I have a '50 8n that I bought and actively use on our small homestead. I would echo a lot of these thoughts as far as how cost effective and useful they are. Do not let the age scare you. These things were robust and built to last if taken care of. Parts are easy to get and with a rear scoop or carryall, you can accomplish many of the same things (with a sore neck) as you can with an FEL. In the winter, I use a rear blade to clean out our S. Wisc. drive. And I would note that an FEL can work on an N, but the front end is not up to a lot of abuse and there is no power steering, making the added weight a challenge. A lot of people have them, but there are better tractors that came out just a few years later with stronger front end (and the live hydraulics) that do a better job. When I went shopping for an 8n, I specifically went looking for a '50 or newer. As mentioned below, earlier steering boxes can be a challenge. The later ones are better. The earlier versions have what is called a front mount distributor that is a little awkward to get at for maintenance. Later ones, such as mine, has a more traditional side mount. In both cases, removal makes point installation easier, but the side mount was an improvement. Watch for leaking rear seals. It can be an indication of a failing hub creating too much play. A broken wheel stud is another. Rear rims, if the tires were filled with calcium, may be rusty. There are aftermarket rims out there, and often, the originals can be repaired. Often times, price is not associated with the age. This later model tractor will not command a premium on the market. Also, do not let the paint scare you. Just because someone took the time to paint it does not mean they knew the business end of a wrench. In fact, I have really learned to appreciate an original tractor in its "work clothes". Some actually clear coat original paint to preserve it. I am the son of a mechanic and I raced sports cars for about 30 years. These things are so simple to work on, they are a joy. If I ever do pop for a more modern tractor, I suspect I will still keep this around for certain tasks. Probably the most handy thing I have on the homestead. My 2 cents.
That's good Troy, my very first tractor was a 1941 9N which was before the infamous 8N. It was given to me and it was a basket cake. I put a new distributor, new carbuerator, plugs,wires, and 3 gallons of gas and had it running in no time. What a sweet little machine. 👍👍👍👍
I’ve driven 8Ns and a Ford 600. Afew years back my dad bought a Massey 35 Gasser for $3500. We love it. They are twice the tractor of an 8N. 2 stage clutch and a hi-lo range transmission. Give you 2 reverse gears and 6 forward. Borrow money from anyone or sell something but if you have a chance, but one of the 35s instead. We make hay up to 4 miles from the hobby farm so the 12 mph road gear is nice. Great video tho!
When looking at any Tractor, especially with a manual transmission, Make sure that the clutch and all gears work. You don't want to fine out that one of the gears don't work. If possible you might take someone with you that knows tractors.
Never used a 8n but have used a 2n word of advice for possible buyers, MAKE SURE IT HAS AN OVER RUNNING CLUTCH! If it don't, then put one on before you even attempt to mow with it.
You can do an electronic ignition conversion and easily convert to 12 volts. Done it 3 times. Also get a 51-52 improved steering (lash adjustable) and a 52 will have dual rear axle seals. Brakes arent great, had loader on ALL of my 8Ns.
Thanks for answering my question in a video! I truly like your style of videos. Your research and forethought really shows in the information you go over. On a side note, am pretty sure some of the early 8N tractors had the 2/9N 3spd transmission. Can get these tractors all day long in my area for $1900 or less. Will pay a pot more if the tractor has a fresh restoration. A friend converted his to 12-volt and it has cured the difficult starting issues in the cold weather.
@Homestead Fabricator....I beg to differ. ALL 8N's came from the factory with a 4spd trans. I know this because I've 'specialized' in the early Fords for 18 years and have bought and/or repaired 100's of them. Now, That said, the 9N/2N 3spd WILL swap over IF you include the steering mast. Bolts right up. Best of success....~Eli.
8N's are awesome! I see them on craigslist here in the Detroit area for around $1000 all of the time. Parts are everywhere,and nothing more than basic hand tools to work on them
I have a 1955 Massy Ferguson which is nearly the same tractor as a 8N they share a lot of the same parts. A tractor without implements is not of much use. Converting to 12 volt is simple a 12 volt car alternator coil and battery is all you need the starter will do just fine. I built a front end loader for my tractor and it has saved my back many times.
I learned to drive on a 51 8N my grandpa bought I new the year I was born, it still looks and operates like new,,,great old tractor in it's 5th generation of operation........
Been using 8N's since 1964 (actually only on my second one, a '49') at my 180 acre off grid property. Sure would love a bucket and more horsepower but these things always work. Use it for mowing and dragging logs out of the woods for firewood.
For small gardening and small acreage upkeep, consider a Gravely 2 wheel tractor. They were made for over 50 years with the same basic design. Parts and implements are available. Much cheaper to acquire and keep running than a traditional 4 wheel tractor.
I'm a diehard Farmall guy, but I will definitely say that the Ford N series are great tractors for the small hobby farmer, homesteader, or just someone who has land. they are quite versatile and pretty easy to work on. personally I prefer old Farmall Letter series, but that's just me. I plan on doing a similar video at some point myself.
100% agree. Tractor works perfectly in almost any situation can be repaired in the field. The horsepower is deceptive as to what the machine can accomplish
I bought my 51 8n with a front loader like the one you showed. Same loader exactly. Running and operating 2 years ago for $1000 was a good tractor . Prob a 20 year old restoration. . But it was very finicky. Constantly having little inconvenient issues . But heck it was a 51. It served its purpose and I sold it for a large prof
Just bought my uncles 1953 jubilee, runs great 12 v , electronic ignition, brand new tires one new rear wheel, rebuilt hydraulic pump new carburetor just needs paint but I like the Pantina All for 2750 I will be primarily using to brush hog . Had choice of jube or 8n for 2000 went for new tires and live pro for mowing
I've got a restored farmall cub that has been in the family sincecit was bought new and a 20 series John deere with loader and belly mower i use for most things on our 8 1/2 acres. And as soon as i saw the title of your video and saw the question my first thought was ford 8n. Cheap, parts are readily available, easy to work on, 3 pt hitch (which is a super huge plus when looking at old tractors) and they are everywhere.
@@RedToolHouse I love old tractors and dont need another one but for what you can buy them for around here I feel like Iwill end up with one. If for no other reason than to have a nice low tractor to bush to with. 12 to 1800 will buy a nice to really nice user around here and ad a couple hundred more and you start gettin implement's as in multiple with them.
found one for my father in law, he was supposed to give me first crack when he sold the cabin, didn't. Have Dad's old Ford Major, it's getting some mice needed attention soon. Lived with an 8n for over a decade (mowing and snow removal), underpowered, no traction (too light)!
