Well boys It's Over.......

[Anonymous-0]

As many of you know I just got back my new rebuilt motor for my 8N about 3 weeks ago.

That put's the tractor up to about $5000.00 (I paid $2100 for the 8N).

So it is still running alittle ruff, when at full throttle, I was firguring it was a gas/carb problem.

Anyway it still is functional, so I went out to blade and rake the mile of road. About 5 hours in the right front tire goes flat and begins to shred into peices.

And as I'm crippling her home she begins to run ruffer and ruffer, losing power all the way and then dies and will not start. Same kind of thing that happened before the motor needed to be replaced.

So as of right now I've contacted the Kubota Dealer and I am trading her in a on a L3400 (2010, zero hours).

They are giving me $2000 trade as is, I will put no more money on that tractor.

I just wanted to thank everyone that has helped along they way, I've learned alot.

I wish my Ford Tractor experience would have been better, but I'm moving on.

I'll drop by from time to time though.

 

[souNdguy]

i can't help but think that you are trading her in bcause of a 95$ tire that was gonna go bad anyway.. and perhaps a fuel clog, or bad set of points.. or head that needs retorquing since it has now been warmed...


soundguy

 

[Anonymous-0]

My point exactlly, always something.

 

[Bill M. From Illinois]

Sorry to hear about your Ford experience. I've got two 2N's that I've spent very little money on over the years. I've also got a Kubota L3400 that, with the loader is very handy to have around. It's also much cheaper to run per hour with diesel. But for mowing, discing, plowing etc, I much prefer being in a ford seat.

 

[Dell (WA)]

Ron........fer $50 front tire (used) yer gonna throw away $5000 worth of engine rebuild??? sheesh.......Old tractors ain't rocket science. Just wait until you have "injector" problems on yer new Kubota. ..........numbbnutts sheesh, respectfully Dell

 

[souNdguy]

maintenance will be due on anything you own. it will always be something on anything.

once you get something fixed up.. it's just periodic maintenance.

I don't do anything special to my machines once I fix em. i just keep them maintained.

soundguy

 

[Sawatch 8N]

I knew going into rebuilding the 8n it'd cost way too much and there'd always be something to work on on it...I luv it!

 

[Anonymous-0]

I knew I could count on you Dell for one last slam dunk, genious...

Just because a man has alittle grease under the finger nails and may know how a motor, works gives no lisense to belittle another.

Some guys are so simple.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Sorry to see the Fords not work out for you.
Wish I could have advised you to go a different route from the beginning though I did advise you to dump it before you rebuilt the engine.
In the long term, big scheme of things $3 Grand isn't that much money after all.
At least you wont be stuck in the 1940s.
From everything I hear those Kubbys are great machines.
Enjoy it! And don't look back.

edit: PS You are probably a great nurse and anyone of these guys here who make snide remarks would probably gladly be in your care if they have surgery or a heart attack.

 

[mike paulson]

you should buy something brand new with a warranty because if an old ford 8n stumps you wait till you have fuel delivery problems with a newer diesel that has an electronic controlled injection pump and a couple of small micro processors in it.
or you might just be better off hiring a contractor to do your landscaping and land managment type work. nothing to be ashamed of some guy's are just not cut out to own and maintain a tractor. best of luck...

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 19:49:16 04/07/11) As many of you know I just got back my new rebuilt motor for my 8N about 3 weeks ago.

That put's the tractor up to about $5000.00 (I paid $2100 for the 8N).

So it is still running alittle ruff, when at full throttle, I was firguring it was a gas/carb problem.

Anyway it still is functional, so I went out to blade and rake the mile of road. About 5 hours in the right front tire goes flat and begins to shred into peices.

And as I'm crippling her home she begins to run ruffer and ruffer, losing power all the way and then dies and will not start. Same kind of thing that happened before the motor needed to be replaced.

So as of right now I've contacted the Kubota Dealer and I am trading her in a on a L3400 (2010, zero hours).

They are giving me $2000 trade as is, I will put no more money on that tractor.

I just wanted to thank everyone that has helped along they way, I've learned alot.

I wish my Ford Tractor experience would have been better, but I'm moving on.

I'll drop by from time to time though.

Don't let the Nay Sayers get you down. Some people (many in fact) are simply not cut out for the overhead (and expense) that goes with owning an N. The L3400 is a very nice tractor with many features missing from an N. I would expect you will need to do absolutley nothing beyond fluid changes (and making the payments) for the next 10 years or more and you have a much more powerful and versatile tractor. Don't let the dealer high ball you on the L3400 - a 4WD 2010 HST with a loader is 20K max (likely less) out the door and that is before the trade-in. Personally I prefer to shop the used market as the dealer always gets a premium price.

TOH

PS> I have a 30 year old B series diesel and I have NEVER had to touch the motor other than a new set of glow plugs about 15 years ago. It's getting a little cranky to start if it's below freezing so I better save up another $30 bucks.....

