Ford 8N or similar older types

[LD1]

I think it will be tough to find any of those even in half-decent condition for $6000 at least here in our area!

ITs not about finding them in that price range......its simply about finding them at all.... Which is what is so compelling about the 8n. They are EVERYWHERE.

Within 1000 miles.....tractor house lists a whole whopping 7 ford 1710's for sale. I can probably fine 7 N-series tractors for sale just in my county

 

[arto98607]

ITs not about finding them in that price range......its simply about finding them at all.... Which is what is so compelling about the 8n. They are EVERYWHERE.

Within 1000 miles.....tractor house lists a whole whopping 7 ford 1710's for sale. I can probably fine 7 N-series tractors for sale just in my county

Sure I agree.
I meant all of these models you mentioned in your post:

"Ford 10-series like a 1710.....something like a deere 750/850/950/1050, Massey 230"

That covers quite a few different models but not for $6000 ...

 

[LD1]

Sure I agree.
I meant all of these models you mentioned in your post:

"Ford 10-series like a 1710.....something like a deere 750/850/950/1050, Massey 230"

That covers quite a few different models but not for $6000 ...

Not sure where the OP lives. So without knowing that.....cannot say. But Im gonna stand by my statement that they can be found in the $6000 range.

Here is a 1720

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/204476565/ford-1720

A 1910

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/203506689/1986-ford-1910

A 750

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/199434553/1982-john-deere-750

An 850

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/204477857/1982-john-deere-850

A 950

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/202917997/john-deere-950

A massey 231

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/204402269/massey-ferguson-231

 

[rScotty]

Nice thread on old tractors. I notice a couple of things....
1. A suprising amount of tractor guys have an 50 + year old tractor that they plan to keep.
2. They also have a more modern 4wd compact tractor- usually with a loader.

 

[wolc123]

Nice thread on old tractors. I notice a couple of things....
1. A suprising amount of tractor guys have an 50 + year old tractor that they plan to keep.
2. They also have a more modern 4wd compact tractor- usually with a loader.

There is a logical reason for that. In spite of what many believe, there actually are a few jobs that can be done more effectively with a 70 year old, 2wd, manual steer, non-loader equipped, gear trandmission gasser than a modern CUT.

Two that I can think of right off the bat, is operating my 2 x 12 plow, and my 2-row corn planter. My modern, 4wd CUT, lacks hydraulic draft control, so unless mud is an issue, I will always pick the old 8n for use on that. It certainly don't hurt that that is the implement that tractor was designed around.

The little corn planter is also much easier to use on that low platform, quiet, easy on/off from either side, antique Ford than it is with my modern, significantly larger CUT. The loader joystick prevents access from the right side on that, and it is over a foot higher to get on and off. It also takes a lot longer to attach the planter, because it is heavier and the clearance to the hitch pins is tighter.

Having a modern 4wd, diesel with a loader is handy, but having an antique in addition makes a lot of sense. That loader just blocks your view and takes up space for many jobs. It is great to have a tractor with one, and another without one.

It is almost a crime to destroy the near perfect balance of a Ford n by putting a loader on one. That is really the only reason I have 2 tractors. If i didn't need a loader for lots of jobs, i could get by fine with just the 1951 8n. One more big plus of the modern 4wd tractor is that it is far superior on a disk, saving lots of money on fuel. When it comes to the plow or planter though, I will take the antique most every time.

 

[JethroB]

There is a logical reason for that. In spite of what many believe, there actually are a few jobs that can be done more effectively with a 70 year old, 2wd, manual steer, non-loader equipped, gear trandmission gasser than a modern CUT.

Two that I can think of right off the bat, is operating my 2 x 12 plow, and my 2-row corn planter. My modern, 4wd CUT, lacks hydraulic draft control, so unless mud is an issue, I will always pick the old 8n for use on that. It certainly don't hurt that that is the implement that tractor was designed around.

The little corn planter is also much easier to use on that low platform, quiet, easy on/off from either side, antique Ford than it is with my modern, significantly larger CUT. The loader joystick prevents access from the right side on that, and it is over a foot higher to get on and off. It also takes a lot longer to attach the planter, because it is heavier and the clearance to the hitch pins is tighter.

