The Massey Ferguson 135 was the first tractor of the 100 range and the successor to the MF35. Launched in 1964 together with the 165 and 175, it became the most popular model of the family and one of the best-selling tractors ever made, with more than 413,000 built at Coventry alone.
Massey Ferguson 135 at a glance
| Maker | Massey Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Production | 1964–1975; built in Britain until 1979 |
| Built at | Coventry, England; Detroit, United States |
| Engine | Perkins AD3.152 three-cylinder diesel, 2,498 cc |
| Power | 45 hp (37 ch DIN) |
| Alternative engines | Perkins AG3.152 petrol; 2.2-litre Continental petrol in the US |
| Transmission | 6 forward and 2 reverse; 8 speeds later; 12 and 4 with Multi-Power |
| Drive | Two-wheel drive |
| Special versions | Narrow vineyard model; 2135 industrial version |
| Built | 413,153 at Coventry, 1965–1979 |
| Replaced by | Massey Ferguson 235 |
English Wikipedia gives 45 hp for the Perkins diesel and French Wikipedia 37 ch DIN; both figures are quoted. Production dates differ between the two: 1964–1975 in France, with British building until 1979.
History of the Massey Ferguson 135
The first of the 100 range
After the merger of Massey Harris and Ferguson in 1953 the two old ranges stayed on the market side by side, which did the new company’s image no good. The single 100 range arrived in 1964, and the 135 sat in the middle of it. Its success was immediate: the Detroit plant built almost 13,000 in 1965, and the following year Coventry turned out 44,246, more than half of all tractors built in Britain that year.
Changes through the years
The bodywork became more angular in 1965 and was updated again in 1971 with a larger fuel tank. Production in Britain continued until 1979, while in the United States the model ended in 1975 and was succeeded by the MF235. From 1976 the tractor was sold as the 135 Super with 45 ch, an eight-speed gearbox and reshaped mudguards. It was also built under licence in India, Mexico and Yugoslavia, and its simple mechanics and reliability keep it in demand on the second-hand market in developing countries.
Design and features
- Perkins three-cylinder diesel: the new 2,498 cc AD3.152, rated at 45 hp and 37 ch DIN, with petrol alternatives in some markets.
- Multi-Power: an optional torque amplifier doubled the six-speed gearbox to twelve forward and four reverse speeds.
- Drum brakes: the 135 kept drums where other 100-series tractors used discs.
- Narrow version: a vineyard and orchard model with front tracks from 82 to 122 cm and rear tracks from 73 to 131 cm.
- Simple mechanics: the main reason for its long life in developing markets.
Massey Ferguson 135 versions
- 135 (1964–1975): the standard tractor, six speeds or eight from 1970.
- Narrow vineyard version: for vineyards and orchards.
- 2135: industrial version of 45.5 ch in yellow paint.
- 135 Super (1976): 45 ch, eight forward and two reverse speeds, new mudguards.
- Licence-built: examples from India, Mexico and Yugoslavia.
The 135 was the smaller sister of the 165 and the 178, and it replaced the MF35. More tractors are in the Massey Ferguson collection.
Video: Restoring a Massey Ferguson 135
Video by Miguel Ángel Romacho Contreras on YouTube.
Sources
- Massey Ferguson 135, English Wikipedia: history, production numbers, engines, gearboxes
- Massey Ferguson 135, French Wikipedia: narrow version, 2135, 135 Super
- Massey Ferguson 135, Russian Wikipedia: transmission, second-hand demand
