We are moving to a small acreage (almost 8) and want to get a tractor soon.

I am new to farm equipment and will be looking at a Ford 9N tractor tomorrow. It is listed for $2350 with no implements. It was built in the late 1940's. Has a 3 speed trans., PTO, drawbar. The owner says he is the second owner, all original parts, excellent shape, always kept under cover, no rust or dents.

I am concerned because we wanted a front loader, brush hog and tiller- this has nothing. How hard (and expensive) is it to get implements and spare parts to fit this tractor? Is this a good price?

The owner gave me the impression (or I misunderstood) that most modern 3pt. implements would work on it. Is that right?

Also, is it difficult for a novice to use it? I would be the one using it most of the time but I am not afraid of machines- you gotta learn sometime.

Thanks for the advice..

Amy

-- Amy Richards (tiggerwife@aol.com), August 05, 2000

Answers

I just sold an 8-N 3 weeks ago with a brush hog for $2,700, so your price is right. Part are readily available through New Holland tractor dealers, as well as operater's manuals, most 3- point equipment will fit but keep in mind that the lift capacity of a 9 or 8-N is about 700# max. they are easy to run, clutch, brake, hydraulic lift, not much else to know. It is a good idea to have the rear tires laoded with a calcium/water solution for traction, some people use a 50/50% antifreeze mix, it keeps the water from freezing in the winter. Take a look at yesterdaystractor.com you can find any information azbout them plus parts. I have had 4 N series tractors and farmed 40 acres with 2 for years.

-- Hendo (OR) (redgate@echoweb.net), August 05, 2000.

Had an 8N myself, nice little tractor, not difficult to work on. It ran the brush-hog alright. Although since it does'nt have live Pto, when you push in the clutch , the pto stops running, a pain, but not something that can't be overcome. Starting with the NAA ford built in 1953, they take care of that problem. The price seems right. Don't know what kind of loader tractor it would make, its not very heavy. If your set on a loader, you might want to hold out and spend about twice that much for a newer tractor with a loader with power steering. I had to sell my 8N to get more tractor. Hope this helps. Rob Clarksburg WV

-- Rob Shipe (RShipe1046@aol.com), August 05, 2000.

If you want an old Ford, look for a Jubilee. Live PTO. Best of the old Fords in my opinion. As someone else suggested, go to Yesterdaystractors.com and look at Ford board.

-- Hermit John (ozarkhermit@pleasedontspamme.com), August 05, 2000.

I had a 1951 8-N up until early this year. 8 & 9-N's as essentially the same, 9's are a bit older. Parts are available but I found my Ford a bit contrary at times. (Just like me, I guess). They use a 6 volt positive ground system. Six volt battery ion cold weather just doesn't turn engine fast enough to fire it up sometimes. Also N's have a habit of burning up coils and leaving you stranded. I sold my early this year for $2400 with a grader blade. I bought a John Deere 755. Same horsepower as the 8-N but a 3-cylinder diesel, live PTO, hydraulics, hydrostat, and 4-wheel drive (I needed for the hills & creek I have to cross). The JD was a little more expensive but worth the investment. A loader will bolt right up. A Ford loader for the 8N will require a pump & hydraulic system to work.

If you like to tinker and enjoy collectibles or antiques, an 8-N is satisfying. Frustrating & tempermental, too.

I haven't regretted my decision to upgrade.

Southern Hoosier CURT

-- Southern Hoosier CURT (ctimes@hsonline.net), August 05, 2000.

I agree w/the Jubilee or the 600 series...live PTO.

Also agree about getting power steering if you want a front end loader unless your forearms resemble Popeye's. Even w/o a front end loader, the N series would present a challenge for a novice or lady in the steering department...It never really bothered me, but most folks I've recommended the N's to usually complained to me about how hard they steer? If you are new to tractors and used to cars w/power steering, you will probably struggle a bit. Test drive it and see how you do.

-- JimR (jroberts1@cas.org), August 05, 2000.

Amy:

The price is reasonable. Guy up the road has been rebuilding/repairing Ford tractors for well over 50 years. He'll find the small ones, fix as required and they sells them for about $2,500. They were called "Red Bellies" since the engine and frame was painted red. Retired many a horse and mule. Parts are readily available. I believe the electrical system can be upgraded from six to 12 volts, which is something to consider. These are also called hobby farm tractors.

