Ford 8N Reviews
Ford 8N, an Old Faithful Tractor
Model Year: 1950
These tractors have always been under-rated. If the engine is not warn out, in need of an overhaul, they have plenty of power for most jobs. The 3-point hitch is a real benefit when working alone. The two problems that my tractor had when I got it were a worn out front pivot bushing which caused the axle to break the distributor cap nipples and it steered hard. The fix was easy, a new bushing and pin in the front center and new thrust bearings in the front upright axles. It steers like new and the job wasn't hard at all. Great tractor.
Pros: Long life, parts availability and 3-point hitch.
Cons: Light for some pulling jobs.
Model Year: 1950
These tractors have always been under-rated. If the engine is not warn out, in need of an overhaul, they have plenty of power for most jobs. The 3-point hitch is a real benefit when working alone. The two problems that my tractor had when I got it were a worn out front pivot bushing which caused the axle to break the distributor cap nipples and it steered hard. The fix was easy, a new bushing and pin in the front center and new thrust bearings in the front upright axles. It steers like new and the job wasn't hard at all. Great tractor.
Pros: Long life, parts availability and 3-point hitch.
Cons: Light for some pulling jobs.
There's a reason why so many are still around.
Model Year: 1952
Look on Craigslist, eBay, or Ag Review here in NC and most likely you will find an 8n for sale. The reason is not only were they a durable tractor but, Ford sold over a 1/2 million of them during their production run. Initially they were used for every aspect of farm operation. However, one must keep in mind that these tractors had only around 26hp, depending on who you ask. Still, with the right equipment, they can do a passable job in gardens, light cleanup and bushhogging and do it dependably. If you are considering buying one,keep in mind the tractor's hp limitations. It is old. As a result it might require more maintenance than a newer tractor. But then again, the 8ns have been around 60 years or more and there are a lot of them still working everyday.
Pros: Dependable, parts still readily available because there are still a bunch of them around. Has the standard 3 point hitch, good seat position, you feel like you are operating a real piece of Americana.
Cons: 6 volt systems, but most have been converted to 12 volt, requires over riding clutch as it does not have a live PTO, must have a lead substitute added to gas to protect valves.
Model Year: 1952
Look on Craigslist, eBay, or Ag Review here in NC and most likely you will find an 8n for sale. The reason is not only were they a durable tractor but, Ford sold over a 1/2 million of them during their production run. Initially they were used for every aspect of farm operation. However, one must keep in mind that these tractors had only around 26hp, depending on who you ask. Still, with the right equipment, they can do a passable job in gardens, light cleanup and bushhogging and do it dependably. If you are considering buying one,keep in mind the tractor's hp limitations. It is old. As a result it might require more maintenance than a newer tractor. But then again, the 8ns have been around 60 years or more and there are a lot of them still working everyday.
Pros: Dependable, parts still readily available because there are still a bunch of them around. Has the standard 3 point hitch, good seat position, you feel like you are operating a real piece of Americana.
Cons: 6 volt systems, but most have been converted to 12 volt, requires over riding clutch as it does not have a live PTO, must have a lead substitute added to gas to protect valves.
My First Tractor Ford 8n
Model Year: 1948
I was born in 1948 and when I saw this Ford 8n at the side of the road looking better than me I had to have it! Did I need it (not really) can I be without it now - no! Love it and hooked on keeping it keep me young we are working together on each other if you know what I mean. Having been an aircraft mechanic/engineer for 35 years with a major Canadian airline 747 737 727 707 dc8 dc10 airbus a300 a310 a320 etc. The challenges to keep these aircraft safe and on time was intense, as for the 8n the challenge has to return to basics I never really knew prior to apprenticeship in 1967. So all help is required and appreciated as I learn from the pros who have been doing this a long time.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: None.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 1948
I was born in 1948 and when I saw this Ford 8n at the side of the road looking better than me I had to have it! Did I need it (not really) can I be without it now - no! Love it and hooked on keeping it keep me young we are working together on each other if you know what I mean. Having been an aircraft mechanic/engineer for 35 years with a major Canadian airline 747 737 727 707 dc8 dc10 airbus a300 a310 a320 etc. The challenges to keep these aircraft safe and on time was intense, as for the 8n the challenge has to return to basics I never really knew prior to apprenticeship in 1967. So all help is required and appreciated as I learn from the pros who have been doing this a long time.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: None.
