8n2n9n

[RB Green]

What the difference that a novice would be able to notice,

 

[R Geiger]

9n and 2n has a three speed trans while a 8n has a 4 speed trans. good starting place.

 

[greywolf224]

From a far you can quickly look the rear rims. Different on an 8N provided its not a half breed.

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 17:09:59 02/05/18)
What the difference that a novice would be able to notice,

Most obvious visual difference IMO:

9N and 2N have one brake pedal on the right and one on the left alongside the clutch pedal.

8N has both brake pedals on the right and a single clutch pedal on the left.

TOH

 

[Royse]

For me the rear hubs are easiest from a distance.

9N/2N with the wide 6 lug pattern

8N with the small diameter 8 lug pattern.

 

[HFJ]

it's a shame we can't use the color scheme as the easy way to tell the difference. but, as the owner of a redbelly 2N, i know that idea's on the no fly list.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Royse,
Yes.
That is the most distinguishing
difference from a distance or in a bad
photo. At least it is for me.

 

[RB Green]

Thank i have a to30 im not familiar with fords

 

[Bruce (VA)]

There is an obvious difference between a Ferguson and a Ford: the Ford is a flathead and the Ferguson has an OHV engine. Check out the link to see what Ford you have.......assuming it's a Ford.


http://oldfordtractors.com/
75 Tips

 

[Royse]

Lots of differences, but some things are similar.
The rear rims and centers will interchange with an 8N for example.
Centers won't fit a 9N/2N, but 8N through, what, 3000 series?
Maybe a little later than that. Any with 8 lug on 6 inch pattern.

The original rims and centers are not identical, but will work.
Fergusons used the pipped-head bolts to attach the rims to the
centers and Fords used carriage bolts. Swap rim and center as
a unit and they bolt right up though. You can also use carriage
bolts to hold Ford rims or aftermarket rims to Ferguson centers.

 

[Steve A W]

Here's a video with a cute girl explaining some of the differences.
video

 

[Jim in Western MI]

Were there any tractors?

 

[Ultradog MN]

The TO20s were pretty much like a 9/2N and the TO30s about like an 8N.
If you were looking for a Ford that was better or had more features than your 30 it would not be an N Series. Look at an NAA/Jubilee or 600/800 for that. Or look for a Fergie TO 35 or it's sister an MF 35. All of them are very good machines and will be a significant upgrade from an N or TO 20/30

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

You can go to John Smiths' web site (see LINK below) and read about the history of the Ford 9N, 2N, 8N, and NAA models. He has a pretty good list, not conclusive, with pictures of the differences in the Ford N-Series Tractors. As already mentioned, the rear wheels and transmissions would be main things to look at first. That being said realize a lot of these model had parts interchanged like when an engine blew so the blocks may have been swapped out -newer 8N in a 9N or 2N isn't uncommon. We call these units 'mutts' as they have parts from any or all models. You just can't go by the serial number anymore to determine year. That only tells you when the engine block was cast anyway, not necessarily when the tractor was built. As our late friend Dell always said, the important things to know are if it has a front-mount distributor or an angle (side) mount, and a 3-speed or 4-speed tranny. Front mount distributors were used from 1939 thru early 1949. 9N and 2N had three speed transmissions (plus reverse) and the 8N had a four speed (plus reverse). I'll add too 9N/2N hydraulics are different than the 8N, steering boxes are different, and electrical systems differ as well. Paint schemes mean nothing. Originally the 9N and 2N were painted Ford Dark Grey M-2888. The 8N had cast iron parts painted Ford Vermillion(red) and the sheet metal parts Ford Medium Grey. Many 9N and 2N models have been repainted to the 8N paint schemes or even to the later Ford Empire Blue and Eggshell White paint scheme so one cannot use paint as an identifier. If you have an N now or are thinking of getting one, invest in the essential manuals. The I&T F-04 Manual and '39-'53 MPC (Master Parts Catalog) are very important and you can see most of the different parts in those.

FORD 9N & 2N TRACTOR ESSENTIAL OWNERS MANUALS:

FORD 8N TRACTOR ESSENTIAL OWNERS MANUALS:

-Tim Daley(MI)
Tractor ID/HISTORY