-- Ken S. (Scharabo@aol.com), August 05, 2000.

If you are going to run a roatary mower on an N series tractor you need to get a PTO Overide, which attaches to the PTO shaft, ($50-60) so when you put in the clutch the mower does not drive you forward.

I lived in Western NY for 30 years, (plowed a lot of snow in zero weather) and ran on the 6 volt system, my tractors always started in the winter but I just sold a 52 8N which had been converted to 12V.

-- Hendo (redgate@echoweb.net), August 05, 2000.

Amy, We have a 9N. I will not drive it. It starts when it wants to and quits when it gets tired, no matter where you happen to be at the time. It has a pto and will mow a pasture that has already been cleared. It will not cut medium to large sized brush. It does not have enough power to move a large round bale of hay. It is not powerful enough to pull stumps. I have seen the front end rear off the ground when we tried. If you need something like a large lawn mower with a pto it will be great. Otherwise, I'd keep looking. I have heard that a similar massey ferrgison or alice chalmers would have more power for the same size, but don't know first hand.

-- Mona (jascamp@ipa.net), August 05, 2000.

The N series ford tractor has always been popular with hobby farmers and this has caused the cost to stay relativly high compared to other tractors. You don't say what area of the country you are in but I know that when I lived in Wisconsin you could buy an older Farmall H or M , Case D or SC, Allis WD for less than a Ford. The only advantage to the Ford is the 3point hookup...........JAY

-- JAY (jay@townsqr.com), August 06, 2000.

I owned a 9N for 12 years,it was great for mowing (with pto override), a straight blade for grading,a middle buster,even a slip (for moving dirt).I became pretty handy working on it year after year. But for your use, its not geared low enough for a tiller,front end loader!!! forget it. After 12 years I sold it for $2000.00 I gave $2000.00 for it. If you need a front end loader,save your money or go in debt(I did) good luck

-- Michael Janik (mmjanik@safeaccess.com), August 11, 2000.

Amy, I own a 1948 8n which I paid $2900.00 with a back blade. My dad has a 52 8n which he bought 30 years ago for $1200.00 when I was just 11 and right now ,he's ready to part it out due to it wearing out. He used it alot and swears on the 8n over the 9n because he says some 9n's had transmission troubles. The 8n is supposed to have a more heavy duty transmission in it. Right now, my dad has a Ferguson which also is a nice tractor.Same thing almost as the fords. But, the price for that 9n is a good price if you don't have to stick alot of $$ into it. Also, keep an eye on the want ads for implements,they are all over the place. And your 9n will use any catagorie 1 implements. The number 2 implements are for the bigger tractors. You can also find these at any farm supply stores ,implement dealers. but the ads are your best bet. I cut grass with mine. 3 acres and works great. I found the 3 point mower with a for sale sign at the end of someone's driveway.I have a dirt scoop which is also a handy tool also. No more wheel barrows!!! GOOD LUCK!!

Brian

-- Brian R. (aiwat@scc.net), April 28, 2001.

The 8N is the best small tractor on a farm. However, if you intend to break ground you must turn the wheels in to the narrow position. Thereafter, bring in the front wheels so that they are exactly in line with the center of the back wheels. Pulling a two bottom breaking plow with the wheels out wide will kill you! The tractor will tip backward. Ford made a tractor jack and I would want one to come with the tractor. [THe wheels are used out in the wide position to make your rows, and to cultivate them with a 2 row cultivator]

-- edward lancaster (umeddie@aol.com), October 30, 2001.

I started driving an 8N Ford when I was about 11-12 yrs. old on grandpa's farm. Great tractor for tillage work, but a very poor choice for using a loader or mower. The loader will require add-on hydraulics, and the lack of "live PTO" can kill someone with a mower! [I nearly put it through a fence and into a pond when it wouldn't stop with the clutch disengaged and full body weight on the brake pedals.] A neighbor of ours did actually kill a child with a 9N Ford for this very reason. If you MUST mow with one of these, please heed the advice of a couple other responders: install an "over-running clutch" on the PTO shaft even if you have to have a driveshaft shop modify the mower's PTO shaft to fit!

-- volksdriver OH (volksdriver@copper.net), December 01, 2001.