Buying an 8N

[Gunner66]

I'm looking to buy an 8N with serial # 8N100249. I don't know much about these tractors. It comes with a bush hog and a blade.
I was wanting to know what you guys thought it maybe worth and what to look for in buying such a tractor? Hopefully a photo comes
with this if I did it right.
Thank you!

 

[Jim in Western MI]

It is a mid-1948, it's been converted to 12 volt which most think is an advantage, the metal hood looks good (without a lot of rust and discoloration), the tires are fair, the right axle is not leaking (which is an occasional problem and somewhat complex to correct). You cannot tell when it was last run, you cannot tell if the hydraulics work, or many other things. Do you know and trust the seller? Can you and he get it to turn over by rotating the crankshaft pulley (?), if so, that is good. Is the oil OK (no water)? Others with more to offer than this will probably give you some helpful steps.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

If it does not run, it's worth $6-900; that's what the parts are worth.

Check out John Smith's page: http://www.oldfordtractors.com/qa.htm#q16

I've bought 4 N's using John Smith's checklist; it saved me from buying three or four others! The only thing I have to add to John's excellent suggestions are:

1. Take a jack; jack up the front end & check it out just like you would a car for slop in the bearings, tie rods, etc.

2. Take a compression gauge. You can pull all 4 plugs & do it correctly, or roll the dice & do one cylinder.

3. Take a meter in case the ammeter on the tractor is busted; you can see if the charging system is working.

4. Get back home & access an on-line parts catalog or take a paper copy w/ you. Figure out what it is going to cost you to get it running (or looking) the way you want it. If you think it's bad.....it is! Price it accordingly & consider those costs in your offer. For example, if you see in-line gas filters on the tractor, figure $150 in costs for a new gas tank. Same thing w/ a 12v conversion; that's a usual band-aid for a low compression worn-out engine. So, do a compression check. Or walk away. W/ the engine hot & at idle, walk away if you don't see at least 5 lbs of oil pressure. That is unless you don't mind rebuilding an engine in a couple of years.

As to a deal breaker.....you're going to need to do more research on prices in your area. A running 8N w/ decent tires, good hydraulics, no smoke or funny noises will sell for under $2k in my part of VA. So, if it was $2k and needed rear tires.....that's a deal breaker. But, $1,200 & needed rears.....well, that's a different story.

Do not limit your research to N's. You will get a LOT more tractor for only a little more money w/ a 100 series. I have 4 8N's & a 740. The 740 has live hydraulics, PS & more hp. And I paid the same $$$ for it as I have for 8N's.

But.....100 series tractors are rare in my part of VA & N's are very common. So, it depends on what is available in your area.
75 Tips

 

[Gunner66]

Thank you, that's a good start. I will check it out more. I know it needs rear tires, they are cracked bad but the front look semi new.
Thanks

 

[Gunner66]

That is a great check list! Looks like I need to do my home work now!
Thank you for all the great information!

 

[grandpa Love]

In Alabama , running ,with bushhog and blade, 2 grand or less. Any old tractor is gonna have a few issues,just depends on how many you can handle.

 

[Arvin Haslem]

Look in the fuel tank. It might need a new one.

 

[rwt101]

I bought this one for $600. Plus $100 to have it hauled to my house. So far I replaced axle seals, brakes , converted to 12v, replaced head and head gasket, oil and filter, rewired it, serviced the steering box, Still have hydraulics to do, it does drop when turned off. The one thing I really messed up on was the tires. It needs tires.

 

[rwt101]

Well the picture didn't take. Try again

 

[Ultradog MN]

Good for you for doing your homework Before you buy.
What are your plans for the tractor?
If you buy it know this going into it:
Ns do not have live hydraulics which is a very important feature that ALL Fords had beginning one series newer.
8Ns have a dangerously Fast reverse which was likewise corrected on the next series.
If you can buy that tractor for under $800 and use it as a stepping stone to a newer one go ahead. Otherwise I would hold out for a 1955 or newer Ford like a 600 or 800.
For 1/3 more money you will get twice the tractor.

 

[grayrider]

The tractor you show sitting in the weeds doesn't appear to be a running tractor to me, and if it does not run then $300 is all I would pay just for the tractor alone, I bought an 8N with new paint and two new rear tires several months ago for $1100, have plowed quite a bit with it.....

 

[hd6gtom]

Do yourself a huge favor and look for a 2 or 3000 -- far better tractor. Read back on this site and see how many non starting problems they have. I started running these things in 1960 or 1961. They had the same non starting- non stopping problems back then as they have today.