Good video. My first tractor was a 8N I bought in 1978 for $1200. Then I bought a 18 hp Kabota, then my Father gave me a 1968 Massey Ferguson 35 with a Perkins diesel. So in about 5 years I was tractor rich. ( right now on eBay there are at least 20 8N’s ranging in price from $12,000 with a 304 v8 to ($1100 said 12volt & running). One of the +’s about the 8N is they are a sleeved engine and rebuild parts are cheap and easy to find. I don’t recommend a Bush Hogg/ mower any bigger than a 5 foot.
@@RedToolHouse Yep, someone sold a kit at one point that would allow you to install a flathead Ford V8, may have been produced and sold by Ford. With a little tinkering the flathead could be made to produce 100 horsepower also. Hey, one of the first 100 horsepower Ford tractors!
Sorry, I had to rewind the video because I was too busy laughing at you saying "if it rolls over and we die... we get over it! " Thank you for the research!
Everybody seems to forget about the 1953 naa. And the 1954 Golden Jubilee A little bit bigger tractor overhead valve engine and live PTO 33 hp I think!
Have 1949 8N, Still working did some brush hogging today, needs a new clutch but has for many years, no plans to replace til it worn't hack the job! P.S. converted to 12v! made a big improvement. well worth the money.
I am on my 5th beater Tractor .1st one was a 8-N , then Fordson Dexta ...bought 3 of them & they were a real work horses..... last one I got was a Ford 3000 but I broke the steering box last month , all tractors were from craigslist & under $2500
When I saw the title of this video my first thought was 8N, what else. I see them all around NEPA for $1500 - $3000 fully functional. Sometimes as little as $1000 if beat up pretty badly or no longer needed. Also the International low boy was a close second in my book. A few bucks more but basically in the same range. A little less abundant but still pretty easy to find. Some didn't have rear PTO and some only had a rear lift, not 3 point so you need to find the one you need. Also if you have 5 acres or less the old power kings were good. 2418 is a good one if you don't need a rear PTO. Most still had 3 point hitch and it's not too hard to find one with a factory loader bucket.
I started out with a 46 Ford 2N I bought not running from an auction for $280. Had her running within a weekend with an aftermarket carb and 12V conversion kit. Runs like a top! Then bought a 58 Ford 841 Powermaster Diesel locked up for $200. It came with a 6 foot brush hog. Got the engine freed up and got it running without an issue. Then bought a non running 52 Ford 8N with a Davis loader for $1000 just for the loader. Swapped the loader over to the Powermaster. Recently got the 8N running but it’s pretty wore out. It’ll definitely get an engine rebuild soon!
Alot of good advice! It's a shame that to alot of people It's more about looks!!! I call it looking cool on your stool!!!) I have to agree with one or more of the commentors. The MF135 gas or diesel were and still are great starter tractor. And parts are readily available; plus they have a two stage clutch ! 👍
My first tractor was a 1949 8n I now have an international 444 which is like the 8n only with all the stuff the 8n never came with like low range and power steering and remotes and I got it for $3000 because they left the gas on and it was out of fuel so it wouldn't run
I miss the 1952 8N we had on the farm growing up. Even with the 6v electrics, that was the most reliable machine we had. The funny part is that some riding lawnmowers cost more than a lower price 8N!
Seems kind of ridiculous doesn't it? I paid $3000 for a case 730 with an ezee on loader, bucket and bale spear. What can you get in a riding mower that can move gravel???!!!
All well said Troy. I couldn't agree more on the old Fords. Somewhat 'limited' in capabilities when compared to the newer ones BUT, Every part is still available, 'accessories/upgrades' are unlimited, simple to operate and maintain, and they are a dirt cheap introduction. I don't exaggerate when I say I've owned and/or repaired 100's of them in the 18 years. God Bless...~Eli.
@RTH...Or sometimes even FREE just to haul off an 'eyesore' here. (Rare but, it happens). We once took a 'refurbished' flathead WITH the disc back by the old lady that had given them to me and disc'd her fields. When we finished she fed us a nice 'country' meal. .
Auer contraire. Ford made a factory loader for the 8N.I ran my uncles8n loader. It had a mechanical dump and wasn't perfect but wasnt too bad. Oh, good video. Thanks
Get yourself a Fordson Dexta. Cheaper then an 8N and you get a 32hp Perkins Deisel, live PTO with duel clutch. It's basically a metric Ford 3000 for a fraction of the price simply because most people have never heard of a Dexta.
Nice video. I just got a Yanmar YM2420 for 800. Owner didnt know if it would turn over as its sat in a shed for a long time (847hrs). He happily grabbed a battery and we checked the engine by jumping the solenoid (key is missing sadly) turned over with excellent compression. Gonna spend a little in fresh fluids and filters but I'm looking forward to it. He said it wont shift into 1st and 2nd but 3 and 4 work fine. Also has a older international for the same price I may consider fixing at a later point, but for now that yanmar should do great for a 28hp
When I purchased my Yanmar 2610 I realized it was time to sell my Ford 8N. Took that money and purchased a little Mitsubishi MT160 D way more modern and useful. The Ford 8N served America very well and still has many jobs to do but I've moved on.
If you going to home sted do not get th 2n,8n or the 9n before 1953 the golden jubilee is the one you want it cam out in 1953 with live hydraulics and live pto it had a two stage clutch in it push it halfway down tractor will stop and pto will keep turning push all the way down everything will stop.
I'd also vote for the MF135 Perkins. It came in both gas or diesel, and there you can just look at your homesteads fuel options. If everything else is gas, why complicate things? If you have a ready supply of diesel or a tank that you use to run a generator too it's not bad. Won't cost too much more than an 8n either and will have plenty more power and options.
Not big fan of the trip buckets. I think they give you too much confidence in what you can try with it. Really only good for moving lighter material (like mucking out the barn). For lifting things, I would go with a pig pole
8N are everything you said but the bad is they don’t have a low enough gear for mowing or plowing, I’ve owned many of through the years. I would go with a Ford workmaster up to 3000 for basic needs. For large gardening a Farmall 140 is my choice. I own Massey-Ferguson 40 with a loader, Ford 555-C Backhoe, and a Ford 3000 for my 150 acre farm upkeep. I truck patch with a Kubota L225 that’s my two cents lol
I have to agree watch a few videos of guys trying to plow snow with a backblade . They also have pretty weak hydraulics, only about 25hp . For about the same money you can find a farmall,IH, case, masey, or deer for a little more, with live hydraulics and PTO. I choose a IH 300 utility picked it up for $1,250 live hydraulics but mine doesn't have the live PTO (most do) I am sure that has a little why I got it so cheap.
