Ford 8N Reviews
8N Ford
Model Year: 1948
It's been a reliable old tractor, but now it's started missing, and running bad after it's been run about an hour, to the point it may die and won't start again until it's cold. It still has the original 6 volt system. Any Ideas?
Pros: Until lately its been a real reliable tractor.
Cons: Oil leaks in on the brake shoes so braking is not real good.
Model Year: 1948
It's been a reliable old tractor, but now it's started missing, and running bad after it's been run about an hour, to the point it may die and won't start again until it's cold. It still has the original 6 volt system. Any Ideas?
Pros: Until lately its been a real reliable tractor.
Cons: Oil leaks in on the brake shoes so braking is not real good.
Oldie But Goodie
Model Year: 1952
These old tractors are great. Not a lot of frills (still looking for one), but it starts on the first try in every type of weather, and with a blade, mower deck and discuss I can do everything needed on my small tree farm. A basic knowledge of mechanical and a handful of tools and you can keep it running for years!
Pros: Simple, solid tractor.
Cons: PTO---takes some getting used to. A proc is a must!
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 1952
These old tractors are great. Not a lot of frills (still looking for one), but it starts on the first try in every type of weather, and with a blade, mower deck and discuss I can do everything needed on my small tree farm. A basic knowledge of mechanical and a handful of tools and you can keep it running for years!
Pros: Simple, solid tractor.
Cons: PTO---takes some getting used to. A proc is a must!
Photo Uploads:
1949 Ford 8N
Model Year: 1949
Initially bought the tractor to use in the mountains of Virginia to maintain walking trails and mow about 7 acres of fields. The wide stance of the front tires were what attracted me to this model and it worked great on the slopes the land had. Didn't use it regularly so had to pull start it a few times after it sat for a while, but was always barn kept, so is still in great shape. Recently brought it to NW Florida and am in the process of doing long needed maintenance on it. So far have replaced all the wiring and ignition system, all fluids, has a new fuel tank and recently found it had a cracked manifold, so it will be replace soon too.
Pros: Great machine for light to medium work and is very easy to get parts for and work on.
Cons: Without override clutch on PTO, could be dangerous.
Model Year: 1949
Initially bought the tractor to use in the mountains of Virginia to maintain walking trails and mow about 7 acres of fields. The wide stance of the front tires were what attracted me to this model and it worked great on the slopes the land had. Didn't use it regularly so had to pull start it a few times after it sat for a while, but was always barn kept, so is still in great shape. Recently brought it to NW Florida and am in the process of doing long needed maintenance on it. So far have replaced all the wiring and ignition system, all fluids, has a new fuel tank and recently found it had a cracked manifold, so it will be replace soon too.
Pros: Great machine for light to medium work and is very easy to get parts for and work on.
Cons: Without override clutch on PTO, could be dangerous.
1950 8N Ford
Model Year: 1950
This old girl pulls her weight. The first spring at our new house we had stump holes galore along with a pile of the stumps and around 120 trees that were cut down to make room for construction. My F.I.L. and I spent 2 days pulling and scraping and had it all cleaned up and organized in that time. The 8N performed flawlessly and we were both surprised at torque this thing has, still, 60+ years later. Looking back now for what we picked it up for it was a pretty good deal.
Pros: More power than I thought.
Cons: It's old so you have to tinker with it frequently.
Model Year: 1950
This old girl pulls her weight. The first spring at our new house we had stump holes galore along with a pile of the stumps and around 120 trees that were cut down to make room for construction. My F.I.L. and I spent 2 days pulling and scraping and had it all cleaned up and organized in that time. The 8N performed flawlessly and we were both surprised at torque this thing has, still, 60+ years later. Looking back now for what we picked it up for it was a pretty good deal.
Pros: More power than I thought.
Cons: It's old so you have to tinker with it frequently.
