MF 135

[Gerry R]

Hi - looking for some help please. I’ve bought a house with four acres and I’d like to have a tractor with loader and topper for work that needs doing. I have looked at lots of MF 135s, most have 5000+ hours and in reasonable condition, price £5k to £8k. But I also see MF 3635s and 2350s that are 20 years younger and with half the hours for similar prices. I don’t need such a big tractor, but why are the newer / less work tractors of a similar price to a MF 135 that is probably 50+ years old? Thanks
Gerry

 

[farmgineer]

Classic tractors have become collectors items and the 135 is a very desirable one. It's simple, well designed and easy to drive/fix. One of the best for that size. No idea on the other models, someone will be along to explain better soon

 

[Gerry R]

Thanks

 

[Kidds]

why are the newer / less work tractors of a similar price to a MF 135 that is probably 50+ years old? Thanks

Because they are very well made and when used on your 4 acres will easily do another 50 years if looked after.

 

[trebornella]

For your sort of acreage a 135 is ideal. Unfortunately they are collectable and therefore command high prices. Dont be put off by age and high hours as most will have had repairs during their life. MF tractors always command a higher price as the export trade still want them. You might find a bargain if you choose another make, Leyland, David Brown, Case, Zetor etc, although these are also on the rise. Try and buy one that you know the history of, dont buy just beacause its got shiny paint. If you find something suitable, it could be worth getting a local mechanic to give it a look over. Could save some grief down the line. Please dont buy the 3635, they're cheap for a reason.

 

[Tractortech]

Now Then..
I've just had a quick look at a well known online auction site. Using your price range, there are quite a few useful looking tractors. While the MF 135 may be a simple and reliable tractor they are a thing of the past. How steep/wet/rough is your land?? Also, what do intend to lift/do with a loader?? I remember the days of a 135 with a trip loader,,,,,, heavy to steer, and less than good off concrete.
Personally, I'd consider a four wheel drive tractor with a cab and power steering. There are a few of those available. Unless you're VAT registered, look for a 'no VAT' tractor..
And, as mentioned, don't buy a machine with shiny paint. If you don't know tractors, take a local Ag engineer sort of chap with you to look..

 

[Kidds]

Can't see how a householder needs a 4WD and a cab, in fact I doubt they even need a loader.
A MF35 would do just fine, have some 3 point linkage pallet tines and it's just as good. Or get an IH574 or similar with a rear loader or fork lift attachment and I can't think what you couldn't manage to do. We farmed very intensively with many more acres than that with nothing bigger than a 574 for decades and on steep land that I never dared take a tractor on.

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

Can you get a loader on a Fendt 936, asking for a friend

 

[alomy75]

Can't see how a householder needs a 4WD and a cab, in fact I doubt they even need a loader.
A MF35 would do just fine, have some 3 point linkage pallet tines and it's just as good. Or get an IH574 or similar with a rear loader or fork lift attachment and I can't think what you couldn't manage to do. We farmed very intensively with many more acres than that with nothing bigger than a 574 for decades and on steep land that I never dared take a tractor on.

Initially I agreed with you…but then double checked and he’s got 4ac. Depends what he wants but unless you love old tractors (which he sounds like he doesn’t) it would get quite old quite quickly topping four acres every weekend with a 4’ topper…I think I’d be tempted to buy an ih or case ih 585-785 something like that. As above; avoid the 3635.

 

[Gerry R]

Now Then..
I've just had a quick look at a well known online auction site. Using your price range, there are quite a few useful looking tractors. While the MF 135 may be a simple and reliable tractor they are a thing of the past. How steep/wet/rough is your land?? Also, what do intend to lift/do with a loader?? I remember the days of a 135 with a trip loader,,,,,, heavy to steer, and less than good off concrete.
Personally, I'd consider a four wheel drive tractor with a cab and power steering. There are a few of those available. Unless you're VAT registered, look for a 'no VAT' tractor..
And, as mentioned, don't buy a machine with shiny paint. If you don't know tractors, take a local Ag engineer sort of chap with you to look..

Thanks for all the replies, really appreciated. I need the loader as my pass time is woodwork and I have several tons of slabbed oak drying which I will need to move about once I relocate to this new home. The land is very flat and it is dry (everything is relative in this weather!).

 

[Pennine Ploughing]

need the loader as my pass time is woodwork and I have several tons of slabbed oak drying which I will need to move about once I relocate to this new home.

Would an old buckrake on the back not do your job , be cheaper and far easier to steer the tractor

 

[Kidds]

I'd say either of these are better than a loader for such things and own all three so talking from experience.

 

[Gerry R]

Would an old buckrake on the back not do your job , be cheaper and far easier to steer the tractor

Yes, that might work

 

[Jasper]

Have a look at a mf 40 industrial ( basically a 135 ) try and find one with 3 pt linkage and pto they are a really strong loader and a lot cheaper than a 135