I don't DISagree, but there's a lot more to it than that. The 135 has it's inherent flaws. No different than any other tractor in that regard. They hold good resale value, but so does most any other utility tractor in that size range from that same period. There were a LOT of good competitors. The 3000/3600 Ford, The 404/424/444/454/474 IH's, Deere 1520/1530's Oliver 55/550's, ect. ALL those tractors have GREAT resale value.
Massey Ferguson's #1 hook with the 135 in it's day? It was the lowest priced tractor in the class. That, combined with MF's strong efforts in a size that was being left behind in favor of bigger tractors.
Flaws of the 135? Not nearly enough hydraulic flow. (but not much different than many of it's competitors of the day) Too light on the front end. (but nothing wheel weights/suitcase weights won't cure) Not enough ground clearance (not much of an issue if you aren't row cropping)
And, as the 135 era drew to a close, Ford was selling just as many 3000's.
The Ferguson35/MF35 was not the same as a 135. The DX series had better hydraulics/draft control. The 200 series saw many changes. It's just not a true comparison to lump together any and all MF's that were similar (but not the same) to validate the 135 as the "best ever". If that were the case, Ford could start along in the early 60's and go to the late 80's with a similar claim. IH 4XX series could do the same. We're talking numbers from ONE model, not a continuing series of different tractors.
I've bought and sold used tractors for more than 40 years now. In that time I've had more than 50 MF135's pass through my ownership. I've had quite a few Ford 3000/3600's also. I'd say they were near equals. (SLIGHT nod to the Perkins diesels, but otherwise near equals) I've owned a new 3000 (1974) and a new MF150. I've used 3000's to plow with, as well as a few of the 135's, and spent quite a bit of time plowing with the 150. The 135 and the 3000's were a dead heat. The 150 would work circles around either. The 150 had the advantage of improvments to what I see as the shortcomings of a 135. A few inches longer wheelbase and 400lbs more front end weight gave it better balance without sacrificing agility. More cooling capacity. Better/heavier power steering. More ground clearance. When I bought my 150 new in 1971, it was roughly $700 more than a similarly equipped 135, and roughly $200 more than a like equipped 3000 Ford. Doesn't sound like much in 2010 dollars, but in 1971, for a beginning farmer who was just starting a family, it was a huge investment. When I bought the 3000Ford in '74, it was a few bucks LESS than a '74 MF150.
As they sell NOW, a 135 in above average condition and a 3000 Ford in above average condition both sell for about the same money. Both seem to be in equal demand, and neither seems to have any stronger of a "fan club" than the other. As a Massey Ferguson owner, it's very easy to dwell on the strong points of that brand/model, and fail to see that there are equals. I can't get enough of EITHER model/brand to supply the demand in my area.
Bottom line is, the 135 was as popular in it's day much because of it's low price tag. They've held popularity because they're good tractors. But that doesn't mean they're remarkably better than much of the competitors tractors of the same era. Buy a 135 today and it's reputation isn't so much of the story as it's current condition. You aren't buying a NEW 135, you're getting a 35 0r 40 year old machine. What tells the tale is WHO owned it and HOW they cared for it, same as ANY tractor.
In the end, what I see as the greatest advantage of the 135 over other makes is it's simplicity. Anyone with a basic knowledge of mechanics and a box of tools can do most of the wrenching.
And I see the MF150 as a niche model that wasn't copied by any other brand. It works wonderfully for my needs, but who's to say it'll fit the next persons needs.
Again, don't get me wrong, I'm not belittling the 135, just saying the "ledgend" is often greater than the reality.
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