 

[Elvin Frank]

Numbbnutts??????? Just because the mas is tired of working on a tractor and wants a new one he gets dogged on??? and name calling, thats real mature.................sheeesh Elvin (the one that don't understand why some people are rude on here

 

[Dukester]

All I can say is I've been there, in many places.. with the N, a Dodge Ram truck, woodworking, my job, heck even getting up some days. Keep it all in perspective and Don't give up; you sound like you have invested a lot of time and money in this; keep going! There is excellent Free help here from people that know their stuff and happy to share their knowledge.

Take a break from the N if you need to, spend a little to get someone to help you with the chores you use the N for. Don't be afraid to ask too many questions...I know I do and the folks herr never stop helping. For that matter dont be afraid to ask a local on their tractor if they know anything about N's.

If nothing else, buy the Kubota and keep the N to tinker with (if you can afford to).

My 2 cents.

Cheers
Dukester

 

[Tom N MS]

You won't be sorry about choosing Kubota.Now you have moved to a real tractor.

 

[Jubilee85 (VA)]

SDR,

A note on motor vernacular - a motor is an electrical device.....much to boys of NASCAR lingo misuse, an engine is an internal combustion device.....

as for Dell - I have to agree with him, damn if I would have spent that much and gone in the hole and quit! Common sense and stepping back a while (and listening and learning) is worth your weight in gold. And as for "genious" - I think the word is GENIUS, and yes experience is golden - If I wanted to know how to fix my sore knee that is hurting like he!!, I would ask a doctor...or nurse, if I want to know how to remove sleeves in a 9-2-8 N - I would ask one that has done it several times and listen and take notes. If I heard the info from 5 sources and all of them told me the same thing, damn if I would run down to the nearest mechanic and allow him to charge me big $$$$$ on it - but as the old adage goes.... " a fool and HIS money are soon parted" and other one that fits in my line of work, " you cannot humble an idiot"

The beauty of this board, like life - take everything with a grain of salt, guys here are funny,serious,callous,caring and above ALL ELSE- people that WANT to help.

and with all due respect, I hope that your new tractor runs for a long time to come.

 

[Colin King]

Good luck Ron, and I"m sorry that the N didn"t treat you right. I hope your next tractoring adventures are more pleasant than this one.

Colin, MN

 

[oldtanker]

(quoted from post at 19:54:33 04/07/11)
SDR,

A note on motor vernacular - a motor is an electrical device.....much to boys of NASCAR lingo misuse, an engine is an internal combustion device.....

as for Dell - I have to agree with him, damn if I would have spent that much and gone in the hole and quit! Common sense and stepping back a while (and listening and learning) is worth your weight in gold. And as for "genious" - I think the word is GENIUS, and yes experience is golden - If I wanted to know how to fix my sore knee that is hurting like he!!, I would ask a doctor...or nurse, if I want to know how to remove sleeves in a 9-2-8 N - I would ask one that has done it several times and listen and take notes. If I heard the info from 5 sources and all of them told me the same thing, damn if I would run down to the nearest mechanic and allow him to charge me big $$$$$ on it - but as the old adage goes.... " a fool and HIS money are soon parted" and other one that fits in my line of work, " you cannot humble an idiot"

The beauty of this board, like life - take everything with a grain of salt, guys here are funny,serious,callous,caring and above ALL ELSE- people that WANT to help.

and with all due respect, I hope that your new tractor runs for a long time to come.

On the other side I can see where having a job and a family gets in the way of upkeep on property and trying to keep an old tractor running. If I wasn't on the farm and trying to get it running again without owing my life to the bank I'd get rid of most of the old stuff and buy a new one. I like spending time with my wife and grandkids, out on the lake fishing or in the woods hunting. But I bet I've got a hundred or so hours working on equipment in the last 6 weeks. Clutch in the 1206 IH plus rewiring, now with a fuel flow problem with the 8N plus aa 12 volt conversion on the M add in getting the rest of the stuff ready for field work. Yes new would be kinda nice!

Rick

 

[KL-VA]

Sorry to hear that, but it sounds like the new tractor will be a better fit for your needs. When talking tractors, $5000 is not a lot of money. When talking N-tractors, $5000 could be FIVE working tractors or one really-nice tractor.

If I could afford a new tractor, one of the blue, orange, or even a (GASP) green tractor would certainly have been a nice way to go. I looked, sat, test drove, but couldn't justify borrowing $15 to $20 grand for a shiny new tractor to plow snow, grade gravel, and other odd jobs. It may be blasphemy, but there are LOTS of new and used tractors out there that might be a better choice than an N-tractor for some people, the work they plan to do, and their mechanical aptitude. Different people have different needs and skills.

I bought my first 8N tractor because, after doing a little research, I KNEW it was a machine I could take apart and completely rebuild (if necessary) with little or no "professional" help (unless I dropped a heavy part on my foot). Thankfully, there have been no serious accidents, but BandAids and NewSkin do frequently turn up on my shopping list.

At this point, I may have spent more time working on my tractors than using them. That does not mean I regret the original decision one bit. I may be sick, delusional, and probably do need professional help, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the time spent working on my tractors. If I didn't enjoy catching up on years of neglected maintenance, and dealing with the dubious mechanical ability of previous owners, I would not have considered buying a 60-year old tractor.

