which is better

[MeanGene1]

With the N series I find it all boils down to very few differences. They all use the same three point hitch minus draft and position modes, The engines are interchangeable through the 9N 2N and 8N one will fit the others and work, the late 8Ns had the fancy new era side distributor, the early 2Ns a magneto, The 9N a front mount distributor, sure they look different but at the end of the day they all do the same things. Some prefer one over another and that’s ok it’s all up to preference.

Yep, I have had a couple 9N's and much prefer the 8N for the subtle differences- and this one came up for sale locally, single-family since new and only had 1004 hrs when I got it for a great price, and had the Howard Reducer trans in it- just a sweetheart. I did raise the seat up 4", as I'm 6'2" and the seating position was not designed for that lol

 

[ss55]

9n or 8n. there are two for sale local, im thinking of buying one for snow removal and hauling trailers. it would be replacing my worst purchase, a clapped out cub I bought in febaury.

Non-field ready tractors won't help you much no matter how many you have. Maybe put the $1500 into repairing the MF 135 or to trade the 135 for one good field ready tractor?

 

[Kondoge]

Yep, I have had a couple 9N's and much prefer the 8N for the subtle differences- and this one came up for sale locally, single-family since new and only had 1004 hrs when I got it for a great price, and had the Howard Reducer trans in it- just a sweetheart. I did raise the seat up 4", as I'm 6'2" and the seating position was not designed for that lol

See I'm the complete opposite I like the hard way and prefer the 9N. I love my 9N even though it's an improperly coloured and rusty turd I still love it. gives me something to do on the few days I do get to see it. I don't even know how many hours my machine has or how many engine swaps it has had, all I know is it runs good after tuning (most times).

I can agree that the N's seats are poorly designed, they don't work very good for big bumps either, I need to make a bungee seat belt to hold me to the seat, I keep bouncing up and hurting my tailbone.

 

[Kondoge]

Non-field ready tractors won't help you much no matter how many you have. Maybe put the $1500 into repairing the MF 135 or to trade the 135 for one good field ready tractor?

From what I heard I have reason to believe he doesn't have a 135 maybe a different machine but maybe Kentucky gardener you can prove you do have the 135 by showing us a photo of your machine? (I'd love to see it) also if you have photos of the listed N series tractors we could make better judgements as well based on the condition of them. (that is if you still want to go this road)

 

[HarryVanderpool]

Hay time is coming up soon.
When the day is nigh, I attach the John Deere 350 cycle bar mower on our 2N, 4 wheel rake on our 8N (The Junk PILE) and the bailer on our MF 1540.
The 2N has THE PERFECT ground speed and power in 2nd gear for the mower!
The Junk Pile has position control which works great with the rake.
The MF is so perfect at everything, it's boring. It gets the bailer.
I'm very grateful for all of them.
Still, the 2N is my favorite It normally has a rotary mower mounted and is the most used tractor on the property.
I can make up excuses all day long of why I should hop on and do some mowing, just for fun!
Each to their own.

 

[MeanGene1]

I can agree that the N's seats are poorly designed, they don't work very good for big bumps either, I need to make a bungee seat belt to hold me to the seat, I keep bouncing up and hurting my tailbone.

Probably well enough designed for someone around 5'6" in 1939 lol- not 6'2" and 270 like me

 

[Kondoge]

Probably well enough designed for someone around 5'6" in 1939 lol- not 6'2" and 270 like me

Not 5’11 and 138lbs either

 

[Ultradog MN]

Well, since you had to go snarky, you have no idea what technically advanced equipment I have run- but, but but when was the last time YOU were on a 14M motor grader with GPS? Or a 345 Excavator? Or a paver with sonar equipment? Or an 8T dozer? Or run a job building an Interstate freeway? I have 11 tractors at home, mostly "antique", but several with live live and power. I only use the 8N for mowing, and it's fun- very tight, low hours machine, steers fine, sounds like a sewing machine, and very relaxing. And I've been running N's since the mid-60's, very familiar with their strengths and weaknesses, and run them for FUN. If I was serious about mowing, I would get a skidsteer with an air-conditioned cab. But, but but- it's absolutely none of your business

Was I snarky?
I didn't intend to be.
Tell us more about your 8N.
It is a collectable machine.
Many of the folks here are using Ns as their primary tractor or they bought a non runner and it is their Hope is to use it as their first and only tractor. I wasn't speaking to the old hands here who know more about tractors and know that at least live hydraulics - like a Jubilee or 600 have was a big leg up - nearly as valuable as position control was.
And while Im being conciliatory here.
Me and @HarryVanderpol go round and about ei and 12 volts a lot.
I think those things make a tractor more reliable and more productive - like live hydraulics do. And they're a cheap and easy upgrade.
But even I would never change your N that way.
Got any photos of it?

 

[TJ64]

Make sure it is the Sherman Combination
with overdrive AND underdrive
An 8N in overdrive reverse would be so fast it could escape earth's gravitational pull.

*FACT

 

[MeanGene1]

Not 5’11 and 138lbs either

IIRC I went 4" up and 2" back, using a piece of 4" square tubing