The Massey Ferguson 135 is one of the best-known small tractors ever built. Simple mechanical systems, the Ferguson three-point linkage, excellent parts availability and the widely used Perkins three-cylinder diesel helped make it a favourite with farmers, smallholders, contractors and repair workshops around the world.
“MF135” does not describe every closely related tractor. Specification changed by country, year, fuel type and option. The MF148 and MF150 are closely related members of the 100 Series family, but they are distinct models. Always identify the exact model, serial number, engine and transmission before ordering parts or using workshop settings.
At a Glance
| Model | Typical production period | What makes it different |
|---|---|---|
| MF135 | 1960s–1970s; dates vary by market | Core utility model; Perkins diesel is the best-known version, with petrol versions in some markets. |
| MF135 Deluxe / Special | Mainly North American market | Different equipment levels; Special was the economy specification, Deluxe the better-equipped version. |
| MF2135 Industrial | 100 Series era | Industrial adaptation for loader, municipal and light construction work. |
| MF135 Vineyard / Narrow / Orchard | Market-dependent | Narrower or specialised chassis/axle arrangements for orchards and vineyards. |
| MF148 | About 1972–1976 | European 100 Series development: longer wheelbase and a higher-output version of the Perkins AD3.152. |
| MF150 | About 1964–1975 in North America | Larger-chassis companion to the 135, offered as standard, wide row-crop and tricycle/narrow-front versions. |
MF135 Production and Development
The MF135 replaced the successful MF35 and became one of the key tractors in Massey Ferguson’s 100 Series. Production dates differ depending on the factory and market. North-American production is generally listed from 1964 to 1975, while British-built Coventry tractors continued later, into 1979.
The most familiar British and European tractor uses the Perkins AD3.152, a 2.5-litre, three-cylinder direct-injection diesel. Perkins records that the 3.152 used in the MF35 was developed into a direct-injection unit for the MF135. Petrol models were also sold, especially in North America, including Perkins and Continental-engined versions.
Engines
Perkins AD3.152 Diesel
- Three cylinders
- Approximately 2.5 litres / 152 cu in
- Direct injection on the MF135 diesel
- Firing order: 1-2-3
- Simple mechanical fuel system
- Excellent parts and service support
The AD3.152 is one of the main reasons the 135 remains popular. It is economical, easy to understand and generally durable when correctly serviced. Do not assume every 135 has the same engine: petrol and market-specific versions exist.
Petrol Versions
North-American tractors could also be fitted with the Continental Z-145 four-cylinder petrol engine or the Perkins AG3.152 three-cylinder petrol engine. Parts, ignition settings and workshop procedures therefore depend on the engine actually fitted.
Transmission Options
MF135 tractors can be found with several transmission arrangements, including six-speed, eight-speed and twelve-speed Multi-Power versions, depending on market and year.
Standard Gearboxes
The conventional gearboxes are mechanically simple and are often preferred by restorers who want the least complicated transmission. Check gear selection, bearing noise, clutch operation and oil condition before assuming internal work is required.
Multi-Power
Multi-Power gives an additional high/low ratio that can be changed on the move, producing twelve forward and four reverse ratios on the common six-speed base transmission.
The manufacturer’s operating instructions state that Multi-Power should be in High when descending hills to provide engine braking. Low range can freewheel. A tractor with Multi-Power also must not be relied on to remain stationary simply because it is left in gear when the engine is stopped — use the parking brake correctly.
Hydraulics and Ferguson Linkage
The Ferguson hydraulic system and three-point linkage are central to the tractor’s appeal. Position control and draft control allow the tractor to work effectively with mounted implements, but age, contamination and wear can produce familiar symptoms.
Common Hydraulic Complaints
- Linkage will not lift
- Linkage lifts slowly when the oil is hot
- Implement drops rapidly after the engine stops
- Juddering or pulsing while lifting
- No response from draft or position controls
- Weak auxiliary hydraulic performance
First Checks Before Dismantling
- Check oil level and condition.
- Confirm the correct control-lever positions.
- Check whether the fault changes between cold and hot oil.
