purchasing ford N series

[jhub]

I am looking at purchasing a ford N series tractor. I would like some real world opinions on if there is much of a differance between 9N/2N and 8N. I am looking for a "working" tractor. Is one year better then another? What are the differences in the fergusons and the N series? I have read much of the stats on the web but would like real world experience opinions.

 

[HCooke]

I have a 2N, 8N, and a 601. 8N is more useful than the 2N (4 speed trans and position contol on the 3 point). NAA thru 600 are much better than 8N (live hydraulics is a big improvement, plus more power).

 

[JerryU]

All depends. As said the 8N is better than the 9N/2N. The NAA better than 8N, the 500 better than the NAA and so on.

Depends what you want to do. The earlier tractors are simpler and easier to work on. The newer ones have more whistles and bells and are more convenient, but take more to work on.

Okay that being said, for basic duties, the 8N is all around better than the 9N/2N (I have a 9N). Mainly the 4 speed. Position control can be added cheaply to the 9N though, and live hydraulics can be added to the N series relatively reasonably. If you want to work on them, as in overhaul, the N series has a flat head, the hundred series overhead valves. The thousand series, as in 2000 were even better.

Bottom line is it depends what you want to use it for, how much you want to work on it, and what is the nostalgia value of it. N's are working fools. That is why up until recently you never saw them in shows - they are still working.

If you want an N, I would go 8N and a Sherman OD or if you can find one with an Over/Under is even better. Newer 8N's have side mount distributors which are far far better than the front mounts.

Anyway, that is a taste of what you can get into. I am sure others will add. Bottom line, you can't go wrong --beware, though they are fun and addictive.

JU

 

[jhub]

My grandfather had an N when I was a kid. That is why I am looking that way.

I will be mowing grass around my propery and using it for snow removal. So I don't think that will be heavy duty work.

If maintained correctly do Ns run well in cold temps?

 

[Jeff-oh]

I throw in a plug for the Fergy's. If I had my choice not for any tractor, I would go for an Ferguson TO-35 or MF-35 or MF-135. I would want it to have the live power option and power steering would be nice though not a must.

These tractors are in the $2500.00 to $4000.00 range. And you get 100% better tractor than a 9N/2N in the $1500-$3500.00 range.

They would be comparable to the 650/800 series Ford (Similar Price) and the MF-135 would be similar to the Ford 2000/3000 series.

As others have said look at the features you want then find the model that fits. I find that the Position control and live power are worth shopping around for.

Jeff

 

[old]

To me the later model 8N is the best of all of them. The side mount distubutor makes it easier to work on and tune up plus the coils last 10 times longer
Hobby farm

 

[JerryU]

I got mine because I worked on my uncle's farm growing up in Iowa. It was the first tractor I drove.

I now live in SE Michigan and use it to cut 4 acres of field grass, plow a 175' drive and a host of other things (rear scoop is beyond belief for yard work). I used to use it for lawn grass - 2 acres until wife planted a lot of trees. Hydro lawn tractor works better for that.

It has plenty of power for what you want. Cold weather is not a problem if properly maintained. Many have converted them to 12 volts - that is a whole 'nother controversy - but bear in mind farmers used these for a lot of years and didn't store them inside.

Yup, sounds just like what you want. I would opt for a late 8N or if you can find one, an NAA (Jubilee).

JU

 

[TheOldHokie]

I bought a 1940 9N out of the same nostalgic motivation. The original was a 1951 8N and I figured there couldn't be a lot of difference - I was very wrong. The 8N was a significant improvement over the 9N/2N. That said, after the initial glow wore off the 9N I purchased a newer compact 4WD with loader for handling my real work (very similar to your needs) and relegated the 9N to a well deserved retirement on memory lane. It still brings back a wave of wonderful memories when I see it, hear it, and smell it but the compact is my daily worker.

TOH

 

[souNdguy]

If I was limited to the n series alone.. it would ahve to be a late 8n.. that way it has the angle mount distrib, the better steering box, the better axle seals, and the better reverse gear.

More preferably would be something like a 861 with power steering.. etc..

soundguy

 

[Bruce (VA)]

I keep up three acres of grass, a large veggie garden & other chores w/ N's; two 1950's & a 1951 w/ a Freeman loader. I think you will find the later model 8N's to be much better than the 9N's simply because of the hydraulics. And, the later model 8N's did have the side distributor which some prefer (I have both & it really doesn't matter to me) and improved steering gear. All I can say about a Fergy is that my neighbor has one as a garage ornament; it's always getting worked on for something.....and I love getting on him about it. I'm the first to offer a tow w/ the N's, a jump start or whatever......nice guy that I am!

