The Massey Ferguson 135 is one of (if not THE) best tractor Massey ever made, with one important point: be sure you get the right engine.
Did you know that my dad was a Massey Ferguson dealer when I was younger? One year, his dealership sold more compact Massey tractors than any other dealer in the region! Needless to say, I grew up with a healthy appreciation for the brand. My family was proud to sell their newer equipment, but today I’m focusing on one of their old standards: the Massey Ferguson 135.
The 135 was made for 11 years, from 1964 to 1975. In the last year of production, the selling price was $4,385. Today, they are still affordable tractors – some of the best value you can get in the 30-40 horsepower range.
The MF 135 was offered with either a gas Continental engine or a Perkins engine that was offered in either gas or diesel. The engine choice makes all the difference in the world!
I’m not a fan of the Continental gas engine, to say the least. This particular model (either a Z-134 or a Z-145) was a wet sleeved engine. It has a weak valve train and is expensive to fix.
If you’re in the market for a MF 135, choose the Perkins option! The 3-cylinder Perkins engine is fabulous. It’s fuel efficient, highly reliable, and runs like a dream. It is easy and inexpensive to rebuild: everything you could want.
As long as you get a Perkins model, I highly recommend this tractor! The MF 135 came loaded with options, including live power, hi-lo transmission, multi-power, power steering, and spin out rims. Tractors with combinations of these options are even more desirable and fun to work with.
Out of all the Massey Ferguson tractors, the model 135 is my favorite. How about you? Does the MF 135 win first place on your list, or do you prefer a different model? Let me know in the comments below!
Wayne Burns says
I must say that the 135 is as great tractor. When I was younger a neighbor had a 135 that I would drive and I must say I did like it a lot. And I am a FORD guy. 🙂
Donald Harry Rubis says
Hello …I have a 135 with the Continental gas and would like replace the gas engine with a perkins diesel which I do have available,,,,, what am I going to rn into for problems when I try to but the perkins up to the transmission?
Jay Garrison says
I have a 135 with Perkins complete for sale..
Lisa Warren says
Sorry, we do not purchase tractors, I would suggest you try checking with an online group of tractor people such as MyTractorforum.com or a tractor auction company like Mecum. They may be able to help you with pricing and where to sell it. Good luck.
TNDan says
how much?
Phil says
I’d be interested in discussing the tractor for sale. Please reach out.
Clarence smith says
Last year I bought a massey ferguson 150. 1964 same as 135 little taller.it has 1900 hrs on it and serial number is 6430002 made in Detroit’s Perkins 3 cylinder diesel.shes mint I also have a massey ferguson 130 diesel from France.1966 and a massey ferguson 31 same as 175but beefed up.and I have a 1954 Harry ferguson to30 love all my tractors
W bruwer says
We farm with grapes in south africa.my dad drove his dads firsr ferguson in 19 56.then he later bought a 35.later followed 135 vineyard narrows.too many to remember.now i later added the 135v mk3 and 145v.and 168 mk3 and 168s.these all came from france.3cyl and 4 cyl perkins.truly the best tractors and best engines ever made today we own newer cab massey fergusons.not up to standard compared to the 135mk3.these tractors have oil emersed rear brake axles of the 165 with epycyclic rear axles.nothing ever breaks.weakest point is the flimsy front v swept front narrowaxle.the stubaxles have thin shafts.steering .but still super best narrow tractors.i now have 2 rear ends i am going to build up to complete tractors.we have about 50 masseys now.15 are 135 mk3 type
Michael Kesterson says
My Father was a Massey Dealer Too. For 35 years we had the dealership. We sold many 135 tractors.
john derick says
I have a ferguson 35 that was a one owner in Vermont,an orchard tractor since 1956,it was left to me by the original owner for all the years i helped with the apple crops.Also have a 56 massey harris 50 that i am restoring pretty much a basket case when i got it.Runs good with now ,rebuilt hyd pump and steering
Jeremy says
I have a 30 industrial in the barn and the only qualm I have with it is the steering servo cylinder. It is a hard working tractor and requires little maintenance.
Bob Miller says
My heart belongs to the 1964 model 65 Massey with the Perkin’s diesel. We bought one brand new when I was 11 years old. I spent hundreds of hours on this dependable workhorse. we put out about 300 acres of corn and about 100 in beans/wheat back then. That was a big farm in the 60s in this part of the country.