I like my 48 8n. it's 21hp? but the tall tires offer a lot of torque. I don't use the pto and the 3point is eiter up or down now. I have hauled firewood with it for 20 years and its history is leveling the welcome center in Mackinaw City Michigan. I keep looking at a new tractor which would need to be 30-40hp to be comparible
Bought our 8n for $1,200 last fall. Runs great. Looks a little rough but it works great. Plowed with it all last winter, fired up instantly every time. Excavated a sloped area for a hoop house with it and a back blade. It’s paid for itself a few times over already. Planning to run it for awhile on our new 12 acre farm for field work. Have fun a lot of new tractors and yes I would love to have a bucket.... but our goal is to build out our farmstead without going into debt and be thrifty with equipment. See how long I can last before justifying a 5-10k tractor with a bucket😆
My neighbor has two 8Ns and they both run great. My john Deere 2040 1976 is driving me crazy with hydraulic lines squinting oil, leaking oil, screaming and screeching.. just got it fixed last week, climb on it tonight to have it ready to disk in the morning, Jerking, screaming 😱 oh yeah there was hydraulic oil blowing out everywhere. I can't find any old Olivers or Minneapolis Molines, so I guess il get a mule..
sure the 8N is a great many life long low hp tractor, but to me a tractor on a homestead with out a loader is like having a 6hp snow blower for your 1400 foot long drive way 22 feet wide and many 4 and 5 foot snow storms, your still stuck doing the back braking daily work by hand
I have been driving, working around my new John Deere tractor because a sensor went out on it, John Deere says I can't fix it myself I have to bring it in. cost 1,OOO bucks. driving around it on my 8n.
I completely agree with the 8N. Coming from Deere, these Fords are sooooo much easier to work on. And being such a low height, you don't need a ladder to work on them. I wasn't looking for any tractor in particular when I was looking(only a year ago), but I happened upon a 2N for $350. It had sat for 20-30 years in the woods. The seller showed me the engine turned over. I couldn't pass it up. After a new carb, a battery, new cables, and new fluids, it runs. I do wish I had the 4 speed like the 8N had, but I can manage without. The lack of draft control can be remedied by aftermarket addons. And yes, tires suck. I had to look for a year to find a used set, that cost me $600 for wheels and tires. You can get parts to get these N series running at Tractor Supply, at damn near every store. Despite what everyone says about the Chinese carburetors, I have had awesome luck with mine. It was tuned perfect out of the box, the tractor starts every time. Also, in CT, I am finding N series consistently for ~$1500. We just got some acreage in Maine, can't wait to start playing around up there!
I agree- but some simple upgrades make them much more usable: 1). 12 v conversion 2). Electronic ignition (no points to swap out) 3). Weight in rear end (either fluid in rear tires or weights)
@@reppfarms4493 I actually tried electronic ignition. I met Pertronix requirements for coil resistance, suppression spark plug wires, ballast resistor, and wire gauge. Installed exactly per instructions, and it burned up within 3 hours of use. They refused to respond to my customer service request, so I had Amazon replace the unit.The second one also burned up right around the 3 hour mark. I finally found a set of points with a good condenser, and have had no issues after that. Pertronix is a terrible company to deal with, they haven't responded once to my attempts to make contact with them. I had heard nothing but good things about them, which is why I gave them a shot. I have no issues with the unit I installed on my dad's John Deere 50, not sure why the Ford units are junk. Maybe some other companies are better, I'm not sure. As for 12v conversion, that would be nice for lighting and being able to have a more easily sourced alternator, but for me, my tractor starts and runs just fine on the 6v system. So I will leave mine as it is. The weight definitely helps, I will be filling my new tires when I get this thing up to the new property. The old ones were filled with the nasty stuff, so both rims rotted out. I was surprised the 10x28 filled tire I pulled off was damn near twice what the unfilled 12.4x28 weighs. Right now, it is a bit light in the rear and makes a mess of the yard, the wife doesn't care much for that lol
@@OldMotorcycleAdventures wow- I’m sorry about the electronic ignition. I had good luck with the one I put on, and have them on my JD 420, 520 & 2010. As for the weight, yes- avoid calcium- around here we use “beet juice” or used radiator fluid. They are not near as caustic…
Central NC. I found 10 in a one hour drive. 22 in a couple hours Some great shape and others look as they fell into the Grand Canyon. Beings the Right to repair issue left a "bad taste in my mouth" this seems the way to go!
Let's just Asher's me that I will keep that old 1940s Farmall running and Inus for as long as it is willing to stay alive cheap to run parts are getting harder to find but she's never failed never thought about the Ford I know where to find a few of those I do live in the mountains
The 8 n's are great. Go a couple of years newer and have live hydraulics. Then around '59 gets you live PTO, factory low range, power steering, and a front end that can handle a loader. I prefer the Massey Ferguson. Better engineering.
I love my 2020 Jinma 284 I have a little over 100 hours on it and it has been great you should check into them the Perkins 3 cylinder diesel is great and all the features you could want at a super price for a brand new tractor
I found me a 1952 Ferguson 30 for 600$ Spent a weekend on it and she purrs like a kitten I use it a lot on my 21 acres Pull a 2 bottom plow Disc And 5’ box blade for the drive way Without a lot of money it was a perfect fit Already turned down 1000$ for it
I 100% agree with you on the forehead and being the perfect Homestead tractor on a budget however I'm a Ford guy and last fall I struck gold when I found a Ford 340b Industrial loader tractor for sale on Marketplace for $4,000 I honestly think that I stole the tractor because I after using it for an entire year I'd say that it's worth a lot more than that that my friend is the perfect Homestead small farm tractor because I can do all my farm work with it fieldwork groundwork hey work everything plus loader work and it is so strong Unstoppable really if anybody can find an industrial tractor no matter what the brand I suggest I highly suggest that they do it
Ha Ha Tractor house has a total custom one for $25,000 with a V8 conversion, Sherman trans, front wheel assist conversion, and V snow plow. Looks cool though.
The 8n's lookalike the Fergusson produced by the Standard Motor Company in England would be more common in former British colonies. I have never seen a Ford 8N here in New Zealand
I could never be without a tractor my first one was a Massey Ferguson 2610 then a Mahindra 3016 loved both and now I got a RK55 loader backhoe I need a tractor for what all I do , I say any tractor is way better than nothing lol but if you have a homestead you need a tractor
There's a 40's and (3) 1950's Deeres hanging out in a field and looking lonely across the street from me. When I'm ready I might go ask if they're available. They have a pair of stationary engines, too... but that would just be a toy :)
Shhh. Don't curse me :) Actually, chances might be good (fingers crossed). Dad ran the 50-75 acre orchard. Retired. Kids own the farm now, and the orchard is now abandoned. They only maintain a few of the nicest trees in the front yard.... new generation, I don't know for certain they would want them. None have moved in 5 years But my wallet ain't fat enough to approach them with the questions yet :)
Hahaha! We have at least 2 manure spreader flower boxes on the street. Many plow blades / harrows in bark mulch, surrounded by flowers as a decoration.... I'm here a decade too late....
Liked your title, but it could be something like: best tractor if you don't want to spend tens of thousands, and don't want it to break down in 2 years, and cost thousands more to fix. I have a 9n and a JD B for my little place. Not full-on farming, just glorified gardening.. learn to use them, and be ready to spend 10-50 bucks at the farm store if they get balky. You won't look as cool as your neighbors Kubota, you'll look cooler.