You might find the link below to be helpful.
Buying An N by John Smith

 

[Jack - Illinois]

As to the starting, I grew up around dad's 6 volt equipment. The 49 Plymouth car was first to fail to start, then the 51 Oliver 88, next the 51 Ford 8N and the old 37 Ford V8 1 1/2 ton truck that burned oil like it was fuel. Usually the 8N pulled the car to get it started in really cold weather, but if the 8N failed to start that old worn out truck always did. And yes the 8N ran well in cold weather after the tranny oil warmed up a bit.

 

[Pitch]

I have worked the guts out of my"49. I have problems with it but never cost to much,only once more than 50 bucks. I took my 4 acres from brush lot to homesite. Used it like a dozer or backhoe. Nowadays it plows snow, levels the driveway and hauls a few loads of material in the rear scoop. Never get it out of 1 or 2nd gear. Thats why once a month or so I need to drive it to the station for gas instead of using just a can. Every one starts different,mine floods real easy when it is down to 15 degrees or so,but if I,m careful it will start right up. I engage the PTO and go inside for another cup while the transmission is warming.

Also about time for my annual saftey tip.
#1 block your blade of the ground with a stone or board, don"t need to break seven feet of frozen steel out of the ground.
#2 In the winter always make reverse your first movement, the tires frozen to the ground have the potential to rotate the tractor around the axle.

 

[jhub]

Jerry,

Can you explain to me more about the sherman transmission?

Also I saw a 9N advertised with a sherman trans. Was it an option on the 9N also?

 

[Hobo,NC]

I agree, a MF 135 has all the whissels and bells needed for a small operation. Only problem is I can buy 3 N's around here for the price of a worn out 135, still look'n for a deal on a 135 tho. Folks are rite proud of the 135 they bring $6000 and up for a nice'n, still look'n for one tho. My hart is set on own'n a nice 135/165 till I run up on a deal two 8n's fill the need along with a Farmall 100 and 140 neither a N or a 135 will do garden work like a Offset Farmall.
I run across more worn out tractors then good ones, all seam to bring the same price.
See'n as we are on the 9N,2N,8N site Folks that don't mind tinkering do make out well with them. Parts are a bargain for the N, kin not say that about any other tractor. I have customers with worn out N's that git good service out of'em. It don't break the bank to do maintenance on them. My main worker a 50 n that I have completely rebuilt I have $3500 in it ($500 for a Zane live thang) and I spec it will run another 25 years till it needs a rebuild of some sort. When look'n for a deal on a N I look for one that comes with equipment, equipment never losses it,s value. Most all N's i have ran across the came as a package deal with equipment the tractor usually has been maintained with very few issues that need attention. Most deals tractor only the tractor is usually a piece of junk. I would search out a package deal the equipment is what will break you up. With out equipment the tractor ain't much good.

 

[jhub]

Thanks everyone for all your input. This will be my first tractor buy so I am trying to do my homework. Any and all info is very much appreciated. THANK YOU ALL.
jhub

 

[Sean (TX)]

(quoted from post at 12:51:14 09/28/07) My grandfather had an N when I was a kid. That is why I am looking that way.

I will be mowing grass around my propery and using it for snow removal. So I don't think that will be heavy duty work.

If maintained correctly do Ns run well in cold temps?

I have a 41 9N and it will take care of the chores you mentioned with no problem. When I was a kid we left the old 9N outside in the winter. Had a 6 volt system and never failed to start. I plowed our quarter mile driveway feor several winters with it. I had a inch of ice on mine last winter..6 volt system and it started on half a crank 9N it is easier for mowing if you have a set of limit chains. Some 8N owners even use limit chains for mowing.

 

[Joe (IN)]

IF you're sure that you want an N, then find yourself a late model '51-'52 8N with a sidemount distributor. There are plenty out there, so hold out and find a good deal on a machine in good shape. When you get it home, look up Zane Sherman here on this board and have him sell you a Live Thang kit. Live hydraulics are one of the few worthwhile things that the newer tractors have that the N's don't. Zane's kit will give you that. It's worth every nickel of the $400 or $500 he sells them for. After that, never look back.

 

[Dunk]

I think I am gonna go look at a Ford 3000, and a Long ??, both diesels in the AM.

He priced the Long on the phone for $4000, and the Ford for $5000.

I am gonna go look at em, ifn I can prise my arse outa this chair.

Ifn I like em, I am thankin about offerin him $7000 - $7500 fer both delivered about 8 miles.

What yall think, that is all of the details I have at this time, cept he says they are ready to work, and I have seen them within 10 feet.

 

[BillM (OH)]

I have 2 8N's - 1 front mount distributor and 1 side mount. Both do most all the work I have on my 8 acres down here in Ohio. I have an 861 on the NY farm, which is a real worker - live PTO, power steering, about 50 HP. 861 wins on work and ease of use, but 8n"s win on repair parts availability and cost, so I'm happy with them. I completely replaced all the electrical components (except the generator) on my older 8N for what the gas shutoff valve for the 861 cost from CNH - big difference.