The Massey Ferguson 235 was the smallest tractor of the 200 series, built in France from 1976 to 1983. Its mechanical and hydraulic basis came straight from the 100 range, and production continued in Poland under licence as the Ursus 2812 until 2009.
Massey Ferguson 235 at a glance
| Maker | Massey Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Production | 1976–1983 (France); to 2009 as Ursus 2812 (Poland) |
| Built at | France; Ursus works in Poland under licence |
| Series | 200, smallest model |
| Mechanics | Carried over from the 100 range |
| Body | 200-series styling |
| Electrical | Alternator instead of dynamo |
| Cab | Optional cab instead of the roll-over frame |
| Slogan | “With the new MF 200… once again, MF surpasses MF.” |
| Licence name | Ursus 2812 |
Based on one source: the French Wikipedia article on the 235. English Wikipedia has no article on this model.
History of the Massey Ferguson 235
The smallest of the 200 series
The 235 was built in France from 1976 to 1983 as the smallest member of the 200 series. Underneath it used the mechanical and hydraulic bases that had made the 100 range a success, dressed in the new 200-series bodywork. It brought an alternator in place of the dynamo, and a cab could be ordered instead of the roll-over frame. Its advertising slogan was “With the new MF 200… once again, MF surpasses MF.”
Polish production
After 1983 the model carried on in Poland, where the Ursus works built it under Massey Ferguson licence as the Ursus 2812 until 2009. During its life the tractor received small changes: the battery moved from the front of the dashboard to the front of the radiator, and the dry air filter under the dashboard moved forward as well and was replaced by an oil-bath type. Both relocations allowed a rigid closed cab to be fitted as standard and made routine maintenance easier, at the cost of a longer body ahead of the front axle and a larger front overhang, while the wheelbase stayed the same.
Design and features
- 100-series mechanics: the proven engine, transmission and hydraulics of the previous range.
- 200-series body: the new styling of the family, with the 235 as its smallest member.
- Alternator: fitted in place of the dynamo of the 100-series tractors.
- Factory cab option: a closed cab could replace the roll-over frame.
- Maintenance-friendly updates: battery and air filter moved to the front of the radiator, with an oil-bath filter replacing the dry element.
Massey Ferguson 235 versions
- 235 (1976–1983): French-built, with roll-over frame or optional cab.
- Updated 235: battery and air filter moved forward, oil-bath filter, rigid cab as standard.
- Ursus 2812: Polish licence production from 1983 to 2009.
The 235 was the smallest of the 200 series and the successor of the 135. More tractors are in the Massey Ferguson collection.
Video: Ploughing with a Massey Ferguson 235 in 2014
Video by Maciek Maciek on YouTube.
Sources
- Massey Ferguson 235, French Wikipedia: production, mechanics, equipment, updates, Ursus licence
