Segment:
Light to Medium Duty Utility Tractor
Historical Significance:
Iconic and highly popular tractors, known for their robustness and versatility.
Competitors:
Fordson Major, David Brown 780, International Harvester B450
Design Philosophy:
Simplicity, reliability, ease of maintenance.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for owners and technicians to maintain and repair these durable machines, extending their operational life.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Clutch, PTO, Final Drives, Differential
Chassis:
Steering, Brakes, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Suspension
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Starting System, Charging System
Hydraulics:
Hydraulic System, Lift-O-Matic, External Hydraulics, Pump, Control Valves
Operators Controls:
Dashboard Instruments, Controls Layout, Pedal Functions
Bodywork:
Sheet Metal, Guards, Operator Station (Basic)
Maintenance:
Routine Servicing, Lubrication Schedules, Filter Changes, Greasing Points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom Analysis, Fault Finding Charts
Repair:
Component Disassembly, Reassembly, Adjustments, Calibration
Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Hydraulic Pump Reconditioning
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic adjustments and fluid changes to complete engine, transmission, and hydraulic system overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures for electrical and hydraulic systems.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, enabling quick navigation to specific topics.
Image Quality:
Variable depending on original source scan; aim for high-resolution scans with clear diagrams.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Engine Family:
Perkins AD3.152
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (152.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
91.5 mm x 114.3 mm (3.60 in x 4.50 in)
Horsepower Rated:
Approx. 45 hp (33.5 kW)
Torque Peak:
Approx. 118 lb-ft (160 Nm) at 1350 RPM
Engine Family:
Perkins 4.203 / 4.212
Displacement:
3.3 Liters (203 cu in) or 3.4 Liters (212 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
91.5 mm x 127 mm (3.60 in x 5.00 in)
Horsepower Rated:
Approx. 55 hp (41 kW)
Torque Peak:
Approx. 150 lb-ft (203 Nm) at 1200 RPM
Injection Pump:
Typically Simms or CAV Simms inline or rotary injection pumps.
Gearbox Type:
8-speed manual gearbox (4 forward gears, 2 ranges: Low and High, plus Reverse)
Overdrive Option:
Some models may feature an optional overdrive unit for higher road speeds.
Clutch:
Single-plate, dry clutch (or twin-plate on some high-horsepower variants).
Pto:
Multi-speed PTO (e.g., 540 RPM standard, optional 540/1000 RPM).
Differential Lock:
Standard rear differential lock.
Length:
Approx. 124.6 inches (3165 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm) at rear wheels
Height:
Approx. 83.5 inches (2120 mm) to top of exhaust pipe
Length:
Approx. 127 inches (3226 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70 inches (1778 mm) at rear wheels
Height:
Approx. 87 inches (2210 mm) to top of exhaust pipe
Operating Weight:
Approx. 3,900 lbs (1769 kg)
Operating Weight:
Approx. 4,500 lbs (2041 kg)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 74 inches (1880 mm)
Front Tire:
e.g., 6.00-16, 6.50-16
Rear Tire:
e.g., 11.2-28, 12.4-28, 13.6-28
Operator Safety:
RoPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and seatbelt installation highly recommended and often mandatory for safe operation.
Brakes:
Mechanical drum brakes, often internal expanding shoe type. Independent braking for each rear wheel for tight turns.
Parking Brake:
Independent hand lever parking brake.
Operator Station:
Basic operator platform with controls, may have optional weather protection.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 100-125 operating hours or annually.
Oil Filter Change:
At every engine oil change.
Air Cleaner Service:
Frequent service recommended, especially in dusty conditions (e.g., daily inspection, weekly cleaning/oiling).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 250-500 operating hours or as needed.
Transmission Oil Change:
Every 500-1000 operating hours or annually.
Engine Oil:
API CD or CE rated diesel engine oil, SAE 15W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate). Typical capacity: 6.5 - 7.5 quarts (6.2 - 7.1 Liters).
Transmission Hydraulic Fluid:
Massey Ferguson Permazyme Universal Tractor Oil (UTO) or equivalent. Typical capacity: 14-16 gallons (53-60 Liters) for transmission and hydraulics.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant. 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 12-14 quarts (11.4-13.2 Liters).
Common Problems:
Wear in PTO clutch, leaking hydraulic seals, starter motor issues, potential head gasket leaks on older engines, carburetor issues on gasoline variants (if applicable).
Lift System Problems:
Hydraulic pump wear, leaks in the three-point linkage system (often due to worn seals or cylinder issues).
Heritage:
Massey Ferguson, a long-standing manufacturer of agricultural machinery, has a rich history of innovation and reliability.
Mf 100 Series:
The MF 135 and MF 148 are part of the highly successful MF 100 series, which succeeded the popular MF 35 and MF 65 models.
Mf 135 Launch:
Introduced in 1964, the MF 135 became one of the best-selling tractors of all time, known for its ease of use and durability.
Mf 148 Launch:
The MF 148, often considered an evolution or higher-spec version of the MF 135, typically featured a more powerful four-cylinder engine and enhanced hydraulics, introduced later in the series.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at Massey Ferguson's Banner Lane plant in Coventry, England, and also in France and other international locations.
Mf 135 Production:
1964 - 1975 (approx.)
Mf 148 Production:
1972 - 1978 (approx.)
Industry Impact:
The MF 135 is widely recognized as one of the most successful and influential tractors of its era, contributing significantly to agricultural mechanization worldwide.
Reliability Reputation:
Excellent. Known for its robustness and longevity when properly maintained.
Manual Quality:
This service manual provides industry-standard repair procedures and technical data for Massey Ferguson tractors.