Great video, and great advice! My first self-bought tractor is the Farmall 340 on my channel, but my Grandfather’s Ferguson 30 is here, too. (The Ferguson looks a lot like the 8n. I forget the exact details as to how the Ferguson came about, other than it was a partnership between Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson.) I had a chance to buy another Ferguson, before I bought my farmall, but didn’t because “I’ve gotta have a row-crop tractor!” Kinda wish I had, because it was a really well taken care of tractor, but still happy with the tractor I’ve got. If you’re still here, I’ve got a question for you: I noticed on Facebook that you got a sawmill.. A sawmill is something I’ve been looking at getting, once I get some land squared away, but I’m still trying to decide if buying a mill of my own (looking at a Woodland Mills HM126, for reference) would be worth it, if I only have a few (roughly 5) wooded acres. Having said that, I do have friends who have expressed interest in eventually getting rid of some trees of their own. Maybe it could become something similar to urban logging? At any rate, you guys are there, and have some practical knowledge and experience, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe Ferguson sued Ford once they split because Ford took all of their IP. I am not familiar with Woodland Mills but they look like a decent mill. I would try to find someone that has one and even try to run it if you can. That is what convinced us to go with the Norwood 18 years ago. Operated it and really liked how it performed. As for not having logs, if you have a need or a market for milled wood, you can get logs trucked in pretty inexpensively.
The 3 reasons I hear people get surprised by when they purchase an N. Hitch only works with PTO spinning. Ground speed are all very fast even with aftermarket transmissions since most underdrive gear boxes slow the speed but also slow the hydraulic and PTO too fast for using rototillers etc. Which a lot of people love tillers. No power steering makes FEL horrid.
Great Video Troy . I inherited my dad's farm and also a number of tractors one of them being 1948 8N good tractor. But it does need the 12volt conversion kit and a new carburator kit. The old girl is a keeper. Keep up the good work love the videos take care.
Yes, they made a bazillion of them, and yes, every single part is available for them today...I've seen the suppliers at the farm machinery show. The advantages pretty much end there. Ford brakes stink, especially on the older style like the 8n. 9n and 2n were worse since the pedals weren't even on the same side and they had a foot clutch. Speed range is bouncy, bouncier, and bouncier, no high and low range, so no tiller and less options for anything else. Live hydraulics and live/continuous PTO are pretty sweet. Push in the clutch on an 8n and you lose your lift and PTO and without an overriding clutch on the pto, pushing in the clutch will still get you pushed over a fence or somewhere you don't want to go with a bush hog. Better make sure the heat shield is in there between the engine and the gas tank that is RIGHT OVER THE ENGINE or you'll blow up like my dad's friend. I wouldn't take ten 8n fords for one international B414 diesel like I have, and most parts are available for them, too, and they can be bought for a reasonable price. There are any number of Massey Ferguson 35s, all with live lift, and some with live PTO, and some even diesel, for reasonable sale. Parts are available for them, too, and they are way ahead of a ford 8n.
That b414 is such a nice tractor! I bought one in northern Vermont (with a loader) for $2000 in the early 90’s and skidded and loaded logs for many years, sold it for $3500 which was not the brightest thing I’ve ever done! Mine did not have a Pto, just the draw bar, but I didn’t care for what I needed. I could work it hard all day on 5 gallons of diesel.
My research came to the same conclusions...……..its even worth getting one if you do not want to put hundreds, if not thousands of hours on a new or newer tractor cutting the 2 or 3 or 4 acre yard. The bucket and option to use a back hoe on the newer tractors was the selling point for me. Putting 30 to 40 hours a month on a 10 to 20 thousand dollar tractor using it as a lawnmower is not top of my list of want to do`s.
FORGET TO BUY OLD ONE , IN THE LONG RUN , U WILL SPEND MORE MONEY THAN U CAN FORT ! 9 9 % OF THE TIME ! . KUBOTA L 2501 TRACTOR LOADER , WITH GEAR TRANMISSON / 4 X 4
I've been trying to find a 8n in my area preferably one with a bush hog as it's difficult for me to move equipment when I don't have a trailer and have to borrow one... Have not found one but I did run across a Ford 3000 good tractor?
I'm from southern West Virginia, Boone county anyway I'm glad I found your channel!!
Grew up driving one of these! A '49... that thing & the old man taught me everything I know...
I have a '50 8n that I bought and actively use on our small homestead. I would echo a lot of these thoughts as far as how cost effective and useful they are. Do not let the age scare you. These things were robust and built to last if taken care of. Parts are easy to get and with a rear scoop or carryall, you can accomplish many of the same things (with a sore neck) as you can with an FEL. In the winter, I use a rear blade to clean out our S. Wisc. drive. And I would note that an FEL can work on an N, but the front end is not up to a lot of abuse and there is no power steering, making the added weight a challenge. A lot of people have them, but there are better tractors that came out just a few years later with stronger front end (and the live hydraulics) that do a better job. When I went shopping for an 8n, I specifically went looking for a '50 or newer. As mentioned below, earlier steering boxes can be a challenge. The later ones are better. The earlier versions have what is called a front mount distributor that is a little awkward to get at for maintenance. Later ones, such as mine, has a more traditional side mount. In both cases, removal makes point installation easier, but the side mount was an improvement. Watch for leaking rear seals. It can be an indication of a failing hub creating too much play. A broken wheel stud is another. Rear rims, if the tires were filled with calcium, may be rusty. There are aftermarket rims out there, and often, the originals can be repaired. Often times, price is not associated with the age. This later model tractor will not command a premium on the market. Also, do not let the paint scare you. Just because someone took the time to paint it does not mean they knew the business end of a wrench. In fact, I have really learned to appreciate an original tractor in its "work clothes". Some actually clear coat original paint to preserve it. I am the son of a mechanic and I raced sports cars for about 30 years. These things are so simple to work on, they are a joy. If I ever do pop for a more modern tractor, I suspect I will still keep this around for certain tasks. Probably the most handy thing I have on the homestead. My 2 cents.
That's good Troy, my very first tractor was a 1941 9N which was before the infamous 8N. It was given to me and it was a basket cake. I put a new distributor, new carbuerator, plugs,wires, and 3 gallons of gas and had it running in no time. What a sweet little machine. 👍👍👍👍
They can run forever.
Love my Ford 3000 with front loader. Mine is gas powered, always runs.
I’ve driven 8Ns and a Ford 600.
Afew years back my dad bought a Massey 35 Gasser for $3500. We love it. They are twice the tractor of an 8N. 2 stage clutch and a hi-lo range transmission. Give you 2 reverse gears and 6 forward. Borrow money from anyone or sell something but if you have a chance, but one of the 35s instead.
