Diesels are preferred over gas, as the Perkins AD3-152 may well be the best engine of it's size ever built. But the gas models aren't bed either. In the early production of US-built 135's, there was a Deluxe and a Custom version. The Custom was a low cost alternative for the most part. It didn't have a 2-stage clutch (no live power) had fewer gauges, wasn't offered with power steering, and had a pan type seat. The gas version used the Continental Z134, where the Deluxe used the Continental Z145. Mid production gas models used a Perkins 3-cylinder gasser that shared many components with the diesel. Towards the end of production, Perkins couldn't keep pace with the demand for both diesel AND gas, so Massey went back to the Continental Z145 4-cylinder. As I understand it, UK built 135's were almost all diesels. Only a very few gassers were built for a special need.
135's are a little short on hydraulic capacity by todays standards, but were on par with most everything in its size range back in the day. And the early models of UK built, and ALL of the US built 135's had a swept back axle that is a tad light for loader applications. In later models, UK built versions went to a heavier straight axle. US had the MF150 with a heavier axle, so the 135's were never upgraded.
MultiPower equipped tractors need to be looked at CAREFULLY. As mentioned, the BEST tranny option is the 4X2 found in later model years.
Diesel 135's had one common problem. Leaky oil pan gaskets. The rear "rope seal" would give way, resulting in oil seeping into the bell housing. (weep holes in the bottom of the bell housing will drip oil after use) A drop or two isn't an issue. A LOT of oil is. AGCO/MF now offers an improved seal in their lower end gasket set. Changing pan gaskets is a fairly straightforward job, usually taking an average mechanic about 3 to 4 hours total. That solves the problem if it is present.
MF didn't keep specific production numbers on the 135. US models shared a serial number sequence with all the 100 series tractors (135/150/165/175/180) making serial numbers useless in determining unit production, as well as 135's built in the UK, France, and I believe in Mexico. There were hundreds of thousands of 135's built. Had the numbers been available, the 135 would rank amongst the highest number of tractors built of that particular model of any tractor of it's time, maybe even in the top 3 or 4 of all time. There were a BUNCH of 'em built.
Find a GOOD one, and you'll have a tractor you'll never want to part with.
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Today's Featured Article - Restoration Story: Fordson Major - by Anthony West. George bought his Fordson Major from a an implement sale about 18 years ago for £200.00 (UK). There is no known history regarding its origins or what service it had done, but the following work was undertaken alone to bring it up to show standard. From the engine number, it was found that this Major was produced late 1946. It was almost complete but had various parts that would definitely need replacing.
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