Having a modern 4wd, diesel with a loader is handy, but having an antique in addition makes a lot of sense. That loader just blocks your view and takes up space for many jobs. It is great to have a tractor with one, and another without one.

It is almost a crime to destroy the near perfect balance of a Ford n by putting a loader on one. That is really the only reason I have 2 tractors. If i didn't need a loader for lots of jobs, i could get by fine with just the 1951 8n. One more big plus of the modern 4wd tractor is that it is far superior on a disk, saving lots of money on fuel. When it comes to the plow or planter though, I will take the antique most every time.

May I add one .... the ability to adjust the wheel track width, both rear and Front, to match the the row or plow width. Particularly if you have spin-out rims on the rear.

 

[can do]

The new compact tractors are a good way to go & they are emission exempt if a diesel 25 or less horse power no regen required or def & the torque is awesome along with power at the PTO & you pretty much need 4wd if you get one with a FEL & the weight of the tractor is another factor & on my M-F 1526 with a 3 cylinder Iseki engine is a proven power plant & they don't need a turbo , & they are easy on fuel consumption. They are as close as you can get to the older utility tractors & the newer one without all the problems previously mentioned of a bigger diesel engine.& on my 61 year old M-f 50 I like the the gasoline engine at 34 HP & that it's a 2 speed high low manual transmission making it 6 forward & 2 reverse & being gear driven you can start off in any range you want & with the newer hydrostatic tranmission your speed range is limited when working in 4wd & using the FEL . But these 2 tractors working together compliment each other on what they can do & can't do & both tractors work year round & both have there assignments & 2 tractors are better than one when it comes to not having switch out implements for different task & yes I know about the quick connects But we are beholding to the weather & I don't want to rely on a weather man who gets it 50/50 most the time & as far as the old & the new tractor I'll keep them both, after all there a work saver.

 

[Skagit]

You can buy a lot more tractor for $6k than an 8N... Won't have a loader but an 8N won't either (at least not a useful one). For a tractor that you're actually going to use I wouldn't even look at an 8N 'type' tractor. I've spent some time both using them and working on them, you couldn't pay me to own one.

I bought a 60 hp 4wd diesel for $4500 in January, I've seen people asking that much for their 8N... Look at 1980's era tractors (Massey Ferguson, Ford, etc...).

 

[Cougsfan]

Nice thread on old tractors. I notice a couple of things....
1. A suprising amount of tractor guys have an 50 + year old tractor that they plan to keep.
2. They also have a more modern 4wd compact tractor- usually with a loader.

I fit what you say to a tee. I use my modern 4wd Branson compact tractor with loader 90% of the time. My old Ferguson TO35 (standard diesel) still gets used to pull the manure spreader, fertilize with the cone fertilizer spreader, and is used for harrowing. I completely overhauled my standard diesel about 12 years ago and was able to find every part except cam bearings without much problem. It is a little hard to start when cold, but if one knows the tricks it isn't that bad.

 

[wolc123]

Looking at the hour meters and maintenence records on my modern, loader-eqquied CUT, and my 70 year old 8n, it appears that usage had been just about evenly split over the last 5 years. I also got rid of a couple other, less frequently used antique tractors, the last couple years, so those two now get all the work.

I used to have plenty of storage space, but a couple old barns, that my great great grandad built, have fallen into disrepair. I can only keep what fits in my new pole barn. It was also taking me too much time to keep all those tractors maintained.

 

[Buckeye76]

Man... great thread! Keep the advice coming!

 

[Username Taken]

Man... great thread! Keep the advice coming!

Don't take this wrong because I mean it to be helpful, but if you really do get an old 8N, you're gonna end up with a $6,000 Lawn Ornament.

Take that $6k and put a down payment on something you can actually use; on a daily basis. Something you can put attachments on. Lots of attchments.

Today's CUTs are ike a blank canvas and you're the artist that makes them come alive. We're talking the FEL, a Grapple, forklift, stump digger and about 100 other attachments for your FEL alone. Some people say you're not really buying a tractor as much as you're buying the Loader. I agree to a large degree

Those old 'row crop' tractors were almost a one--trick-pony. What they did, they did fairly well. But they couldn't do all that much.