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My Ford 8N
Model Year: 1948
We have performed very little corrective maintenance on this 8N since purchase. New tires, exhaust manifold, axle shaft, and PTO seal. It does need new points and condenser every year though. I just wish new equipment was built like this!
Pros: Three point hitch in older model.
Cons: No live PTO.
Model Year: 1948
We have performed very little corrective maintenance on this 8N since purchase. New tires, exhaust manifold, axle shaft, and PTO seal. It does need new points and condenser every year though. I just wish new equipment was built like this!
Pros: Three point hitch in older model.
Cons: No live PTO.
Ford 800
Model Year: 1956
Great little tractor for mowing / brush hog 3 acres. Rebuilt the engine, replaced twisted PTO, converted to 12 volt system, and repainted recently. Fires up easily, runs smooth, plenty of power for my requirements. Great little tractor.
Pros: Great having the tractor for my small jobs.
Cons: Neighbors want to "borrow" it for their small jobs.
Model Year: 1956
Great little tractor for mowing / brush hog 3 acres. Rebuilt the engine, replaced twisted PTO, converted to 12 volt system, and repainted recently. Fires up easily, runs smooth, plenty of power for my requirements. Great little tractor.
Pros: Great having the tractor for my small jobs.
Cons: Neighbors want to "borrow" it for their small jobs.
1948 Ford 8n
Model Year: 1948
I have just bought my 8n and have put in tons of hours to keep the ol' boy running. But the wife has been doing the same for me so no complaints. You must be handy to own one. And you must get to know many who do own one, they are the people with all the experience. It is indeed a labor of love. The internet is your best place to get any info. I love my 8n. Cheers, Wayne
Pros: $2500 gets you a great tractor .
Cons: Can be labor intensive but is fun.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 1948
I have just bought my 8n and have put in tons of hours to keep the ol' boy running. But the wife has been doing the same for me so no complaints. You must be handy to own one. And you must get to know many who do own one, they are the people with all the experience. It is indeed a labor of love. The internet is your best place to get any info. I love my 8n. Cheers, Wayne
Pros: $2500 gets you a great tractor .
Cons: Can be labor intensive but is fun.
Photo Uploads:
Good Old Tractor.
Model Year: 1953
This tractor has a select-o-speed automatic transmission, 10 forward speeds, 2 in reverse. It's a 6 cylinder, circa 1950-1954 I guess. It looks like a Ford Jubilee, I am not sure what the model really is. We use it in the spring making maple syrup. It pulls a dray with a 100 gallon tank for collecting sap. The tractor replaced a Ford 9N which had served us well for 20 years. This tractor starts easily, has lots of power, and with chains, has plenty of traction in the deep snow. The only concern I have is that the tractor creeps when in neutral.
Pros: Starts easily, runs well, good traction, easy to get on/off.
Cons: The tractor creeps when in neutral.
Model Year: 1953
This tractor has a select-o-speed automatic transmission, 10 forward speeds, 2 in reverse. It's a 6 cylinder, circa 1950-1954 I guess. It looks like a Ford Jubilee, I am not sure what the model really is. We use it in the spring making maple syrup. It pulls a dray with a 100 gallon tank for collecting sap. The tractor replaced a Ford 9N which had served us well for 20 years. This tractor starts easily, has lots of power, and with chains, has plenty of traction in the deep snow. The only concern I have is that the tractor creeps when in neutral.
Pros: Starts easily, runs well, good traction, easy to get on/off.
Cons: The tractor creeps when in neutral.