- Look for external leakage and obvious linkage problems.
- Confirm whether the pump is operating before removing the hydraulic top cover.
- Use the correct workshop procedure before adjusting internal linkage settings.
A common mistake is to start adjusting the internal linkage without first identifying whether the fault is pump, valve, linkage, cylinder or leakage related.
Clutch and PTO
Many MF135 tractors use a two-stage clutch so the first part of pedal travel stops tractor drive while the second stage stops the PTO. Correct adjustment is important.
Typical Problems
- Clutch slipping under load
- Clutch dragging and difficult gear engagement
- PTO will not stop or will not drive correctly
- Incorrect pedal free play
- Oil contamination of the clutch housing
Before splitting the tractor, check pedal adjustment and confirm whether the fault affects the transmission clutch, PTO clutch or both.
Steering, Front Axle and Brakes
After decades of work, front axle pivots, steering joints, spindle bushes and wheel bearings deserve close inspection. Excessive steering play is often the sum of several small worn points rather than one single failure.
Brake performance should be even on both sides. Oil contamination, poor adjustment and worn components can all cause weak or uneven braking. Tractors used on the road should have the pedals securely coupled for normal road travel.
Electrical System
Electrical equipment varies with age and market. Early tractors may have generator/dynamo charging while later or modified tractors may have alternators. Before replacing charging components:
- Test battery condition.
- Check belt tension.
- Clean battery terminals and earth connections.
- Check wiring continuity and damaged terminals.
- Measure charging voltage rather than diagnosing by the warning lamp alone.
MF135 Variants and Special Versions
135 Deluxe and 135 Special
North-American literature distinguishes the better-equipped 135 Deluxe from the economy 135 Special. Equipment differences can include transmission, steering, instrumentation and other options. The badge alone should not be used to order mechanical parts — identify the components fitted.
MF2135 Industrial
The 2135 is the industrial member of the family. It was intended for loader, municipal and industrial duties and can have heavier or different axle, wheel, body and implement arrangements. Agricultural 135 parts and manuals are not automatically correct for every 2135 component.
Vineyard, Narrow and Orchard Types
Factory literature and surviving tractors show narrow-track and orchard/vineyard configurations. These can use different axle widths, wheels, tyres, fenders and other details. Their purpose was to work between narrow crop rows and under orchard canopies.
If restoring one of these tractors, photograph and measure the original axle, wheel and fender arrangement before buying standard MF135 replacements. Specialist versions are much easier to accidentally “restore” into the wrong specification.
MF148 – The Longer, More Powerful Relative
The Massey Ferguson 148 arrived in the early 1970s as a closely related European 100 Series tractor. It retained the Perkins AD3.152 but in a higher-output form, commonly quoted at about 49 hp.
The 148 has a noticeably longer wheelbase than the 135. Contemporary descriptions explain that the extra length moved the tractor’s balance forward and improved stability with mounted equipment. It was available with an eight-speed transmission or Multi-Power, depending on specification.
MF148 Points to Check
- Do not assume MF135 chassis or axle parts are identical.
- Confirm whether the tractor is eight-speed or Multi-Power.
- Check hydraulic equipment fitted, including auxiliary pump arrangements.
- Identify cab and rear-axle specification before ordering restoration parts.
MF150 – Standard, Wide Row Crop and Tricycle
The MF150 is particularly important when discussing the 135 family because North-American buyers often encounter the two models together. It is not simply a rebadged 135: the 150 uses a longer chassis and was aimed at work requiring more crop clearance and different front-axle arrangements.
Factory model listings include three important MF150 forms:
- Standard – fixed wide-front configuration.
- Wide Row Crop – adjustable wide-front configuration with greater crop clearance.
- Tricycle / Narrow Front – closely spaced front wheels for row-crop work.
The MF150 used the same general engine family as the North-American 135, including Perkins diesel and petrol choices and a Continental petrol option. It was also available with conventional and Multi-Power transmissions.
A search for “MF135 manual” may not cover the chassis, front axle, row-crop equipment or other components on an MF150. Likewise, MF148 settings should not automatically be copied from an MF135. Model identification comes first.