1949 Ford 8N
Model Year: 1949
Have had the 8N for over 20 years, has sat off and on for years at a time and with a little maintenance before starting, has run every time. Just recently have it back where I can use it more often and am doing the maintenance on it so I can enjoy it again. I was lead to believe it was a 1950 model when I purchased it, but in researching the serial number recently found out that it is actually a 1949. I am the 3rd owner and hope to keep it running for a long time to come. I'd recommend an 8N to anyone that needs a tractor of medium size for clearing small to medium brush, maintaining walking trails or mowing fields. But be sure to put an override clutch on the PTO to avoid power from an attachment like a bush-hog transferring power back into the tractor and propelling you forward.
Pros: Easy to work on and the availability of replacement parts.
Cons: Must have an override clutch on PTO.
Model Year: 1949
Have had the 8N for over 20 years, has sat off and on for years at a time and with a little maintenance before starting, has run every time. Just recently have it back where I can use it more often and am doing the maintenance on it so I can enjoy it again. I was lead to believe it was a 1950 model when I purchased it, but in researching the serial number recently found out that it is actually a 1949. I am the 3rd owner and hope to keep it running for a long time to come. I'd recommend an 8N to anyone that needs a tractor of medium size for clearing small to medium brush, maintaining walking trails or mowing fields. But be sure to put an override clutch on the PTO to avoid power from an attachment like a bush-hog transferring power back into the tractor and propelling you forward.
Pros: Easy to work on and the availability of replacement parts.
Cons: Must have an override clutch on PTO.
Still working on it.
8N In Need of Talc
Model Year: 1948
1948 8N, price was right however had a stuck valve and a frozen clutch both have been corrected. Someone has attempted to change over from a 6 volt to a 12 volt system however all they did was change to an alternator and did not bother to rewrite it as needed so it is basically running off the battery. Will need to research how to address this issue.
Pros: Price was right.
Cons: Needs a lot of work.
Model Year: 1948
1948 8N, price was right however had a stuck valve and a frozen clutch both have been corrected. Someone has attempted to change over from a 6 volt to a 12 volt system however all they did was change to an alternator and did not bother to rewrite it as needed so it is basically running off the battery. Will need to research how to address this issue.
Pros: Price was right.
Cons: Needs a lot of work.
My 8N
Model Year: 1951
My father-in-law bought this tractor used in the 50's. I've had trouble the last few years keeping it running. It just doesn't want to start. I'm thinking about going to an electronic advance in the distributor. Does anyone have any suggestions on brand or place to purchase? Amazon has the best price so far @ $135. The always on PTO is a pain. I'm planning to get a "clicker" for it so I won't have to worry about my bush hog running me up a tree.
Pros: Sturdy.
Cons: Always on PTO.
Model Year: 1951
My father-in-law bought this tractor used in the 50's. I've had trouble the last few years keeping it running. It just doesn't want to start. I'm thinking about going to an electronic advance in the distributor. Does anyone have any suggestions on brand or place to purchase? Amazon has the best price so far @ $135. The always on PTO is a pain. I'm planning to get a "clicker" for it so I won't have to worry about my bush hog running me up a tree.
Pros: Sturdy.
Cons: Always on PTO.
Ford 8N
Model Year: 1948
The 3 point hitch is what makes this tractor. They are inexpensive, easy and cheap to repair. But they are very basic. An over-run coupler is needed on the PTO. Reverse is WAY too fast. Reliable and capable for its year of manufacture.
Pros: 3 point.
Cons: Reverse way too fast.
Model Year: 1948
The 3 point hitch is what makes this tractor. They are inexpensive, easy and cheap to repair. But they are very basic. An over-run coupler is needed on the PTO. Reverse is WAY too fast. Reliable and capable for its year of manufacture.
Pros: 3 point.
Cons: Reverse way too fast.
