Putting Right Neglect

The tractor as Russell bought it, with industrial tyres.

Russell McNab reports on how he restored an MF 135 and kept his wife happy in the process – until she discovered his other plan

- Russlee McNab

Russell McNab bought his Massey Ferguson 135 tractor OVD 437F from a small holding near Lanark back in 2012. The tractor was originally owned by an Estate in the area, which had been developed for housing.

Having been sold on to the small holding early in its life and done relatively light work there, the tachometer showed only a genuine 1,572 hours. At the time of purchase, which saw the tractor moved from its native Lanarkshire to Russell’s home in Ayrshire, this MF 135 sported a Duncan Cab which looked to have been fitted right from when the tractor was new. This was the original boneshaker cab, complete with wooden sliding door, which competed with the rest of the construction for superiority in producing the highest decibels.

Although the tractor had been little used it was, as is often said, abused by neglect. Engine fluids would have been taken care of, but many of the operational parts of the tractor were either stuck or seized. However, Russell really liked this wee tractor – it just felt a bit special – it started and ran very well, there was a good ‘tight’ feel to it and the removal of the cab did nothing other than increase his liking for it saying: “One could now get on and off it without being a contortionist and it also reduced the risk of bruising!”

Then with a good steam clean, things were looking much better. For the next few years, the passenger link box was attached and the tractor was taken on many road runs to see what would develop! Hardly surprisingly, oil leaks developed, the volume of loss increasing dramatically as time went by.