Your money, your Farm. Good luck

 

[Buckeye76]

Its funny you mention that because the more advice I get, the more Im leaning toward that ole JD Ive wanted since I was a kid. On my lunch today, I went and window shopped a couple JD just to see. Right now I think I might go the 2 or 3 series JD with a Loader, Tiller, and Landplane. Also looking to add a plain jane Utility Gator if they cut me a good enough deal. We got time, we havent even picked a builder yet...

 

[fried1765]

We have five acres in Washington State. Eleven years ago I bought a 1994 Ford 1720 with loader, plus a brush cutter, box scraper and auger. Several neighbors who own those foreign-made bright orange tractors have back hoes, so on the rare occasion when one is needed, it's easier to knock on a door than change out a heavy piece of equipment I've had to store. I have been very happy with the Ford. It's reliable, rugged, relatively rare, versatile and -- as a proud member of The Manual Gearbox Preservation Society -- it even allows me to shift for myself when I'm outstanding in my field.

View attachment 697629

The Fords of that era are great!
I have a Ford 1920, the bigger sister of the 1720.
I also have a much larger and newer Kubota, but I will never sell my Ford 1920.

 

[wolc123]

This old girl cost me $ 1200, 30 years ago when she had 1200 hours. I have put about another $ 500 in parts over the 1200 hours I put on her since then. She is still going strong, but this will probably be the last year for the original right side rear rim. Not quite ready to be a lawn ornament yet.

 

[Username Taken]

Its funny you mention that because the more advice I get, the more Im leaning toward that ole JD Ive wanted since I was a kid. On my lunch today, I went and window shopped a couple JD just to see. Right now I think I might go the 2 or 3 series JD with a Loader, Tiller, and Landplane. Also looking to add a plain jane Utility Gator if they cut me a good enough deal. We got time, we havent even picked a builder yet...

Deere makes good stuff. But in the Compact and subCompact market there are other options available that are very consumer friendly.

And since you have a lot of time before you have to make decisions, use it to save yourself some money and get what's right for you.

Some people claim the premium you have to pay for a Deere is worth it. Even more disagree. Not knocking them, just telling you to look around. Hard.

 

[gwstang]

There are better choices in old rigs than 8N and 9N's.They don't have a live PTO and the gear spacing doesn't work well.Loaders for them are beastly and with 2 wheel drive about useless.
I have put many hours on both.
Look newer.

AKA "Jungle Jim" loaders. Have to crawl over the back to get into the driver seat. lol

 

[can do]

AKA "Jungle Jim" loaders. Have to crawl over the back to get into the driver seat. lol

If this was a national poll the 8N & 9N would be down 10 to 1! But he has not decided on what type of tractor will fit his needs yet ! I think he's window shopping for now.

 

[fried1765]

If this was a national poll the 8N & 9N would be down 10 to 1! But he has not decided on what type of tractor will fit his needs yet ! I think he's window shopping for now.

My 8N is a really sweet ole girl!
Because she is so sweet is the only reason she is still around.
She is in really nice condition, and looks kinda good sitting in the corner of my barn.
Has not moved in 10+ years!

 

[can do]

My 8N is a really sweet ole girl!
Because she is so sweet is the only reason she is still around.
She is in really nice condition, and looks kinda good sitting in the corner of my barn.
Has not moved in 10+ years!

Yeah! I know that feeling & there is allot of tractor owners that like to look & reflect on there tractors & I saw the picture You posted , Kind of looks like a Norman Rockwell print & I have 3 classic automobiles that are in my garage that I don't drive that often ,But to me a tractor is a piece of equipment ,Or a tool that calls out to you & wants to be worked & even though I only have 2 tractors I like working them & they seem to like being worked & I love the seat time on both of them. Get the old gal out & just drive it around once a month ,It's better than just letting her sit there & call out to you every time You look at her saying take me out for a ride or some work !!!!!& I was looking at somebody else's tractor on this thread & it made me think of your tractor