Deer Hauler
Model Year: 1952
Bought this 8N from a deer camp where it sat for 3 years in a driving rain and snow squal. 3 flat tire, had to push it onto a trailer in the dark. Got it home, got the tires up, put in a new battery, run a piece of paper through the points, it started right up and is running to this day hauling us up the hill and deer down. Painted it by hand this spring as there is no power at deer camp. Looks good. Did I mention I got it for 300 bucks.
Pros: Runs very well.
Cons: Sometime 3pt will not cooperate.
Model Year: 1952
Bought this 8N from a deer camp where it sat for 3 years in a driving rain and snow squal. 3 flat tire, had to push it onto a trailer in the dark. Got it home, got the tires up, put in a new battery, run a piece of paper through the points, it started right up and is running to this day hauling us up the hill and deer down. Painted it by hand this spring as there is no power at deer camp. Looks good. Did I mention I got it for 300 bucks.
Pros: Runs very well.
Cons: Sometime 3pt will not cooperate.
First Tractor
Model Year: 1950
When I bought this tractor I knew it would have to have the tranny rebuilt. Much easier than I would have thought. I need some parts to complete it. Any one having extra parts please contact me at this e-mail address. Tractor runs well but hard to start at times. Overall I am happy with this tractor and its implements of which I have several.
Pros: Does everything it is supposed to.
Cons: Clutch.
Model Year: 1950
When I bought this tractor I knew it would have to have the tranny rebuilt. Much easier than I would have thought. I need some parts to complete it. Any one having extra parts please contact me at this e-mail address. Tractor runs well but hard to start at times. Overall I am happy with this tractor and its implements of which I have several.
Pros: Does everything it is supposed to.
Cons: Clutch.
30 Weight at 10 Degrees
Model Year: 1950
So it got the 12 volt conversion for not too many dollars. But I'm still amazed it'll crank over with oil that thick at 5 to 10F. My land has hardly a level spot on it, up in the Missouri River hills. Except where the house sits. Don't know the grade of hills but pretty steep for mowing-brush cutting. Always wanted to find front wheel weights but couldn't at the right price. Still it hasn't turned turtle. Only beef is getting traction blading snow. Even on the level my ag tires spin. I've heard older fire departments sometimes sell half-worn-out chains. But those have gone the route of the passenger pigeon. Newer rigs have the spin around chains that don't come on and off. Don't wear out. Technology! This 8N is a little raggedy on the sheet metal and painted in the 'wrong' colors (gray-blue, no red) is the best 25 hundred dollars I ever spent. Couple of the best and most honest repair guys you ever met keep it running at a real decent price. They don't have a web pages or do any cyber contact. Word of mouth is their only advertising. Pretty refreshing, eh?
Pros: Dependable.
Cons: Snow traction.
Model Year: 1950
So it got the 12 volt conversion for not too many dollars. But I'm still amazed it'll crank over with oil that thick at 5 to 10F. My land has hardly a level spot on it, up in the Missouri River hills. Except where the house sits. Don't know the grade of hills but pretty steep for mowing-brush cutting. Always wanted to find front wheel weights but couldn't at the right price. Still it hasn't turned turtle. Only beef is getting traction blading snow. Even on the level my ag tires spin. I've heard older fire departments sometimes sell half-worn-out chains. But those have gone the route of the passenger pigeon. Newer rigs have the spin around chains that don't come on and off. Don't wear out. Technology! This 8N is a little raggedy on the sheet metal and painted in the 'wrong' colors (gray-blue, no red) is the best 25 hundred dollars I ever spent. Couple of the best and most honest repair guys you ever met keep it running at a real decent price. They don't have a web pages or do any cyber contact. Word of mouth is their only advertising. Pretty refreshing, eh?
Pros: Dependable.
Cons: Snow traction.
Great Old Tractor
Model Year: 1949
I use my N-Series for snow removal, garden plowing and raking, and hauling using a carryall. The tractor is still 6V, and after restoration, works as I expected it to. I've added a ROPS and a home made canopy, as well as some rear lighting. Works like a champ.
Pros: Inexpensive, plentiful, easy to get parts for.
