Ford 8N question

[Vinland]

I have read many posts on here and had a question for some of you with more experience. I'm looking at purchasing an 8N and wondered if certain years were, shall we say, 'better' than others? This means as far as getting parts,etc. *or breakdowns and known failure causes? Im mechanically inclined and know my way around the shed so to speak ;)

[indyguy]

all the N series were pretty good for their day. A 2N or 9N only has a 3 speed tranny while a 8N will give you a 4 speed tranny and better hydraulics.

Late production 8Ns have a side mount ignition distribiter instead of the harder to service front mount distribiters.

a few things to look at...... do you see oil on the rear wheels? how are the brakes? try and shake the read wheel sideways....... is it loose? How much slop is in the steering wheel? how does it start? Any smoke on start up? Is it still a 6v stystem or been converted to 12v?

A N series would not be my 1st choice for a tractor but beats not having a tractor at all.

[kmccune]

Not a bad tractor if you cant find a Ferguson-get a 8N(they were avaliable with a step up transmission someplace-you could even get an adapter to put a flat6 or flat 8 onboard) they would actually pull a small 2 bottom plow-something most tractors in their class wouldnt-if OL Henry & Mr Ferguson hadnt had their falling out things would have been a lot better .Dont worry much about the gearoil on the brakes-its axiomatic on a lot of 8Ns due to the spline design(the seals dont cover the splines) parts are easy to get-they steer good due to the automotive type steering sector-Kevin (PS I do love the old Fergusons)

[jlmissouri]

All years of the 8n tractors are good, the later models with the side distributor are easier to work on, atleast when talking about the points, wires, and other parts. I have a 52 8n, and I have not regretted buying it. I would suggest getting a Genesee or similiar elctronic ignition kit, especially if you buy a top mounted distributor 8n. You will never have to buy or adjust points again, and the system will last almost indefenitely. I also upgraded my coil with a high output coil.

[kmccune]

Do save the old mechanical parts and store a spare coil in a shielded location(possible EMP you know) ;D-Kevin

[flatwater]

I have heard that you can still purchase the repair manuals also

[tufhelp]

I recently got myself a 1950 8N, and you can get almost anything you can think of on line - Google 8N and you'll see that it is almost like having a current model tractor there are so many parts available. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q82/willyallen/P5090072.jpg

[swampcedars]

8-N's are a great value for the money. You can get any part you need for a replacement or a rebuild 'period'...although more of the parts are now being made in China.

They N's have a Category 1 3-point hitch which is a great size for implements along with being affordable and easy to find new or used.

The N's are not 4-wheel drive, no power steering, and no live Hydraulics (but there are add o kits for this, just incredibly slow)...so don't buy a N and expect it to be more machine than what it is...IT IS a great tractor and a work horse that will work 12 hours a day and be cheap to keep. Just know what you are buying...they go from $800 for a project to $3,500 for a real nice one with some attachments.

I have 51 & 52 and for the money you can not beat them...and yes, manuals and videos on rebuilds and more are out there everywhere.

[jlmissouri]

You can still get manuals, and any part you need for the most part. You can buy some common parts and manuals at the local farm store usually. The parts are also a lot cheaper than a new tractor of similiar size, and more abundant.

[DM]

"If" the "old" 8N's would have had the features the "new" 8N's have, i'd still have a couple of them around.

http://www.fototime.com/7A3866AB2C88973/orig.jpg

DM

[indyguy]

Thats so true about the new "N". Its also a VERY pricey unit.

[duckidaho]

I am also looking for a small, inexpensive work horse for 9 acres of hay and garden. There are a few 8N's for sale, one with a plow and hay mower. Can the 8N pull a baler? Is it easy to find a standard array of impliments that will work with them? Plow, disc, hay-mower, rake, baler...I'm new to tractors and will not be buying a lot of stuff all at once, but I want the options open. I'm handy with older auto engines, so I would think a 1950's tractor should be O.K.

[duckidaho]

Since I'm not in a rush...What would you buy if you had $2-3000 budget for a tractor for a market garden and hay field. 9 acres total.

[DM]

Since I'm not in a rush...What would you buy if you had $2-3000 budget for a tractor for a market garden and hay field. 9 acres total.


Where i live, 2 to 3K won't buy you much of a "reliable" tractor, although it WILL buy you a tractor.

As for a "haying" tractor, especially baleing hay, i wouldn't even consider a tractor that "didn't" have live power to run a baler, and that means 8n's and many older tractors are out..

DM

[Anon001]

I have a couple Allis Chalmers. I bought a WD-45 for $700 in great shape and a 3 bottom plow for $60. I'm the second owner. That was about 10 years ago. I bought a front loader for $100. Last year I bought a straght WD for $1000. It runs like a charm. It will cut, rake, or swath, and it will pull the baler. Both have hand clutches. With the WD-45, I can pull the plow. But, it won't go all the way. So, if I want to plow deep, I have to make two passes. However, one pass is usually deep enough for me.

Depending on what part of the country you live in will determine what you pay for smaller tractors. In areas where there are more "hobby" farms, small tractors will cost much more. Sometimes twice as much. In areas of traditionally larger family farms, you may be able to find some really good deals. I have never bought a tractor from an ad. I've always bought farm equipment and machinery at farm sales (auctions). I find my best deals there. What I have found is that the old farmers tend to take better care of the equipment than the younger "hobby" farmers. (generalizing. lol)

But, I would stay away from an 8N if you are wanting to hay.

[duckidaho]

Thanks, I was thinking the same thing about price. I live in rural Idaho, but the ads are coming from near Lewiston-which may be a little more expensive. I see plenty of equipment hanging around on folk's fields that I'm sure hasn't been used in a while. Maybe the 8N is more of a hobby tractor than a work tractor-at least at $2500. I have friends to help me out this fall plowing, but I don't want to over-reach their generosity next season with the hay.