Now a 135 with a loader would be nice since I only kept 4 acres.
Ken Nodolf says
I have a 65 diesel with a loader, if you are still looking
Robert Dicus says
Do you still have the 65 with loader that you might sell ?
ed says
hi
where are you located?
Clifton says
I have a 1965 massey ferguson 180 and love it just wish it was diesel. They are great tractors
Kelly says
My twin brother and I used to mow the little grass airfield in my grandad’s hometown aboard his Massey Ferguson 35 diesel deluxe. My uncle would set the gear and throttle and off we would go, never turning off the big finish mower. One of us would steer (standing up) and the other would keep a sharp lookout for light planes on short final. We would pull to the side and let th ed planes land. I think we were 9 or 10 years old. So the 35 has a special place in my heart. If the 135 is even better, it really must be the best they ever made!
Terri says
What a cool story! Airplanes and tractors. So glad I grew up driving anything and everything out in the country. Great memories!
George Wilson says
I just purchased a 1971 MF 135 diesel w/ps.
I have plans to restore it and give it to my Wife for her birthday present, in November. We will be using it to maintain Rivey’s Farm. 30 acres Conyers Ga.
Jared Fowler says
Did the MF 135 have a gasoline engine
Shawn Bradshaw says
Yes it came with the Perkins 3 cylinder diesel or gas option or the 4 cylinder continental gas option
Bob Davison says
I have a 1972 MF 135 with the Perkins Diesel however, I also have a 1966 MF 130 Vineyard (which I have for sale by-the-way.) Both of these are great tractors! I’m selling the 130 only because I do not put it in shows any more and I hate for it to just set. I understand that it is rare and told by dealers and collectors that it is the only one in Tennessee. Does anyone know today’s selling price for the MF 130 Vineyard?
Rachel Gingell says
Hi Bob,
This MF 130 Vineyard sold in Michigan in June for $5500. https://www.mecum.com/lots/GL0616-251645/massey-ferguson-130-vineyard/
Rachel
Earl Baucom says
Will the 135 Perkins Pull a 8 ft set of Harrows?
Adam Randall Seivers says
I don’t know the sale price but I also have a 130 vineyard. I just acquired it in a trade. Seems to be a good tractor, having to fix a few minor problems but nothing serious.
Kris Olson says
1979 265 Diesel great little tractor. My grandpa bought it brand new and my dad still has it today. The only problems we had with it was a water pump (5 years ago) and batteries changed out!!
James Ramsay says
I have a Banner Lane built late model 135 to which I did some modifications last winter. It now has a top speed approaching 50mph which is very useful for cutting travel time between home and a piece of land that I have some distance away. Hope the reader will not disapprove too much of such a thing.
Alexander Matthew says
reading about your 135,what did you do to make it go fast, alex,scotland
Dennis Pletcher says
I have a MF 40 industrial, Perkins AG3 152. It has a loader and a backhoe with the reversing clutch type transmission. Just rebuilt the engine and it runs like a top. I recently purchased a MF 135 with another Perkins AG3. Had a local machine shop do a valve job and plane the head, since it was warped. I also have a TO 35 with the 4cyl Continental. It has the power assisted steering. I’ll have to say that I think it is my favorite of the three. The Perkins engines just seem so much louder, though they do have a bit more power.
Brock A Smith says
I have a M.F 135 unfortunately, it a gasser but would like to know if their serial number is like a vin in a auto if so how and who could maybe read it for me.
Lisa Warren says
The serial number should be on the instrument panel below the steering column.
LEON ARIGO says
My dad ran a muckfarm in upstate ny I was only 8 when he bought a brand new 135 I remember it was diesel had multi power and spin outs areal work horse unstoppable it would pull a 3 button plow on our lettuce farm many memories with that tractor I was 10 when I got to drive it ..
Marvin Herbel says
I burned the paint off the manifold of our 1958 TO35 in January 1959, plowing snow. It has been the best small tractor out there. I want to purchase a MF 135. So if any one knows of one for sale, I have a good home for it.
