It looks like a MF 35. What does the name plate say? No year can be determined without knowing the serial number.

3 speed or 4 speed transmission?

Hi/low is likely a Sherman overdrive, a common aftermarket item on these tractors

If I remember correctly 3 speed would be pre 49. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

I've got one too, both my 59 Gas and the 72 Diesel are three speeds with high/low and double clutches. Great sized little tractors. My 59 just says Ferguson on the hood.

Dang Charlie, that thing ever been outside?
Nice tractor!

Here's a pic of the selectors. Any ideas?

There was a time period when those tractors changed color from the factory every year seems like. There was a wide variation in color when they were featured at a large show like Mt. Pleasant one year.

I don't know when they started offering diesels but they tended to use 3 cylinder Perkins for a long time. Gas engines in that size tractor changed from four cylinder Continental (the early MF-135 was offered with two sizes of gas engines) to three cylinder Perkins gas. My '68 MF-135 was the last year for the Continental.

Gerald J.

In the late 60s MF135 were made in Canada, England, France, Germany, South Africa and probably India and at least one middle eastern country. I have a book about the 100 series. Based on the specification in that book the only thing for sure shared between the different factories was the paint color and model number. I know the North American model like I have came in standard or special and deluxe with different Continental gas engines plus the three cylinder Perkins diesel. The next year, 1969 they went to a three cylinder Perkins gas. The deluxe came with at least two, probably 3 different transmission options and a couple PTO options. Mine has 12 speeds foward with two shifters and an imitation IH Torque Amplifier to split the gears with a hydraulically shifted gear splitter, the only shift that works on the go. Mine has a differential lock that wasn't on every one and a factory hydraulic valve that with three levers runs or locks the three point and runs two remote outlet pairs. The levers beside the seat still set the three point position and the pump operation when the three point isn't locked. They have to be at the top positions to use the remotes.

The English MF-135 used the same engines IIRC but drastically different power steering. Many MF-135 parts were shared with their MF-148. So much that the service manual from England covers the 135 and the 148. But the copy I bought on epay has nothing like my MF-135 other than the model number. Nothing else matches. The French and German MF-135 used different transmissions and engines and tire sizes. The other factories used locally made engines and drive trains.

So there's no surprise of how many variations the orchard model showed.

About 20 years ago I called the MF design center around Kansas City and asked about the strength of the front axle. I was connected to an engineer who told me the current 235 model used the same axle and he knew the load rating for that axle. My front axle has been broken and welded, before I got the tractor. It came with a 236 loader that is too big for the tractor, it was used up to MF-274 with 70 hp and front wheel assist. Its on my JD4020 now and is sturdy enough the 4020 hasn't broken it.

Gerald J.