The smaller classic Massey Fergusons are always popular, both as working tractors and collectors items, so when a small assembly comes up for auction there is sure to be a great deal of interest.

Such an auction is to be held this Friday (October 8) until 1:00p.m on Monday, November 11, as the collection of Myles Cronin of Co. Kerry will be going under the online hammer courtesy of Wilsons Auctions.

Viewing is by appointment only.

Ferguson tractors — Diesel Ferguson TE 20s feature strongly in the sale

There are eight tractors to to be sold ranging from standard TE35’s to a couple of rarities, which are will catch the eye of any Fergie enthusiast, for they offer something different from the mainstream.

Cold weather mods

The major item on the list is a Massey Ferguson 135 from 1972, which was exported to Sweden and then found its way back to Ireland several years ago, where it has yet to be registered for Irish roads.

There has been a number of additions and alterations made to the tractor to help with the sub zero temperatures of its working environment, although which were factory fitted and which were made by the dealer is an open question.

Starting with the mechanical aspect, the big difference from a normal MF 135, is that this has an eight speed box borrowed from the MF 168, which begs the question does it really qualify as a MF 135? Massey Ferguson decided that it did, so that should settle any argument.

The cab is Swedish and is, unfortunately, without a makers plate, so its origin remains unknown. However it is fully enclosed at the rear, blocking any chilly draughts that would otherwise find their way past the linkage and over the rear axle.

Cab heater on MF135 — Cab heater and charging point for the engine heater are to be found on the front left of the cab

To further comfort the driver, there a heater has been fitted where the lower front window would normally be, blowing warm air over the clutch pedal and right foot, with, hopefully, some of it making its way round to the right-hand side of the cab.

Cold starting was aided by an overnight charging point that warmed the sump, essential at temperatures which would strangle the battery’s efforts to crank the engine on a frosty morning.

Widely spaced headlamps were necessary to meet continental lighting regulations.

Other than the adaptions for cold weather, the radiator grill is minus the headlamps, which are now on stalks to ensure they meet Swedish lighting regulations, making it a very distinctive tractor indeed.

Ferguson tractors are synonymous with the Standard Motor Company and its four cylinder diesel, which also required a helping hand in the winter to get started.

The Ki Gas starter system used a small header tank just behind the dashboard to feed diesel on to a heater plug in the inlet manifold

One of the models available comes complete with the Ki Gas system which, in conjunction with a heater plug installed on the manifold, provided some heat to air as it entered the cylinders, greatly assisting the primary ignition.

Massey Harris connection

Another uncommon model in the collection has a Continental four-cylinder petrol engine that shared the same drivetrain as the Ferguson 40, the Ferguson 50 and Ferguson 35.

Ferguson with continental engine — The Continental powered Ferguson has been kept well over the years

This example has the smaller 22hp power unit and was sold in America as a Massey Harris 50. Ferguson later rebadged it as the 50 to ensure that future generations would be suitably confused.

All the tractors are in running order with their condition varying. Myles has bought them in from all over country and had two main criteria by which he purchased them, the first being that the block must not be cracked, and the second that the bonnet must not be rusted beyond reasonable repair.

MF65 — A Massey Ferguson 65 is also up for sale in the auction

He originally started out with the intention of buying to restore but with a dairy herd and 200 acres to tend to time ran out and he feels that they are now best moved on.

The tractors are located at Ballyheige, near Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Cold weather mods

Massey Harris connection

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