First timer looking for some advice!

[Ashandiamo]

I have a Massey Ferguson 135 and am considering looking for a plough so that I can participate in some of the local ploughing matches. I have done a little commercial ploughing in the past but never any serious stuff.
I may have the opportunity to buy a Ransomes 2 furrow reversible with discs, skimmers and a land wheel but wonder if this is the right plough for me and the tractor. (I'm afraid I don't know what model of plough/mouldboards etc.)
Would I be right to go for this or would I be better going for a conventional plough and if so any advice would be appreciated on what would be best to go for.
Thanks.
Andy

 

[L P]

Be fine with 2 furrow but personally I would go non reversible, I have a feeling reversible isn't vintage eligable but may be wrong, make sure it's on gentle boards not some deep diggers, judges like openings not trenches!

 

[Tonym]

135 is not legal for vintage ploughing. It would have to be in the classic class. A Ramsomes 2 furrow reversible with the right TCN bodies would be ok in classic reversible. If you fancy conventional a Ransomes TS 59 again with TCN bodies would be the plough to go for.

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

The classic reversible would be a hand trip, not hydraulic, and this class will get to be more and more as time goes on, or as above TS59 but both with TCN boards, and hope your 135 is a none Q cab per 1976

 

[Ashandiamo]

Thanks for the quick responses and the advice, all of which leads me to ask ask a few more questions.
Is there an easy way to identify a TS59 plough? I imagime a lot won't have any plate showing model numbers. Also how can you tell if it has TCN boards?
In relation to the question about the cab, it is 1978 and has a Duncan cab, will this make a difference to the points raised?
Thanks again
Andy

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

1978 Duncan cab 135, will not plough in the vintage or classic class, you just have got the wrong age of tractor sorry, but that's the way it is

 

[Ashandiamo]

Guess I can kiss goodbye to any notion of taking part in a ploughing match because changing the tractor isn't an option. Seems crazy that a date can have such an impact but guess there has to be rules.
Thanks anyway.
Andy

 

[L P]

The classic reversible would be a hand trip, not hydraulic, and this class will get to be more and more as time goes on, or as above TS59 but both with TCN boards, and hope your 135 is a none Q cab per 1976

Pennine ploughing, I am toying with selling the E27n and as you correctly noticed, the no9... Not elite! Would it be of interest?

 

[arcobob]

I stand to be corrected but I think 135s ceased production in 1975 and, as with all 100 series, was replaced with 200 series (240 etc). I have never seen one with a Q cab. I think you should do some more research. In the event that I am correct the advice about a TS59 and TCN boards is sound but I would advise you look for one with Kristeel boards and a Ransomes trademark stamped in the back. Get hold of a book called "Ransomes and their Tractor Share Ploughs" by Anthony Clare and published by Old Pond Publishing.

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

Yes they did make 135 well after 1975, the later ones did have Q cab and where made up until 1979 for this country, and longer for export

 

[arcobob]

I have been doing some further research and you may well be correct as there is conflicting evidence. I think production dates varied in different countries. Does the "in production before" rule apply as in vintage? This may be worth taking up with the Society of Ploughmen.

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

No it doesn't,
it says, classic 1960 to per Q cab ( approximately 1976 )

 

[arcobob]

You are quite right. It looks as though this tractor is in no mans land !

 

[Tonym]

Take off the q cab and the number plate and fit a set of mudguards and no one will know. Compared to some of the rule infringements you see I would think you would be ok as you would not be getting any advantage. (Although I cannot see what advantage the Q cab would give you).
Other legal alternative is to go World style

 

[arcobob]

Or appeal to the SOP and get them to change the rules. HA HA !

 

[Tonym]

I think the rules need clarifying. Is it the date or the Q cab that bars it from the classic class? Many tractors must have been sold with q cabs before the 1st June 1976 when the regulations came in, if so do they qualify? If they were in production before that date as they must have been why can't you use a later one? The vintage class allows all 3 cyl 35s ( but not the later 35x model) which were only in production for a month before the Dec. 31st 1959 cut off date to be used so why can the 135 not be treated the same.

 

[Tonym]

I have just dug out the rule book. I quote-
"In the classic class all models of tractor must have been in production prior to Q Cab regulations (approximately 1976)"

My interpretation of this is that both tractor and cab are ok as it is still the same model and not say a 135Q and was in production prior to 1976.

 

[arcobob]

Ask the Ayotollah but get a ruling in writing.

 

[Ashandiamo]

All I wanted to do was to have a go at doing some local ploughing matches, I knew the art of ploughing would be a challenge but never thought it could be so difficult to even qualify to get through the field gate!

 

[Roy Stokes]

All I wanted to do was to have a go at doing some local ploughing matches, I knew the art of ploughing would be a challenge but never thought it could be so difficult to even qualify to get through the field gate!

Andy, I cannot see why you cannot compete at local level with that tractor, as posted above you would have no advantage to other competitors just for having a Q cab, however, on the day you win a major match/title you will be scrutinised by some other competitors who can be envious of your win and they will want the rule book thrown at you.

If you would like more hints and tips on classic conventional ploughing take a look at www.stokesoftongnorton.weebly.com
just click on the link