 

[Fuddy Duddy]

Sorry things didn't work out. I think had you tried a little longer you would had been pleased. You had got the major part behind you. As I had said before there will always still be minor things needing worked on. But maybe that Kubota will be best for you. If I was going to buy a new tractor today I think it would be a Kubota. I have one of their lawn tractors and will say they make good machine.
O'Yes, Never mind Dell. He is a good fellow. He means well. He helps a lots of people on this site. He may come off a little crude at times, but that is just his way.
Good Luck,
Wish I was up near Rapid City, I'd make you a better offer for that tractor. You really should hang on to it and hold out for more money for it.

 

[lha]

When I got my 9n,it had new rear tires,old weathered,cracked and dryrotted fronts.The first thing I did was get a new pair of fronts[$70.00 mounted 3-ribs].I have done a lot of maintenance on it,and it is to me an enjoyable experience.You probably don't share my,and that of others' enjoyment in working on tractors.If you have the money,or credit to do what you did,more power to you.I just wish I'd have had a chance,and $2000.00 to help you get that new machine.I say more power to you[literally].---lha

 

[CJ in Michigan]

Sorry it did not work out for you. I personally like to diagnose and fix the old Fords, got 3 of them at the moment. At least you will be enjoying some seat time soon-

 

[36 Coupe]

The dealer will kite the Kubota 2 grand and get the 8N free.Kubota parts come high and they have a rep for weak differentials.When my 640 lost a clutch I looked at a new Massey Ferguson.A kubota dealer down the road had less tractor for more money.A small dealer told me to put a clutch in the Ford, he was right.I patch flat tires,some people run them flat and need a new tire and tube.Ive spent about 350 bucks in repairs on the 640 in 24 years.Thats 1 month payment on a new tractor.

 

[36 Coupe]

I have to agree with Dell.You are throwing away 5 grand if you let the 8n go.How much is the interest on a new tractor?In any case I would never spend 3 grand to overhaul the engine on an 8N.

 

[souNdguy]

i agree.. with what he has invested now.. I think he just rtraded it away while it was in site of running good for a long time.

soundguy

 

[Anonymous-0]

Well Ron hate to see you let the N go for that kind of money . I'd park her out by the road and surely with all you have spent on it you would fair alot better than 2000. I also no how you feel a mans got his limits. The old tractors are apprieciated by a lot of us oldtimers who cut our teeth on the old cars and machinry of the old days.They just remind most of a more simpler time in life when ten wrenches was all you needed. You could tune up your 49 ford for 12.dollars and still have enough to take a date out on saturday night. Truth is these old tractors are tempermental and unless you love em you have already lost the battle .The guys on here no they will have to do a lot of maintenance and they enjoy it, but it's thing we all enjoy. Sure sorry you had a bad time with the old N .Hope you have a lot of fun and seat time on the new one. Keep us up on the new one , we like them to .

 

[Hobo,NC]

60/70 year old tractors that have been used and abused are not for everybody,,, Their are much better Ford tractors out their that can be fixed up for the same money folks throw away on a N,,, bring yer new bota over and i will kick its arse with a 69 Ford 3000 that I have $4500 in,,, Don't take me wrong I can understand get'n bit, it hurts ,, enjoy your new tractor...

 

[Ncorrigible]

So exactly where in South(by God)Dakota will a person find this tractor sitting on a dealers lot? I might be up for a road trip. An audio book in the CD player will get me from SE Minnesota out to Rapid City. Lord knows I do not need another tractor, but it is tempting.

 

[CMM]

I know how you feel. I bought a place six years ago and needed a tractor for bush hogging and to skid logs as I cleaned up the overgrown woods. I had always wanted an N and bought one that appeared to be in good shape. It wasn"t.

Since the palce is 100 miles from my home, I was only able to be there once every three weekends or so. I found that I would spend the weekend working on the tractor rather than the place.

The only thing worse than a nurse working on a tractor is a CPA(me)working on a tractor. I decided I could work on the tractor or the place. I chose the place and bought a Kubota L2800. Sold the N.

Looking back, it was the right move. My place is now in good shape and I have a tractor that starts first time, everytime.

In August of last year, I bought a Jubilee. Now that my place is in good shape, I have time to work/play on the Jubilee. I love it. This discussion board has taught me a lot, I only wish I had known about it when I had the original N. Still would have bought the Kubota, but would have kept the N.

Someday when you have more time and IF you have the desire to play with an old tractor, buy you an N. But realize it is more hobby for someone like you and me than anything else.

 

[36 Coupe]

Tom Edison tried 3000 different materials for his light bulb filament before he found that carbonized card board work.Persistance seems to be the answer to solve problems.Ron should have had a mechanic look at the tractor.After 5 grand why not pay some one that KNOWS what he is doing find the trouble.I suspect he had an ignition coil that was breaking down when it got hot.We know that iron and steel will not attract a magnet at high temperatures.I have noticed my planer motor will blow fuses on a hot summer day .Doesnt happen at cooler temperatures.He could have a condensor that opens when it gets hot.A bad condensor can mimic gas problems.