Looking at a 8N

[LD1]

Does indeed seem steep $$$

But you would know what things are worth more in your area.

IMO, that tractor with loader will not be very usefull. Might I ask what you are wanting a tractor for??? And is that loader fill hydraulic or trip bucket??

IF you plan on using a loader alot, that tractor is going to be a disappointment. A loader on that tractor was basically designed to replace a wheelbarrow and pitchfork for stall work. It dont have much power, tractor dont have much weight, and wont dig for crap.

If you want the tractor for other uses, the loader is going to be a PITA. Less maneuverable, harder to get around with the loader taking weight off the rears, harder to see over and around, hard to steer, etc.

Not sure what the conversion is, but around me, $1000 and under buys a rough N or non-running N. $1000-$2000 buys good runners of varying condition. Loader only adds about $500 value to that tractor. So for that price, it would have to be rebuilt and restored to bring that here, and even then, its a tough sell.

 

[Cpjlube]

I don't think the design of the steering box components were ever made to take the weight of a loader, so check the steering with a full bucket load. If the steering box is worn at all, the loader can bind it up and you may not be able to steer it. After I added a loader to mine, I had to look for a rock to bounce the front tire off of to unload the steering so I could turn it. Rebuilding the box wasn't cheap.

Edited to add: I sold mine for 5K before I left California. Value is all about location.

If the OP is just talking about snow removal, I wonder what an old pickup with a plow would cost. With 3500 CDN to spend, that may be an option.
We cleared a 1/2 mile lane with an 8n and a back blade for years. Never had a bucket on it. Unless you have to pile up snow the blade is more useful. Of course Ontario gets more snow, the bucket may just be needed to lift snow "up and over" onto a pile.
The only N series bucket experience I have had was poor. I thought I was in heaven when I first used a tractor with real hydraulics and a loader. But many of my neighbors had Ns with buckets and seemed to get by.

Chuck

 

[Soundguy]

I don't think the design of the steering box components were ever made to take the weight of a loader, so check the steering with a full bucket load. If the steering box is worn at all, the loader can bind it up and you may not be able to steer it. After I added a loader to mine, I had to look for a rock to bounce the front tire off of to unload the steering so I could turn it. Rebuilding the box wasn't cheap.

Edited to add: I sold mine for 5K before I left California. Value is all about location.

rebuilding the box usually IS cheap.. unless it is hosed. otherwise.. a rebuilt box ain't too bad.

and no.. they were not made with loaders in mind..

 

[buickanddeere]

For that amount of money you can find the much improved descendent of the N series Ford such as the 800 series or a 3000/4000 if you must have a Ford.
Someday you will put a rotary cutter on there and regret the transmission pto and transmission driven rockshaft.
Run, run away fast.
A Massey 135 or similar is another consideration.

 

[bcp]

I wouldn't want an N for a utility tractor again. But I wouldn't mind one for field work like raking, etc, (if I had a field instead of a forest.)

Bruce

 

[8n Bruce]

Hi I just had a look at the 8N in KIJIJI ad's . It's a pre 1950 so the steering box will be an issue not only from wear but it's still the gear on gear (post 50 has a recirculating ball type ,which is less effort to turn). it looks to be a MF loader which is good. Best bet is to test drive for steering effort with loader full. Price might be a little High ,so try a little closer to me & try to find a 50 or newer. 8N ID is in Smith's Ford tractor site (Google 8N )

 

[Soundguy]

Hi I just had a look at the 8N in KIJIJI ad's . It's a pre 1950 so the steering box will be an issue not only from wear but it's still the gear on gear (post 50 has a recirculating ball type ,which is less effort to turn). it looks to be a MF loader which is good. Best bet is to test drive for steering effort with loader full. Price might be a little High ,so try a little closer to me & try to find a 50 or newer. 8N ID is in Smith's Ford tractor site (Google 8N )

keep doing your research. ALL 8N had recirculating ball type nuts on a worm shaft. . It was the 9n / 2n that used gear on gear.. completely different type of box type.

8N 1948-49 had 4 Bolt Sector Adjustor w/ LEFT HAND SPIRAL. SN# less than 216989 8N3575A

8N 50+ had 2 bolt sector cover w/ adjuster stud, w/ RH Spiral 8N3575B

 

[bigrigford]

I had a second look at it and drive. I noticed that the clutch doesn't engage untill the peddle is almost at the top. Makes ir tricky to start off gently.

 

[Soundguy]

no freeplay? watch that.. TOB will eat fingers off.

 

[Old Virginia Joe]

As far as what to look for? When I was recently shopping for my Ford 4000, I was told to look at oil pressure, and cylinder compression psi. Both those measurements looked good at the seller's house. Then I paid for it and had it delivered, . . . . .and ran it for 40 minutes. THEN, I find out, as the oil heats up, worn bearings and other parts started allowing the oil pressure to fall to almost nothing, and I have the sick feeling I got a piece of worn out junk. So, my advice, is you better let it run for a long time, and make sure it performs as well hot, as it does for a short test run. Wish I had known this---may you and others benefit from my experience.