We make hay up to 4 miles from the hobby farm so the 12 mph road gear is nice. Great video tho!
When looking at any Tractor, especially with a manual transmission, Make sure that the clutch and all gears work. You don't want to fine out that one of the gears don't work. If possible you might take someone with you that knows tractors.
I think this is a great video! I have been contemplating this and came to the same conclusions! Thank you!
Never used a 8n but have used a 2n word of advice for possible buyers, MAKE SURE IT HAS AN OVER RUNNING CLUTCH! If it don't, then put one on before you even attempt to mow with it.
You can do an electronic ignition conversion and easily convert to 12 volts. Done it 3 times. Also get a 51-52 improved steering (lash adjustable) and a 52 will have dual rear axle seals. Brakes arent great, had loader on ALL of my 8Ns.
Thanks for answering my question in a video! I truly like your style of videos. Your research and forethought really shows in the information you go over. On a side note, am pretty sure some of the early 8N tractors had the 2/9N 3spd transmission. Can get these tractors all day long in my area for $1900 or less. Will pay a pot more if the tractor has a fresh restoration. A friend converted his to 12-volt and it has cured the difficult starting issues in the cold weather.
No problem. I always like it when people submit questions. Makes video ideas easier!
@Homestead Fabricator....I beg to differ. ALL 8N's came from the factory with a 4spd trans. I know this because I've 'specialized' in the early Fords for 18 years and have bought and/or repaired 100's of them. Now, That said, the 9N/2N 3spd WILL swap over IF you include the steering mast. Bolts right up. Best of success....~Eli.
8N's are awesome! I see them on craigslist here in the Detroit area for around $1000 all of the time. Parts are everywhere,and nothing more than basic hand tools to work on them
I really needed a loader, so I went with the Ford Workmaster. It is everything the 8N was but a little more powerful and had a good loader.
I have a 1955 Massy Ferguson which is nearly the same tractor as a 8N they share a lot of the same parts. A tractor without implements is not of much use. Converting to 12 volt is simple a 12 volt car alternator coil and battery is all you need the starter will do just fine. I built a front end loader for my tractor and it has saved my back many times.
I learned to drive on a 51 8N my grandpa bought I new the year I was born, it still looks and operates like new,,,great old tractor in it's 5th generation of operation........
Got your money's worth out of that one!
Massey Ferguson 135 with the Perkins diesel engine. Best tractor ever 😉
That is a good one!
Can't beat them masseys. I grew up and learned to drive on a 65 narrow front.
Or a Ford super dexta, same engine and a tough tractor!
Make sure the steering gearbox is sound when buying an N tractor. You can rebuild the engine cheaper than the steering gearbox!
Thanks for your advice. Love catching up on your videos. Sending appreciation from Alabama for all your efforts I have witnessed so far.
Been using 8N's since 1964 (actually only on my second one, a '49') at my 180 acre off grid property. Sure would love a bucket and more horsepower but these things always work. Use it for mowing and dragging logs out of the woods for firewood.
8n are perfect small homestead tractor ive got a 1948 model and use it all the time and parts are plentiful.
For small gardening and small acreage upkeep, consider a Gravely 2 wheel tractor. They were made for over 50 years with the same basic design. Parts and implements are available. Much cheaper to acquire and keep running than a traditional 4 wheel tractor.
I'm a diehard Farmall guy, but I will definitely say that the Ford N series are great tractors for the small hobby farmer, homesteader, or just someone who has land. they are quite versatile and pretty easy to work on. personally I prefer old Farmall Letter series, but that's just me. I plan on doing a similar video at some point myself.
100% agree. Tractor works perfectly in almost any situation can be repaired in the field. The horsepower is deceptive as to what the machine can accomplish
I bought my 51 8n with a front loader like the one you showed. Same loader exactly. Running and operating 2 years ago for $1000 was a good tractor . Prob a 20 year old restoration. . But it was very finicky. Constantly having little inconvenient issues . But heck it was a 51. It served its purpose and I sold it for a large prof
Can't till unless you have the Sherman version. 8N is built for fast use. Hauling a wagon or plowing all day. Need lots more from my tractor.
I think the 800 series would be a better starter Ford tractor due to live PTO power.
Just bought my uncles 1953 jubilee, runs great 12 v , electronic ignition, brand new tires one new rear wheel, rebuilt hydraulic pump new carburetor just needs paint but I like the Pantina
All for 2750
I will be primarily using to brush hog . Had choice of jube or 8n for 2000 went for new tires and live pro for mowing
I've got a restored farmall cub that has been in the family sincecit was bought new and a 20 series John deere with loader and belly mower i use for most things on our 8 1/2 acres. And as soon as i saw the title of your video and saw the question my first thought was ford 8n. Cheap, parts are readily available, easy to work on, 3 pt hitch (which is a super huge plus when looking at old tractors) and they are everywhere.
Good deal! Yes, 8Ns are everywhere.
@@RedToolHouse I love old tractors and dont need another one but for what you can buy them for around here I feel like Iwill end up with one. If for no other reason than to have a nice low tractor to bush to with. 12 to 1800 will buy a nice to really nice user around here and ad a couple hundred more and you start gettin implement's as in multiple with them.
found one for my father in law, he was supposed to give me first crack when he sold the cabin, didn't. Have Dad's old Ford Major, it's getting some mice needed attention soon. Lived with an 8n for over a decade (mowing and snow removal), underpowered, no traction (too light)!
Amazing before watching this I had already been looking at 8N’s! Great video and info thanks
Being a total noob to tractors. Thank you for explaining what the Ford 8N is good for.
Good video. My first tractor was a 8N I bought in 1978 for $1200. Then I bought a 18 hp Kabota, then my Father gave me a 1968 Massey Ferguson 35 with a Perkins diesel. So in about 5 years I was tractor rich.
( right now on eBay there are at least 20 8N’s ranging in price from $12,000 with a 304 v8 to ($1100 said 12volt & running).
One of the +’s about the 8N is they are a sleeved engine and rebuild parts are cheap and easy to find. I don’t recommend a Bush Hogg/ mower any bigger than a 5 foot.
An 8N with a V8. That is awesome.
@@RedToolHouse
Yep, someone sold a kit at one point that would allow you to install a flathead Ford V8, may have been produced and sold by Ford. With a little tinkering the flathead could be made to produce 100 horsepower also. Hey, one of the first 100 horsepower Ford tractors!
Sorry, I had to rewind the video because I was too busy laughing at you saying "if it rolls over and we die... we get over it! " Thank you for the research!
Everybody seems to forget about the 1953 naa. And the 1954 Golden Jubilee A little bit bigger tractor overhead valve engine and live PTO 33 hp I think!
Have 1949 8N, Still working did some brush hogging today, needs a new clutch but has for many years, no plans to replace til it worn't hack the job! P.S. converted to 12v!
made a big improvement. well worth the money.
