An 8N that Isn't

[Rick Rowlands]

I purchased my first Ford "N" tractor today. I was looking for a machine to cut grass and had been looking on Craigslist for the right deal. This one needs some minor work, new starter, couple of linkages, new ignition switch etc. and it will be good to go. Not the prettiest looking tractor but I am sure she still has many years of life left.

When I got home I do as I always do with old equipment, I did a Google search. I found the webpage that discusses all the changes to the various models over the years and actually took the laptop out to the tractor to determine exactly what I have.

I was certain that it was an 8N because that is what is cast on the left side of the bell housing. However, nothing else on the tractor matches up with the descriptions of an 8N. Brake levers on opposite sides of the transmission, I beam radius rods, wrong spindle arms, front grille with extra slats and holes for Ferguson System tag. From the website I was able to pin it down to having been originally built in 1942, but with a new engine installed in 1952 as that is the date cast onto the block. The block does not look like it ever had a serial number stamped into it, which would make sense if it was sold as a replacement part and not a part of a complete tractor.

I must say that I am grateful that so many parts are available for these machines. I am used to working on equipment that nobody has parts for, or have even seen before. My White Oliver 2-78-15 backhoe immediately comes to mind!

I placed a $300 order with Yesterdays Tractors tonight for all the parts I need to get this one back into operation, and maybe by the end of next week she will be out mowing the fields. Let"s hope there aren"t any internal problems waiting to ruin my day!

 

[souNdguy]

yep.. common to see mutts.. all 8-9-2 engines will bolt to all 8-9-2 trannies.. etc.

rear axle hubs and trann / steering are a dead giveaway as to whether the chassis is a 9n/2n or an 8n.. etc.

good luck

soundguy

 

[Dell (WA)]

Rick.......would it surprize you to learn that ALL flathead N-Engines are interchangeable??? And all you really need to know is whether yer engine is a 4-nipple frontmount or a 5-nipple sidemount. You can count nipples can't you?

Tip: 8N's have 4-speed trannys, 9N/2N's have 3-speed trannys. All N's came from the factory 6-volt positive ground. Many have been converted to 12-volt NEGATIVE ground with alternators. And surprizingly enuff, starters, solenoids, points, lights don't care positive or negative ground. Amp meter only semi-cares as it will indicate charge or discharge, but yer eyeballs do care. ........Dell

 

[karl f]

if you feel the price was right despite the model name, you still did ok.
and always remember, education costs money.
You wouldn't have learned anything if you bought new or ready to go tractor would you have?


karl f

 

[old]

I beam radius rods says 9N front end you say it has a 1952 engine so should be a side mount distributor. You also said it has the brake pedals on both sides so it has a 3 speed transmission I am guessing so you have a mutt. I have a friend that sold a mutt not long ago that was 9N with a late model 8N engine and a Sherman step up aux transmission. Real common to find ones like that, they are built form 2 or 3 tractors or had a new engine put in because the old one was bad

 

[Curtsat15]

My Dad has the same thing. A '46 2N with a '48 8N engine. My Uncle had bought it not knowing what he was looking at, he just saw the 8N stamp on the bellhousing. My Dad was a bit upset when he saw that, but it's still a good working unit. We are in the process of fixing it all up when we have time and funds available.

 

[Caryc]

You didn't say whether it was a 3 speed or a four speed trans. About the only thing bad about discovering you don't have an 8N is that you won't have position control on you hydraulics.

 

[Rick Rowlands]

Not complaining. 8N or 9N, either will mow grass and that is what I need.

 

[Caryc]

(quoted from post at 15:58:30 08/14/11) Not complaining. 8N or 9N, either will mow grass and that is what I need.

I didn't say that you got a bum deal. All I said is that you won't have position control. You will need limiter chains on your mower to keep it at the height you want.

Or invest in Zanes Thang. A lot of people on here swear by it. It gives you position control on the 2N and 9N.