Starts with 30 wt at 10 F
Model Year: 1950
If I could blade a drive of 8 inches snow without chains, the wonderful little beast would be nonpareil perfect. Shallowest ditch and I'm stuck. But there are too many positives. I cut brush on 12 acres of very hilly Missouri River bluff land. (gear box and blade must have been mfgd in the 50's or 60's. No labels left) It's a little light in the front end on the uphills. One of few negatives. No matter how hot the day it keeps thrumming. Had 12 volt installed couple of years back. It explodes into life. I attribute much of its liveliness to Bill and Greg who run the Tractor Shed in Farley, Mo., two honest fellas who care more about workmanship and craft than profit. It will be running when my grave is being dug.
Pros: dependable
Cons: positrac in snow. hard to find frt wheel weights
Model Year: 1950
If I could blade a drive of 8 inches snow without chains, the wonderful little beast would be nonpareil perfect. Shallowest ditch and I'm stuck. But there are too many positives. I cut brush on 12 acres of very hilly Missouri River bluff land. (gear box and blade must have been mfgd in the 50's or 60's. No labels left) It's a little light in the front end on the uphills. One of few negatives. No matter how hot the day it keeps thrumming. Had 12 volt installed couple of years back. It explodes into life. I attribute much of its liveliness to Bill and Greg who run the Tractor Shed in Farley, Mo., two honest fellas who care more about workmanship and craft than profit. It will be running when my grave is being dug.
Pros: dependable
Cons: positrac in snow. hard to find frt wheel weights
Just Enough
Model Year: 1952
The Ford N series is among the most prolific, and popular, of all the tractors of its era. It features a 3-point hitch, unlike the Farmalls of the time, and a very advanced lift system that can automatically compensate for obstacles while plowing. With its limited available power, open differential, and high gear ratios, the N wasn't made to do some of the jobs that tractors, including the N, are now tasked with performing. My 8N came with an installed front-end loader, which I want, but which also puts incredible strain on the manual steering system. I'll be taking the loader off, as soon as I get the property to a condition that no longer requires it, regularly. Once the loader is removed, I expect the tractor to act like a completely different machine when mowing and hauling around the farm. My particular N came to me in very good condition, given its age, and all systems function as designed. It's not a show-ready tractor, but it's a good worker. I will, eventually, remove the loader, and use the stinger pump in a live hydraulics configuration, and I may even clean and paint some of the sheetmetal. It will always be a working tractor, and I intend to use it within its envelope of capabilities. Doing so will likely allow the little N to outlast me. I find the N to be a great tool for light farm and ranch duty, and a fantastic topic for conversation and study of machinery of the past.
Pros: 3-point hitch, simplicity, low cost, versatility
Cons: "Dead" hydraulics and PTO, limited power, no power steering, gear ratios too high
Model Year: 1952
The Ford N series is among the most prolific, and popular, of all the tractors of its era. It features a 3-point hitch, unlike the Farmalls of the time, and a very advanced lift system that can automatically compensate for obstacles while plowing. With its limited available power, open differential, and high gear ratios, the N wasn't made to do some of the jobs that tractors, including the N, are now tasked with performing. My 8N came with an installed front-end loader, which I want, but which also puts incredible strain on the manual steering system. I'll be taking the loader off, as soon as I get the property to a condition that no longer requires it, regularly. Once the loader is removed, I expect the tractor to act like a completely different machine when mowing and hauling around the farm. My particular N came to me in very good condition, given its age, and all systems function as designed. It's not a show-ready tractor, but it's a good worker. I will, eventually, remove the loader, and use the stinger pump in a live hydraulics configuration, and I may even clean and paint some of the sheetmetal. It will always be a working tractor, and I intend to use it within its envelope of capabilities. Doing so will likely allow the little N to outlast me. I find the N to be a great tool for light farm and ranch duty, and a fantastic topic for conversation and study of machinery of the past.
Pros: 3-point hitch, simplicity, low cost, versatility
Cons: "Dead" hydraulics and PTO, limited power, no power steering, gear ratios too high