John Campbell shares the history of his Massey Ferguson 135 | Season 4 – Episode 40
Wheels Jun 04, 2024
The Ireland Made film crew recently travelled to the townland of Clooncumber in County Leitrim, as the guests of John Campbell. In conversation with Kevin Reid, John told us about his 1963 Massey Ferguson 135.
BUILT IN COVENTRY
The 135 is one of the best-selling tractors of all time, with over 340,000 units produced. Built at the Banner Lane production plant in Coventry, the 135 was the successor to the Ferguson TE-20 and MF 35. It was launched in 1964 as part of the new 100 series ‘Red Giant’ Massey Ferguson tractors. Over a 15-year period, a total of 1,098,025 MF 100 series tractors were built. The 135 was the first and only British-built tractor range to surpass the 1 million units produced milestone.
+++
Every week the Ireland Made team brings you two new Irish transport videos. Please support the preservation of Irish transport stories by sponsoring our content creation.
Subscribe at IrelandMade.ie or become a supporter on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/becomesupporter/IrlMade/.
You can also show support by purchasing Facebook stars at fb.com/stars.
Your sponsorship will support our vital work.
+++
135 REFINEMENTS
Throughout its production, the Massey Ferguson 135 underwent various refinements, with notable changes including transitioning from a swept-back to a straight front axle and from round to square rear axle half housings. The reliable Perkins three-cylinder 3.152cc engine produces 45.5 hp, later increased to 47 hp which made it indispensable on every Irish farm.
From 1970 onwards, versions of the tractor were equipped with an 8-speed transmission, offering 4 forward and 1 reverse gears across two ranges: high and low. Additionally, there was a multi-power option available, providing 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, along with a hydraulic clutch.
The Massey Ferguson 135 remains highly sought after in the second-hand market, particularly in developing countries. This demand is largely driven by its straightforward mechanical design and exceptional reliability.
Check out our previous Massey Ferguson video story: People from Ireland and developing countries love Massey Ferguson 100 Series tractors https://fb.watch/sn0B9IO_kZ/
JOHN CAMPBELL’S 135
In 1997 John inherited his 1963 Massy Ferguson from his uncle. Having worked hard on the family farm since 1975, the tractor required some major work and John had the 135 rebuilt with new tyres, engine work and a full respray.
WORKING ON THE FARM
The 135 was built in Coventry, England in 1963 and in circa 1975 was imported into Ireland by PJ McNabola’s garage in Mohill, County Leitrim where John’s uncle bought it. The 135 was used on the Campbell family farm in Clooncumber, in south County Leitrim for many years and undertook mowing, baling and ploughing. In John’s words completed “all sorts” of farming.
When I asked John how original the tractor was, he was able to say the only extra item was the yellow flashing beacon required by law for driving on the road.
John was for many years a member of the Leitrim Vintage Club and in recent times is now an active member of the Ballinamuck and Drumlish Vintage Club.
Each year, to keep his beloved tractor in tip-top condition John completes a full service to include, filters, oil and back-axle oil, if required. He also conducts a full brake check. When I asked John was his 135 reliable, he responded “100%, just like myself!”.
OLD STYLE
When I asked John, if he had money to spend what would he like to change on his 135, he responded to say that he would change nothing and keep the 1963 Massey Ferguson to the “old style”.
John and his 135 regularly attend various tractor charity runs throughout Leitrim and Longford. His most recent run was the First Noel Gray Annual Tractor Run, which we previously covered on Ireland Made https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUcohYonRMg John’s next tractor run is with the Longford Vintage Club.
KEEPING IT OLD STYLE
When I asked John, if he had money to spend, what would he like to see added to his tractor, his response was definite in that he wanted to retain his 135 in as original a condition as possible and to keep it “old style”.
To conclude our interview I asked John, if he had all the money in the world, what type of tractor would he buy? His unsurprising and emphatic answer was a “Massey Ferguson 135”.
If you have an idea for a story, please email Kevin Reid [email protected]
Information sources and photo credits:
Dand Farm Services
Machinery Link
Southern Star
Tractor Data
+++Please support our content creation, subscribe at IrelandMade.ie