I am on my 5th beater Tractor .1st one was a 8-N , then Fordson Dexta ...bought 3 of them & they were a real work horses..... last one I got was a Ford 3000 but I broke the steering box last month , all tractors were from craigslist & under $2500
For the fun of it, I just looked up prices of the 8n. Amazingly, there are many, many for sale and my first glance was they are under $3000.00.
When I saw the title of this video my first thought was 8N, what else. I see them all around NEPA for $1500 - $3000 fully functional. Sometimes as little as $1000 if beat up pretty badly or no longer needed.
Also the International low boy was a close second in my book. A few bucks more but basically in the same range. A little less abundant but still pretty easy to find. Some didn't have rear PTO and some only had a rear lift, not 3 point so you need to find the one you need.
Also if you have 5 acres or less the old power kings were good. 2418 is a good one if you don't need a rear PTO. Most still had 3 point hitch and it's not too hard to find one with a factory loader bucket.
I started out with a 46 Ford 2N I bought not running from an auction for $280. Had her running within a weekend with an aftermarket carb and 12V conversion kit. Runs like a top! Then bought a 58 Ford 841 Powermaster Diesel locked up for $200. It came with a 6 foot brush hog. Got the engine freed up and got it running without an issue. Then bought a non running 52 Ford 8N with a Davis loader for $1000 just for the loader. Swapped the loader over to the Powermaster. Recently got the 8N running but it’s pretty wore out. It’ll definitely get an engine rebuild soon!
Alot of good advice! It's a shame that to alot of people It's more about looks!!! I call it looking cool on your stool!!!)
I have to agree with one or more of the commentors. The MF135 gas or diesel were and still are great starter tractor. And parts are readily available; plus they have a two stage clutch ! 👍
Thanks
My dad has an old Ford with a bucket on it. Looks like the one you are talking about and the bucket looks very much added to it in someone's garage.
My first tractor was a 1949 8n I now have an international 444 which is like the 8n only with all the stuff the 8n never came with like low range and power steering and remotes and I got it for $3000 because they left the gas on and it was out of fuel so it wouldn't run
My vote would have been a 135 massey. Another great video
That is a good one too. Saw one for sale today, actually.
I say Massey 2024 if you ask me ;)
'49 8N parked in the garden. Runs like a watch!
Good deal! They will last forever.
I have a homestead and own a 52 8n and it's a great workhorse bought it for 3k with a brushhog
Ford 800 or 600 series! Less seal problems more power. Power steering and many loader options.
Appreciate the good advice.
I miss the 1952 8N we had on the farm growing up. Even with the 6v electrics, that was the most reliable machine we had. The funny part is that some riding lawnmowers cost more than a lower price 8N!
Seems kind of ridiculous doesn't it? I paid $3000 for a case 730 with an ezee on loader, bucket and bale spear. What can you get in a riding mower that can move gravel???!!!
All well said Troy. I couldn't agree more on the old Fords. Somewhat 'limited' in capabilities when compared to the newer ones BUT, Every part is still available, 'accessories/upgrades' are unlimited, simple to operate and maintain, and they are a dirt cheap introduction. I don't exaggerate when I say I've owned and/or repaired 100's of them in the 18 years. God Bless...~Eli.
They sell cheap around here in good running condition.
@RTH...Or sometimes even FREE just to haul off an 'eyesore' here. (Rare but, it happens). We once took a 'refurbished' flathead WITH the disc back by the old lady that had given them to me and disc'd her fields. When we finished she fed us a nice 'country' meal. .
Auer contraire. Ford made a factory loader for the 8N.I ran my uncles8n loader. It had a mechanical dump and wasn't perfect but wasnt too bad. Oh, good video. Thanks
Smooth delivery as allways.
Get yourself a Fordson Dexta. Cheaper then an 8N and you get a 32hp Perkins Deisel, live PTO with duel clutch. It's basically a metric Ford 3000 for a fraction of the price simply because most people have never heard of a Dexta.
Another great similar size tractor would be the Massey ferguson 35 with a diesel engine they seem to run 3k to 12k in my area
Nice video. I just got a Yanmar YM2420 for 800. Owner didnt know if it would turn over as its sat in a shed for a long time (847hrs). He happily grabbed a battery and we checked the engine by jumping the solenoid (key is missing sadly) turned over with excellent compression. Gonna spend a little in fresh fluids and filters but I'm looking forward to it.
He said it wont shift into 1st and 2nd but 3 and 4 work fine. Also has a older international for the same price I may consider fixing at a later point, but for now that yanmar should do great for a 28hp
When I purchased my Yanmar 2610 I realized it was time to sell my Ford 8N. Took that money and purchased a little Mitsubishi MT160 D way more modern and useful. The Ford 8N served America very well and still has many jobs to do but I've moved on.
Sounds like good advice. Hard for me to get past that acronym Fix Or Repair Daily FORD.
Great video. Keep em coming.
If you going to home sted do not get th 2n,8n or the 9n before 1953 the golden jubilee is the one you want it cam out in 1953 with live hydraulics and live pto it had a two stage clutch in it push it halfway down tractor will stop and pto will keep turning push all the way down everything will stop.
8N's seem to be going for around $2,400 in good running condition in Oklahoma.
That's not a bad price at all.
I'd also vote for the MF135 Perkins. It came in both gas or diesel, and there you can just look at your homesteads fuel options. If everything else is gas, why complicate things? If you have a ready supply of diesel or a tank that you use to run a generator too it's not bad. Won't cost too much more than an 8n either and will have plenty more power and options.
in us in would go for an mf 135 and here in europe(i am from Austria) i would go for an steyr some of the Little ones from 80 series or + series
Here's another good question. In the modern era, do trip-bucket loaders have a place on the modern homestead, especially when just starting out?
Not big fan of the trip buckets. I think they give you too much confidence in what you can try with it. Really only good for moving lighter material (like mucking out the barn). For lifting things, I would go with a pig pole
8N are everything you said but the bad is they don’t have a low enough gear for mowing or plowing, I’ve owned many of through the years. I would go with a Ford workmaster up to 3000 for basic needs. For large gardening a Farmall 140 is my choice. I own Massey-Ferguson 40 with a loader, Ford 555-C Backhoe, and a Ford 3000 for my 150 acre farm upkeep. I truck patch with a Kubota L225 that’s my two cents lol
I have to agree watch a few videos of guys trying to plow snow with a backblade . They also have pretty weak hydraulics, only about 25hp . For about the same money you can find a farmall,IH, case, masey, or deer for a little more, with live hydraulics and PTO. I choose a IH 300 utility picked it up for $1,250 live hydraulics but mine doesn't have the live PTO (most do) I am sure that has a little why I got it so cheap.
kubota is the afordable tractor with different options and different payment options plus comes 4WD and 2WD options
Kubota is a good one but you will never find one as cheap and as easy to fix as the old 8N. Our viewer was looking for a good entry tractor.
