Ford 8n or similiar

[VroomVroom]

I noticed a tractor in the local classifieds that looks like a similar tractor to one of these. They are asking $2100 Canadian. I don't know the shape but seems alright. What's the average cost. Don't know the year etc.

 

[PHPaul]

Given that there's really NO information to go on, it's impossible to give a sensible answer.

In general however, a Ford N or equivalent Ferguson from that era would have to be mechanically perfect for me to even consider parting with that much cash for it. Perfect as in recent engine overhaul and 90% tires.

Much like John Deeres, N owners tend to think they're all worth big bucks. (Not bashing, just saying...)

 

[stuckmotor]

The following link should tell you what people are asking for 8N Ford tractors in different locations.

TractorHouse.com | FORD 8N For Sale - 79 Listings - Page 1.

 

[motownbrowne]

An 8N in good shape is pretty cute, and can do a few things alright, but they really aren't good for much. A 600 or 800 series Ford looks very similar and are much better machines for getting anything done. Better gearing, live hydraulics, optional live power, more HP, etc. Same story with the Massey Ferguson to-30 model, and maybe a couple of others. They looked like 8Ns, but way outperformed them.

 

[man00]

I wonder how many acres were worked with those old Fords over the years?

 

[RickB]

I wonder how many acres were worked with those old Fords over the years?

Immaterial. Comparing options 70 years ago and today's options is a fool's errand.

How much land was worked with mules?
By human power alone?

 

[man00]

Immaterial. Comparing options 70 years ago and today's options is a fool's errand.

How much land was worked with mules?
By human power alone?

I wasn't comparing anything.

 

[NC Deere]

Wow.......Hard to answer this post, but as a previous owner of a 1952 8N I will offer a little insight. $2100 Can = $1500 US more or less. Decent price if it is in fair shape.
The pluses of that machine are they are simple to work on, easy to get ANY parts for.
Do not let the small size fool you, they can do some great work as long as you know the limitations of that machine(as every machine has limitations).
Depending on what you wish to do with that tractor, I would not be too worried over it.

 

[RickB]

I wasn't comparing anything.

8N's were among the greatest technological advances of their time. They don't compare favorably to today's tractor choices, or even a choice made today to buy something as little as 10 years newer than an 8N. My take is you compared the suitability of an 8N in its period to the suitability of one today. Maybe you see it differently, and that's fine.

If I have to choose between an 8N and a mule, I'll take the 8N. If I have to choose between an 8N, Ford 860, or Kioti DK40SE with cab and A/c, the 8N will not be my choice.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

To the OP, if you buy an 8n you will need to also buy an overrunning clutch from Tractor Supply, AgriSupply or other dealer. They are only about $80, but will save your bacon.

Without an overrunning clutch, the centrifugal force of the mower stays engaged with the transmission, so you step on the clutch to stop, but the mower keeps pushing the tractor forward . . . inevitably towards some object you don't want to hit.

The overrunning clutch allows you to step on the clutch and stop the tractor while the mower (or other PTO driven implement) winds down and stops.

 

[wolc123]

A Ford 8n was not the first tractor I operated (that would be my grandad's John Deere M), but it was the first tractor I purchased myself. As it's second owner, I still have that old 1951, 8n and still use it occasionally for some tasks that it is very well suited, such as operating a 2-row corn planter, a 2x12" plow, or hauling firewood. No modern tractor can do those tasks much better, few have better reliability, and none has better parts availability. Certainly it is not a great tractor on PTO implements but adding a ORC, as suggested in the last post, makes it adequate. The lack of 4wd and power steering makes it one of the worst front loader tractors imaginable. I cringe whenever I see a front loader on an 8n. Without a loader, the 8n has a great power/weight ratio. Ford took a small step backwards there with the 600 series.

 

[2458n]

Was a great tractor for me at 16. Put in yards after the new homes were finished. They always called the kid with the tractor when the snow was a bit to deep to shovel. Was transportation until it earned me enough money for a 64 chevy stepside. The PTO was a consideration when bush hogging. 3pt. disc with a couple of railroad ties was a ,"wheelie" machine.

 

[whizdbiz2]

What an absolutely and idiotic post.

Agree. Any machine misused will kill you. Ford Ns are no worse or better than others.

 

[VroomVroom]

We have an old farmall m also. I just like the simplicity. We had quite a few j 5 bombardier tractors. Simple 45 year old machines. I'd only use the old tractor for hauling a wagon, or plowing, or pushing snow. I like the older stuff. Not sure why. Unlike the old farmall, those had a 3 pt