Gerda Gray says
hello,
i am german female without lots of knowledge concerning engines, tractors etc.
is there anybody who can tell me if my old massey ferguson mf 65 needs gas or diesel ?
the old man who sold it said non ethanol gas..wich we have used…but tractor seems not to have as much strength..stottering and keeps going out from time to time..
was running yesterday for about 1 hr all of the sudden would go out ..
tried to start it several times..would crank but engine does not start running..
called local massey ferguson with mod. and serial number..checked internet..did not really come up with answers..
several people here r saying they r sure it is diesel..but it had been running more or less on non ethanol gas for aboyt 2.5 yrs..maybe 2 hrs every 2 weeks.
can anybody help ?
thx
kenny says
does it have a carburater if not it is a diesel
Tom Winter says
A Diesel engine would not run on any type of gasoline so it definitely is a gas engine.
Tommy says
If it has spark plug it’s gas
Karl Aage Pedersen says
Was there some MF 135 taken in The war in Libyen 1964 or 1965
Plint Hickman says
I have a (according to serial number info) a 1951 MF TE 20 industrial tractor. I now use it on my little 10 acres. It has a Perkins 3 cylinder gasoline engine. It needs some tlc but I have fallen in love with my little tractor. Anyone have any experience with this model. It was built in England.
Tom Winter says
My uncle bought a 1954 model TE 30 and later my dad purchased it from him for use on our 115 acre dairy farm in western NY State. It was an awesome tractor, would pull a 2 bottom plow and several other pieces of equipment. Also was excellent for running a rear mounted sickle mower.
Garry A Bourne says
We have had a 1968 135 diesel since 1978 and has been the greatest tractor for our needs. Fuel efficient beyond belief and extremely dependable. Would like to find a 135 orchard tractor if anyone has any leads.
Denis says
What about 2006 Massey ferguson diesel ebgine.is this a good tractor.
Im new to this and dont know much about tractors, but i do need one.
Cropduster says
I have a 1970 MF 135 and a1978 MF 285 both with Perkins Diesel engines. Love both these tractors but the 135 has to be my favorite. It’s the deluxe model with Multipower and power steering. Will run all day on very little fuel. It’s low fuel consumption is also great when powering my pto generator.
Ron says
Got to agree with all of you. I own a 135 diesel that has been in the family since it was bought new in 1975. My Dad worked this thing hard all its life. Tobacco, corn, and hours and hours mowing and baling hay. Never been in the shop all that time, just filters and oil changes. In the winter it always being borrowed because it was the only tractor around that would start in near zero temps. Most miserly tractor on fuel that I have ever seen. They were no nonsense workhorses. I have never owned any vehicle that was more reliable.
Neil Murphy says
Do you think i could use it on the roads for an hour every few weeks or will i have to get a car
Garlon Cole says
My father and grandfather had a Massey dealer in central Ky in the late sixties and until the eighties. We sold many 135’s and I agree it is a very good tractor, but my thoughts go to the 175. I used one on my grandfather’s farm and also pulled one. I don’t think they built two better tractors for the small farmers.
William Meek says
I own a 1965 135 with the Perkins diesel and it still runs like new. I’d like to find a wiring harness configured like it was in 1965 but with the one wire alternator conversion that has already been done.
I use mine to manage a 70 acre farm in South Carolina.
john o reilly says
hi how do i know if the engine in a 135 is a perkins
Kevin says
Perkins was 3 cylinders and continental had 4.
rod baker says
ive just started on my 3rd massey 1st was a 35 4cyl diesel and was beyond use .
then i had a love affair with a ted20 grey fergy got it all running n safe used for mowing mainly.
now i have just bought a MF30 serial 1104991 4 cylinder diesel awsome little machine but i am having trouble finding parts and a service manual if any one can tell me its age it would be good
Suzette Thomas says
Rod I added a link below to the parts we have listed for the Massey Ferguson 30
https://www.steinertractor.com/brand-Massey-Ferguson-30
We do not carry the service manual but can special order it, your cost would be $93.99 + delivery. If that is something you would be interested in please contact our office at 1-800-234-3280. Have a great day.
Frank Joy says
I have a Massey Ferguson 204 with a front loader and a back hoe. It has been a great machine. I bought it used about 30 years ago and have had great service.