I like my 48 8n. it's 21hp? but the tall tires offer a lot of torque. I don't use the pto and the 3point is eiter up or down now. I have hauled firewood with it for 20 years and its history is leveling the welcome center in Mackinaw City Michigan. I keep looking at a new tractor which would need to be 30-40hp to be comparible
Bought our 8n for $1,200 last fall. Runs great. Looks a little rough but it works great. Plowed with it all last winter, fired up instantly every time. Excavated a sloped area for a hoop house with it and a back blade. It’s paid for itself a few times over already. Planning to run it for awhile on our new 12 acre farm for field work. Have fun a lot of new tractors and yes I would love to have a bucket.... but our goal is to build out our farmstead without going into debt and be thrifty with equipment. See how long I can last before justifying a 5-10k tractor with a bucket😆
There are loaders for these all the time for 3-500$ I bought one totally functional ready to go for $350! No leaks everything worked!
@@mattmerritt1040 I picked up a free 8n with a Wagner loader after I had posted that, got it running and worked great!
My neighbor has two 8Ns and they both run great. My john Deere 2040 1976 is driving me crazy with hydraulic lines squinting oil, leaking oil, screaming and screeching.. just got it fixed last week, climb on it tonight to have it ready to disk in the morning, Jerking, screaming 😱 oh yeah there was hydraulic oil blowing out everywhere. I can't find any old Olivers or Minneapolis Molines, so I guess il get a mule..
sure the 8N is a great many life long low hp tractor, but to me a tractor on a homestead with out a loader is like having a 6hp snow blower for your 1400 foot long drive way 22 feet wide and many 4 and 5 foot snow storms, your still stuck doing the back braking daily work by hand
Yes, I would never go back to not having a bucket.
you got that right
Central PA, 18 Ford 8n tractors 1,000 dollars to 2,500 dollars restored.
I have been driving, working around my new John Deere tractor because a sensor went out on it, John Deere says I can't fix it myself I have to bring it in. cost 1,OOO bucks. driving around it on my 8n.
There is something to be said about simpler being easier to use!
I completely agree with the 8N. Coming from Deere, these Fords are sooooo much easier to work on. And being such a low height, you don't need a ladder to work on them. I wasn't looking for any tractor in particular when I was looking(only a year ago), but I happened upon a 2N for $350. It had sat for 20-30 years in the woods. The seller showed me the engine turned over. I couldn't pass it up. After a new carb, a battery, new cables, and new fluids, it runs. I do wish I had the 4 speed like the 8N had, but I can manage without. The lack of draft control can be remedied by aftermarket addons. And yes, tires suck. I had to look for a year to find a used set, that cost me $600 for wheels and tires. You can get parts to get these N series running at Tractor Supply, at damn near every store. Despite what everyone says about the Chinese carburetors, I have had awesome luck with mine. It was tuned perfect out of the box, the tractor starts every time. Also, in CT, I am finding N series consistently for ~$1500. We just got some acreage in Maine, can't wait to start playing around up there!
I agree- but some simple upgrades make them much more usable:
1). 12 v conversion
2). Electronic ignition (no points to swap out)
3). Weight in rear end (either fluid in rear tires or weights)
@@reppfarms4493 I actually tried electronic ignition. I met Pertronix requirements for coil resistance, suppression spark plug wires, ballast resistor, and wire gauge. Installed exactly per instructions, and it burned up within 3 hours of use. They refused to respond to my customer service request, so I had Amazon replace the unit.The second one also burned up right around the 3 hour mark. I finally found a set of points with a good condenser, and have had no issues after that. Pertronix is a terrible company to deal with, they haven't responded once to my attempts to make contact with them. I had heard nothing but good things about them, which is why I gave them a shot. I have no issues with the unit I installed on my dad's John Deere 50, not sure why the Ford units are junk. Maybe some other companies are better, I'm not sure. As for 12v conversion, that would be nice for lighting and being able to have a more easily sourced alternator, but for me, my tractor starts and runs just fine on the 6v system. So I will leave mine as it is. The weight definitely helps, I will be filling my new tires when I get this thing up to the new property. The old ones were filled with the nasty stuff, so both rims rotted out. I was surprised the 10x28 filled tire I pulled off was damn near twice what the unfilled 12.4x28 weighs. Right now, it is a bit light in the rear and makes a mess of the yard, the wife doesn't care much for that lol
@@OldMotorcycleAdventures wow- I’m sorry about the electronic ignition. I had good luck with the one I put on, and have them on my JD 420, 520 & 2010. As for the weight, yes- avoid calcium- around here we use “beet juice” or used radiator fluid. They are not near as caustic…
One other thing is to rebuild the engine there are new parts you can get everywhere and the engine is a sleeved engine
Central NC. I found 10 in a one hour drive. 22 in a couple hours Some great shape and others look as they fell into the Grand Canyon. Beings the Right to repair issue left a "bad taste in my mouth" this seems the way to go!
Makes you wonder what people have done to some of these old tractors.
Let's just Asher's me that I will keep that old 1940s Farmall running and Inus for as long as it is willing to stay alive cheap to run parts are getting harder to find but she's never failed never thought about the Ford I know where to find a few of those I do live in the mountains
The 8 n's are great. Go a couple of years newer and have live hydraulics. Then around '59 gets you live PTO, factory low range, power steering, and a front end that can handle a loader. I prefer the Massey Ferguson. Better engineering.
Ford made a nice loader. Works quite well.
I love my 2020 Jinma 284 I have a little over 100 hours on it and it has been great you should check into them the Perkins 3 cylinder diesel is great and all the features you could want at a super price for a brand new tractor
it's gonna fall apart
$1,400 runs and drives with 12v conversion near me. Wished you would've given a suggestion for a loader capable tractor though.
I found me a 1952 Ferguson 30 for 600$
Spent a weekend on it and she purrs like a kitten
I use it a lot on my 21 acres
Pull a 2 bottom plow
Disc
And 5’ box blade for the drive way
Without a lot of money it was a perfect fit
Already turned down 1000$ for it
I 100% agree with you on the forehead and being the perfect Homestead tractor on a budget however I'm a Ford guy and last fall I struck gold when I found a Ford 340b Industrial loader tractor for sale on Marketplace for $4,000 I honestly think that I stole the tractor because I after using it for an entire year I'd say that it's worth a lot more than that that my friend is the perfect Homestead small farm tractor because I can do all my farm work with it fieldwork groundwork hey work everything plus loader work and it is so strong Unstoppable really if anybody can find an industrial tractor no matter what the brand I suggest I highly suggest that they do it
Very good contant.
Ha Ha Tractor house has a total custom one for $25,000 with a V8 conversion, Sherman trans, front wheel assist conversion, and V snow plow. Looks cool though.
That better come with a mini bar and disco strobes for $25K!
