't realize that from the pics. I noticed that it was non-adjustable but I thought it was still the weaker Ag style. Learn something new every day!

Unlike the old swept back axle they didn't skimp on the steel for the orchard axle, and support. Even the spindles for the orchard are heavier, it can handle a FEL with no problem (its a beast of a front axle). If you find a complete orchard style front axle assembly get it, its a direct bolt on.

 

[Caryc]

(quoted from post at 06:11:44 02/02/18) Good call, ptfarmer! I wouldn't have known that! I guess that explains the funky serial number.

Weird thing is, it looks more like a Turf Special rather than a Utility. No heavy axle, no power steering, turf tires on it.

What's your intended use for the machine?

I'm a little confused here. I have an MF202 which is the industrial version of the MF35. You say you don't have power steering so what is the reservoir the arrow is pointing to in my picture. I see you don't have any power steering cylinders at the wheels but that reservoir on my 202 is for the power steering.

 

[shaeff]

(quoted from post at 14:32:13 02/03/18)

I'm a little confused here. I have an MF202 which is the industrial version of the MF35. You say you don't have power steering so what is the reservoir the arrow is pointing to in my picture. I see you don't have any power steering cylinders at the wheels but that reservoir on my 202 is for the power steering.

My MF35 Utility is nearly identical to your 202, save for the front nose cone and the sheetmetal. Otherwise, they're the same machine. The red one shown above is different, very different from mine, that's why it confused me. Must be due to the military use or something.

Yes, you're correct that is a power steering reservoir, but it only assists at the steering column. It's not real power steering like we have on our machines. The hydraulic rams on ours are much more powerful than the steering box assist that the above machine and the Ag tractors have.

Even better than what you and I have would be what user Inno built for his 202, true hydrostatic steering. The downfall of that is that you have zero steering unless the machine is running. That would make moving the tractor difficult in the event of an engine problem.

 

[ptfarmer]

(quoted from post at 12:14:13 02/03/18)

(quoted from post at 14:32:13 02/03/18)

I'm a little confused here. I have an MF202 which is the industrial version of the MF35. You say you don't have power steering so what is the reservoir the arrow is pointing to in my picture. I see you don't have any power steering cylinders at the wheels but that reservoir on my 202 is for the power steering.

My MF35 Utility is nearly identical to your 202, save for the front nose cone and the sheetmetal. Otherwise, they're the same machine. The red one shown above is different, very different from mine, that's why it confused me. Must be due to the military use or something.

Yes, you're correct that is a power steering reservoir, but it only assists at the steering column. It's not real power steering like we have on our machines. The hydraulic rams on ours are much more powerful than the steering box assist that the above machine and the Ag tractors have.

Even better than what you and I have would be what user Inno built for his 202, true hydrostatic steering. The downfall of that is that you have zero steering unless the machine is running. That would make moving the tractor difficult in the event of an engine problem.

The 202, 203, 204, 205 work bulls. The MF35, MF135, (the MF2135 industrial, and MF20 industrial), and the MF200 series up the 245 are all based off of the Ferguson TO35 design with minor changes, some different options, and different sheet metal over the years.

 

[ptfarmer]

My 1967 MF135 diesel (it was red, and silver before it was painted yellow) with the front axle, and support from my 1965 MF2135 industrial that came with the Continental 4 cylinder gas engine.

I could just as easy take the front end, and sheet metal off your 35 utility, or take the front end, and sheet metal off a 202 work bull and put it on my 1967 135.

 

[shaeff]

I knew there were a few machines based off the TO-35, had no idea it was that many. Good info!