Eric Korir says
Recently bought a 135 with Perkins engine.
just rebuilding the engine. Two pistons were cracked and cab shaft was found grooved. Might there be a problem with lubrication in this area ?
Jujhar Singh says
I likes Mf135 as well. Very reliable & fuel efficient tractor. We have a 135 in 1972. I was a 6 year old. I still remember it.
Nicki says
I’m looking for a service manual for the Perkins Diesel 3-cylinder engine (fuel injection pump especially) in my father’s 1966 Massey Ferguson 40 tractor.
Can anyone help?
Kevin says
I believe the 135 was a great versatile tractor for all around farm use but, the 165 Perkins was overall a better tractor in terms of field work! I’ve had many Massey’s ( to20, to30, 35, 50, 65, 80, 135, 165 (had 3 of them), and 1135) out of all of them, the 165 with multi power is still my favorite!
Randy says
I have a 135 Massey Ferguson with a perkins ,power sterring and flat top fenders. tried everything to find the year it was made . No plate on the dash and couldnt find any numbers under the battery box. I do have engine block and oil pan nubers. Any thoughts would be a great help. Thanks !!!
Billy R Smith says
The only thing better than a Massey Ferguson is two of them, I have three 135’s all Perkins diesel. If it ain’t going forward it’s digging a hole.
Bill Smith McDonough,Ga.
ruby Ishimoto says
I have 135 Massey needs good home …..needs lots of work…has not been used for long time.
Everett says
I own the MF 135 with the Perkins 3 Cyl diesel. It is fuel efficient beyond belief and never fails to start. The tractor has no doubt seen a fair amount of abuse in it’s day and yet still performs flawlessly. It is very much worth restoring which is what I am doing slowly but surely.
Don says
I have a 64 or 65 135 and once it warms up it stalls. I wait a few minutes and restart it and it will run for a couple minutes and stalls again. Can any one give me suggestions on what to check.
Leslie Price says
I just bought a MF 135, what an incredible tractor, sounds smooth, only downside is no serial number anywhere.
Mike says
I’ve owned a Continental 145 engine in a 1965 MF 150 for 35 years. Completely trouble free. A very reliable, smooth and powerful engine. I’ve never heard or read of anyone having trouble with them.
The advantage of a gas tractor is in a low purchase price and convenient operation.
Nobody wants a gas tractor so they are much cheaper to buy than an equivalent diesel tractor. They’re handy if all your other equipment is gasoline as well. Easy cold weather starting and smooth operation makes for a pleasant chore tractor. Finally, the engine produces excellent power, easily more power than this relatively compact tractor can actually use.
Venice F.Cox Jr. says
I have a 1959 M-F 50 with the Z134 Continental gasoline engine & it has been a great performing engine! I did install electronic ignition so I wouldn’t have to do tune ups anymore ! So all I need to do is replace the distributor cap & rotor button so often & the spark plugs seem to last allot longer & I put in a flame thrower coil which is part of the Pertronics E/I I did buy a 2018 M-F 1526 but I still use the 50 year round & she is just as good as allot of the new tractors , Or better & I don’t know why you knocked these engines ,This engine performs all the task I need it do & that has been for 25 years now & I do take good care of her but I also don’t baby it & I bought the M-F 50 used.
Jay Curt Clyne says
I have a MF 150 with a Perkins 3 cylinder diesel. Great tractor. I am thinking of adding a remote hydraulic system to the 3 point hydraulic. Has anyone done this? I would like to pull a small sickle cutting implement. thanks
Rocky DeVon says
I have more Massey’s than most people. My list is pretty good. I have a 2135 with the Continental gas and Davis 102 loader. A 135 with the Perkins diesel and a 236 loader attached. I have a 245 orchard narrow with the Perkins diesel and a Dual loader and the factory upgraded hydraulic package. I have 6 yes six of my favorite orchard tractors the 265 Orchard narrow and one of them hast the upgraded hydraulic package. I have a 294-4 with a 236 loader and a 1835M Cab tractor with factory loader that I recently bought new. I have 1 John Deere and that is all I will ever have. The 135 is a great tractor but the 265 beats it hands down. It has twice the HP in a similar size package that is far heavier. It still maintains the ease of maintenance and has forward push pedals and independent PTO.