Buying an MF135 or Related Model
Engine
- Start it from cold if possible.
- Watch exhaust smoke at start-up and under load.
- Listen for heavy knocks and abnormal timing noise.
- Check for excessive crankcase fumes.
- Look for coolant contamination or oil leakage.
Transmission and Clutch
- Try every gear.
- Check whether it jumps out of gear under load or overrun.
- Listen for bearing or final-drive noise.
- Check both clutch stages where fitted.
- On Multi-Power, test both ranges and confirm correct engine braking behaviour in High.
Hydraulics
- Lift a substantial implement if available.
- Check lift speed cold and hot.
- Watch whether the linkage pulses or drops rapidly.
- Test draft/position controls.
Chassis and Steering
- Check front axle pivot and steering joints.
- Inspect rear axle housings for repairs or leaks.
- Look for cracks or poor repairs around loader mounting points.
- On vineyard, orchard and row-crop versions, check that specialist axle/wheel components have not been replaced with incorrect standard parts.
Restoration Advice
The MF135 is straightforward to restore, but simplicity can encourage unnecessary dismantling. Start with identification, inspection and testing.
- Record the tractor serial number and engine number.
- Photograph the tractor before removing components.
- Establish whether it is standard, Deluxe, Special, industrial, narrow, vineyard, orchard, MF148 or MF150 row-crop specification.
- Obtain the correct operator, workshop and parts literature.
- Test the engine, hydraulics, PTO and transmission before dismantling.
- Repair mechanical faults before cosmetic work.
- Preserve original brackets, castings, wheel centres and specialist components whenever possible.
Quick Fault Guide
| Symptom | First areas to investigate |
|---|---|
| Diesel difficult to start | Battery/cranking speed, heater system if fitted, fuel supply, air in fuel, injection condition, compression. |
| Hydraulic lift weak when hot | Oil condition, pump wear, internal leakage, control/relief valves, lift cylinder. |
| PTO continues turning with clutch depressed | Two-stage clutch adjustment, clutch condition, linkage/free play. |
| Multi-Power only works in Low | Oil/filter condition, hydraulic pressure, control linkage, internal Multi-Power system. |
| Excessive steering play | Track-rod ends, steering box/linkage, spindle bushes, front axle pivot. |
| Uneven brakes | Adjustment, contamination, wear, seized or damaged components. |
| Charging warning lamp stays on | Drive belt, battery, earths, wiring, generator/alternator and regulator. |
Related Agrimanual Manuals
For repair work, use the correct manual for the exact tractor and specification.
- Massey Ferguson 135 Tractor Operator Instruction Book 819 263 M1 – controls, operation, hydraulics, PTO, maintenance schedules and specifications.
- Search Agrimanual for MF135 manuals
- Search Agrimanual for MF148 manuals
- Search Agrimanual for MF150 manuals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MF148 just an MF135?
No. It is closely related and uses the same basic Perkins AD3.152 engine family, but the 148 has a longer chassis, more power and specification differences. Use model-correct information for chassis, hydraulics and transmission work.
Is the MF150 a row-crop version of the MF135?
The MF150 is a separate 100 Series model related to the 135. It was offered in standard, wide row-crop and tricycle/narrow-front forms, so “MF150” alone does not identify the front axle configuration.
Do all MF135 tractors have the Perkins diesel?
No. The Perkins AD3.152 diesel is the best-known engine, but petrol versions were sold in some markets, including Continental and Perkins petrol engines.
Are all MF135 gearboxes the same?
No. Six-speed, eight-speed and Multi-Power transmissions can be found depending on year and market.
Why does Multi-Power freewheel downhill?
In Multi-Power Low, the transmission does not provide normal engine braking. Manufacturer instructions require High range for engine braking when descending hills.
Reference Notes
Production figures and specifications vary between markets and factories. This feature uses published Massey Ferguson operator information, Perkins historical information and established tractor reference data as general guidance. For service, adjustment and repair work, always use the correct manual for the tractor model, engine, serial range and equipment fitted.