Cons: No stock ROPS, no on-board hydraulics, stock transmission inadequate for roto-tilling.
Model Year: 1949
I use my N-Series for snow removal, garden plowing and raking, and hauling using a carryall. The tractor is still 6V, and after restoration, works as I expected it to. I've added a ROPS and a home made canopy, as well as some rear lighting. Works like a champ.
Pros: Inexpensive, plentiful, easy to get parts for.
Cons: No stock ROPS, no on-board hydraulics, stock transmission inadequate for roto-tilling.
Ford 8N Still Going Strong
Model Year: 1948
Ol' Henry Ford sure nailed the mark when he decided to re-enter the ag market. 3 point hitch was the biggest advantage over the competition. Also, economy of operation. After the war, the value of machines was proven. This was a replacement for a team of horses, so the cost to run was very important. The tag, for plowing was 1 acre, 1 hour on 1 gallon of gas. Also, once shut off cost went to zero but horses still had to eat, work or not. I am still surprised working around the yard that the gas tank level barely moves. Testing compared to the later Jubilee showed no deference in economy or performance. Only wish would be a live PTO, but work arounds are numerous. Still running a 6 volt system with to issues. Only mod was a up-sweeped exhaust pipe which I now regret with exhaust blowing to the operator and reduced height clearance. Extra ground clearance was not such a big improvement. There is reason why there are so many of these still around. Enjoy.
Pros: Value, reliability, parts availability, economy of use.
Cons: No live PTO.
Model Year: 1948
Ol' Henry Ford sure nailed the mark when he decided to re-enter the ag market. 3 point hitch was the biggest advantage over the competition. Also, economy of operation. After the war, the value of machines was proven. This was a replacement for a team of horses, so the cost to run was very important. The tag, for plowing was 1 acre, 1 hour on 1 gallon of gas. Also, once shut off cost went to zero but horses still had to eat, work or not. I am still surprised working around the yard that the gas tank level barely moves. Testing compared to the later Jubilee showed no deference in economy or performance. Only wish would be a live PTO, but work arounds are numerous. Still running a 6 volt system with to issues. Only mod was a up-sweeped exhaust pipe which I now regret with exhaust blowing to the operator and reduced height clearance. Extra ground clearance was not such a big improvement. There is reason why there are so many of these still around. Enjoy.
Pros: Value, reliability, parts availability, economy of use.
Cons: No live PTO.
8N
Model Year: 1950
Henry Ford knew how to build equipment for the American Farmer. It was a hard working tractor and very easy to work on. This tractor was found at a farm in Texas and no one could remember changing the oil. When I overhauled the engine It did not require any repairs. I cleaned it up and put it back together. Some repairs to PTO.
Pros: Rugged piece of epuipment.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 1950
Henry Ford knew how to build equipment for the American Farmer. It was a hard working tractor and very easy to work on. This tractor was found at a farm in Texas and no one could remember changing the oil. When I overhauled the engine It did not require any repairs. I cleaned it up and put it back together. Some repairs to PTO.
Pros: Rugged piece of epuipment.
Cons: None.
8N
Model Year: 1953
This is a late manufacture model 8N. For the little money that was spent on it, it is good at mowing with a 3-point hitch mower and for occasional lifting with one-way hydraulic Ford loader that came with it when purchased. It's has a 6V start.
Pros: Reasonable cost, easy access to parts, low profile, easy to repair.
Cons: No live hydraulic power, light on power, but not bad for a 60-year old small tractor, hard cold starts.
Model Year: 1953
This is a late manufacture model 8N. For the little money that was spent on it, it is good at mowing with a 3-point hitch mower and for occasional lifting with one-way hydraulic Ford loader that came with it when purchased. It's has a 6V start.
Pros: Reasonable cost, easy access to parts, low profile, easy to repair.
Cons: No live hydraulic power, light on power, but not bad for a 60-year old small tractor, hard cold starts.