The Massey Ferguson 35X, launched in late 1962, represented the pinnacle of small tractor engineering with its impressive 39.6 horsepower output. The "X" in its name stood for "extra," signifying the additional power delivered by its upgraded Perkins A3.152X three-cylinder diesel engine. This wasn't just marketing speak—the engine truly delivered, providing 4.2 more horsepower than the standard 35 model and pushing PTO power to 41.5 horsepower.
What made the 35X truly special was its revolutionary Multi-Power transmission system, which allowed farmers to shift gears without using the clutch—a game-changing feature that eliminated wheel spin and improved efficiency. The tractor's power-to-weight ratio of 34.23 hp/ton was class-leading, outperforming all competitors and even matching some modern 200-horsepower tractors.
During the MF35 series' eight-year production run from 1956 to 1964, an astounding 388,382 units rolled off production lines, with the 35X representing the most desirable variant. Built primarily at Massey Ferguson's Banner Lane factory in Coventry, these tractors earned a reputation for bulletproof reliability. The distinctive three-cylinder Perkins exhaust note became music to farmers' ears, signaling dependable power that could handle everything from plowing to harvesting.
Today, many 35X tractors are still working on small farms around the world, testament to their exceptional build quality. Collectors particularly prize the 35X for its advanced features and relatively limited production numbers compared to earlier 35 models. The combination of proven Perkins reliability, innovative transmission technology, and that unmistakable red and grey Massey Ferguson paint scheme makes the 35X a true icon of agricultural engineering that continues to command respect decades after production ended.
