Massey Ferguson 35 Deluxe Tractor, Georgia Museum of Agriculture, Tifton, Tift County, Georgia<br><p>Massey Ferguson developed a wide range of agricultural vehicles and have a large share in the market across the world especially in Europe. In 1953 a team led by Hermann Klemm started developing a new model for Ferguson, known 
as the TO35, to replace the TO30. Klemm wrote to Harry Ferguson in July 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 23-page 
long letter from Klemm, 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 5 January 1955, a year earlier than planned, following a decision made at a conference in San Antonio in March 1954.<br>
It was initially available in 2 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 color 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 rebranded in the standard Massey Ferguson red and grey. In December 1957, the MF35 which was the first Massey 
Ferguson branded tractor rolled off the factory floor. Production ended in late 1964. Many 35s are still used today on small farms.<br></p>
The tractor on display here was donated to the GMA by the Odom family-Glynn Odom, of Fort Payne, Alabama. The tractor was originally purchased in 1959 by Glynn's parents, Cullen and Florence Odom, who farmed around 1,000 acres in Crisp County, Georgia with it and three other tractors. The donor remembers dusting cotton with this tractor for many years, along with his father and brother. Upon retirement in 1972, the senior Mr. Odom continued using the tractor for his personal garden until passing away in 1988. Son Glynn inherited the tractor and had it fully restored by Tractor Restoration of Baconton, Georgia in 2020. After consulting with the family, Glynn donated the tractor for a permanent historic exhibit here at the museum.
<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Mjrmtg" title="User:Mjrmtg">Michael Rivera</a>
CC BY-SA 4.0
<span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>