4 cylinder perkins
The 8n's lookalike the Fergusson produced by the Standard Motor Company in England would be more common in former British colonies. I have never seen a Ford 8N here in New Zealand
I could never be without a tractor my first one was a Massey Ferguson 2610 then a Mahindra 3016 loved both and now I got a RK55 loader backhoe I need a tractor for what all I do , I say any tractor is way better than nothing lol but if you have a homestead you need a tractor
No doubt!
Massey Ferguson 35 with the 3cyl Perkins
1720 Compact Ford New Holland. 4 wheel drive. find a used one. It will pull a Ford 8n over.
We used to have one
I am fat old and lazy and my mud wheel sucks LOL I have found some here in kenna wv for about $800.00 some work needed just like a use car GOD BLESS
$800 is a good price!
There's a 40's and (3) 1950's Deeres hanging out in a field and looking lonely across the street from me. When I'm ready I might go ask if they're available. They have a pair of stationary engines, too... but that would just be a toy :)
You will probably get the "I'm planning to restore those so they aren't for sale"
Shhh. Don't curse me :)
Actually, chances might be good (fingers crossed). Dad ran the 50-75 acre orchard. Retired. Kids own the farm now, and the orchard is now abandoned. They only maintain a few of the nicest trees in the front yard.... new generation, I don't know for certain they would want them. None have moved in 5 years
But my wallet ain't fat enough to approach them with the questions yet :)
Gotcha. Wait till they start to plant flowers in the engine compartment!
Hahaha! We have at least 2 manure spreader flower boxes on the street. Many plow blades / harrows in bark mulch, surrounded by flowers as a decoration.... I'm here a decade too late....
i rented one for the weekend, and i got alot done for 200$ for 3 day weekend
But: if you bought one for a grand, you'd pay it off quickly. I bet you could find 4 more projects :)
oh yeah got lots to do just on a very limited budget
Me too. My tractor barn has a Lawn Tractor in it. And a little 2/3 yard trailer
Liked your title, but it could be something like: best tractor if you don't want to spend tens of thousands, and don't want it to break down in 2 years, and cost thousands more to fix.
I have a 9n and a JD B for my little place. Not full-on farming, just glorified gardening.. learn to use them, and be ready to spend 10-50 bucks at the farm store if they get balky.
You won't look as cool as your neighbors Kubota, you'll look cooler.
Great video, and great advice! My first self-bought tractor is the Farmall 340 on my channel, but my Grandfather’s Ferguson 30 is here, too. (The Ferguson looks a lot like the 8n. I forget the exact details as to how the Ferguson came about, other than it was a partnership between Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson.) I had a chance to buy another Ferguson, before I bought my farmall, but didn’t because “I’ve gotta have a row-crop tractor!” Kinda wish I had, because it was a really well taken care of tractor, but still happy with the tractor I’ve got.
If you’re still here, I’ve got a question for you: I noticed on Facebook that you got a sawmill.. A sawmill is something I’ve been looking at getting, once I get some land squared away, but I’m still trying to decide if buying a mill of my own (looking at a Woodland Mills HM126, for reference) would be worth it, if I only have a few (roughly 5) wooded acres. Having said that, I do have friends who have expressed interest in eventually getting rid of some trees of their own. Maybe it could become something similar to urban logging? At any rate, you guys are there, and have some practical knowledge and experience, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe Ferguson sued Ford once they split because Ford took all of their IP. I am not familiar with Woodland Mills but they look like a decent mill. I would try to find someone that has one and even try to run it if you can. That is what convinced us to go with the Norwood 18 years ago. Operated it and really liked how it performed. As for not having logs, if you have a need or a market for milled wood, you can get logs trucked in pretty inexpensively.
Red Tool House - Homestead thanks for the reply!!! I’ll definitely look around and see what’s local, and if I can go watch/help.
You can find a lot of running 8Ns seems like every other farmer dabbles in restoring old tractors and selling them.
The 3 reasons I hear people get surprised by when they purchase an N.
Hitch only works with PTO spinning.
Ground speed are all very fast even with aftermarket transmissions since most underdrive gear boxes slow the speed but also slow the hydraulic and PTO too fast for using rototillers etc. Which a lot of people love tillers.
No power steering makes FEL horrid.
Great Video Troy . I inherited my dad's farm and also a number of tractors one of them being 1948 8N good tractor. But it does need the 12volt conversion kit and a new carburator kit. The old girl is a keeper. Keep up the good work love the videos take care.
Those tractors can last for ever if taken care of.
1600 w/ front bucket custom. Probably seized. But still, point made.
Yes, they made a bazillion of them, and yes, every single part is available for them today...I've seen the suppliers at the farm machinery show. The advantages pretty much end there. Ford brakes stink, especially on the older style like the 8n. 9n and 2n were worse since the pedals weren't even on the same side and they had a foot clutch. Speed range is bouncy, bouncier, and bouncier, no high and low range, so no tiller and less options for anything else. Live hydraulics and live/continuous PTO are pretty sweet. Push in the clutch on an 8n and you lose your lift and PTO and without an overriding clutch on the pto, pushing in the clutch will still get you pushed over a fence or somewhere you don't want to go with a bush hog. Better make sure the heat shield is in there between the engine and the gas tank that is RIGHT OVER THE ENGINE or you'll blow up like my dad's friend. I wouldn't take ten 8n fords for one international B414 diesel like I have, and most parts are available for them, too, and they can be bought for a reasonable price. There are any number of Massey Ferguson 35s, all with live lift, and some with live PTO, and some even diesel, for reasonable sale. Parts are available for them, too, and they are way ahead of a ford 8n.
That b414 is such a nice tractor! I bought one in northern Vermont (with a loader) for $2000 in the early 90’s and skidded and loaded logs for many years, sold it for $3500 which was not the brightest thing I’ve ever done! Mine did not have a Pto, just the draw bar, but I didn’t care for what I needed. I could work it hard all day on 5 gallons of diesel.
My research came to the same conclusions...……..its even worth getting one if you do not want to put hundreds, if not thousands of hours on a new or newer tractor cutting the 2 or 3 or 4 acre yard. The bucket and option to use a back hoe on the newer tractors was the selling point for me. Putting 30 to 40 hours a month on a 10 to 20 thousand dollar tractor using it as a lawnmower is not top of my list of want to do`s.
Definitely have to see what your needs are.
FORGET TO BUY OLD ONE , IN THE LONG RUN , U WILL SPEND MORE MONEY THAN U CAN FORT !
9 9 % OF THE TIME ! .
KUBOTA L 2501 TRACTOR LOADER , WITH GEAR TRANMISSON / 4 X 4
I've been trying to find a 8n in my area preferably one with a bush hog as it's difficult for me to move equipment when I don't have a trailer and have to borrow one... Have not found one but I did run across a Ford 3000 good tractor?