Vintage performace

THE Massey Ferguson 35 would currently be regarded as vintage but still has its very practical uses.

It is light and compact, ideal for tight areas and does little damage to ground. It’s also ideal for ploughing as its narrow wheels fit nicely between drills.

In 1953 a team led by Hermann Klemm started developing a new model for Ferguson, known as the TO35. Klemm wrote to Harry Ferguson in July of that year to tell him about the features of the TO35.

Ferguson was unhappy with the project, and ordered Klemm to stop work. However, after another letter from Klemm, running to 23 pages, Ferguson changed his mind and allowed development to continue.

Although Ferguson had merged with Massey-Harris to form Massey Ferguson in 1953, the TO35 was marketed under the Ferguson name. The new Ferguson 35 was launched in the United States on January 5, 1955, a year earlier than planned, following a decision made at a conference in San Antonio in March 1954.

It was initially available in two models, standard or deluxe, with a third (utility) added in 1956. Despite not being designed for industrial use, it became popular amongst industry users.

The colour scheme was changed from all-grey to a beige shell and wheels and a grey body in May 1956. In December 1957 the scheme changed again when the TO35 was re-branded in the standard Massey Ferguson red and grey. However, the wording on the tractor continued to be ‘Ferguson’ until February 1960. Production ended in late 1964.

In later years, and up to current times, the Massey Ferguson 35 has been extensively used in poorer developing countries, being aptly described as a tractor which fed the world.

Christy Murphy of The Wood in Lower Ballyhearney is a man of the land with a deep interest in the weather and the vagaries and intricacies of local plant and animal life. He also takes a keen interest in vintage machinery and local history in general.

Christy is the owner of a Massey Ferguson 35 and, among other uses, operates it to great effect in the ploughing opening and closing of drills for the purpose of setting potatoes as well as subsequent scuffling (softening the earth in the furrow) and earthing of stalks.

Long may Christy and his trusty tractor plough the fields.

Christy Murphy still ploughing with his Massey Ferguson 35.