First Working Classic - Super Major?

[Ley253]

Major is too clumsy a lump for orchard work. 135 or for much less money, and more traction, Leyland 245/253. Leyland would be better on the hedger.

 

[timff]

Agree with Ley253, to use a Major in an orchard you would need to be Popeye...

 

[Ley253]

Agree with Ley253, to use a Major in an orchard you would need to be Popeye...

Be easier as time went on though, not so many trees!

 

[X344chap]

Major is too clumsy a lump for orchard work. 135 or for much less money, and more traction, Leyland 245/253. Leyland would be better on the hedger.

Id go for a 344 or 255 with cab as it has a solid chassis if you want to hang weights on it.

 

[Ley253]

I was thinking the closest thing to the MF. Same engine for one thing.The 344/ 255 are similar in size to the major, though would be a nicer drive.

 

[Ray]

135 is a very good well received tractor, popularity along with values of such speak for themselves. Ford's answer to rival this MF favorite was the 3000. This is a very similar tractor of similar power, size, weight and features and would no doubt perform equally as well as a 135, but would be a cheaper option as they don't seem to demand such high prices. That said, a 3 cylinder MF35 that was superseded by the 135 would be just as good for the OP's needs and would also be a cheaper buy too. Then there's DB 780 / 880's that again are similar tractors that would probably be even cheaper to source... If it were me, I'd have a look around and see what could be bought for the budget in mind and concentrate on condition rather than a specific model.

 

[TheTallGuy]

135 is a very good well received tractor, popularity along with values of such speak for themselves. Ford's answer to rival this MF favorite was the 3000. This is a very similar tractor of similar power, size, weight and features and would no doubt perform equally as well as a 135, but would be a cheaper option as they don't seem to demand such high prices. That said, a 3 cylinder MF35 that was superseded by the 135 would be just as good for the OP's needs and would also be a cheaper buy too. Then there's DB 780 / 880's that again are similar tractors that would probably be even cheaper to source... If it were me, I'd have a look around and see what could be bought for the budget in mind and concentrate on condition rather than a specific model.

The reason the 3000s command a lower price is because of all the problems they tend to come with! Porous blocks, head gasket failures, crap brakes, poor hydraulic control, axle pivot wear...

 

[Ray]

The reason the 3000s command a lower price is because of all the problems they tend to come with! Porous blocks, head gasket failures, crap brakes, poor hydraulic control, axle pivot wear...

The 3000 has the same dry shoe brakes as the 135 and shares the same front axle pivots as cranked axle 135's too. Must admit 135 and 3000 alike don't have the best braking system but one's no better than the other. It is indeed true Ford have had porous block issues, but this isn't so common with the 3000. The AD3.152 Perkins in the 135 can also have the parallel liners drop resulting in head gasket failures, I've replaced liners in these a few times in the past because of this very problem, so all makes and models aren't without fault. Make no mistake I do think a 135 is the better tractor as we have both here to compare, but given the choice of a nice clean tidy 3000 or a dog rough ex scraper 135 I know which I'd be buying for the money.

 

[Matt81150]

My thanks to all for the suggestions and info. The Massey 140 Super has caught my eye and a few are available in my area. Seems like it would fit the bill, more suitable and usable for my work than the Super Major. Any thoughts on the 140 Super that I need to know? Thanks in advance.

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

140 super is made in France, and parts are hard to get, and if you can get them they are very costly

I would keep off them

 

[tomlad]

Bit bigger than a 135 ? Not one im familiar with , mates got a 130 , ( i think its a 130 , thats french ,) not to seem disrespectful but if ur wanting a working classic, why buy a odd ball model

 

[tomlad]

It is a 130

 

[Matt81150]

Thanks for your replies. Not such an odd ball model as I live in France so that helps with the parts issue and engine parts aren't a problem. The direct injection and 45hp is what's making it attractive. But I completely see your point(s).

 

[tomlad]

Ahh i hadn't read that bit captain