Beginner Asks about several gearshifts on Ford 8N/9N, please help!

[TwoSpringFarm]

I am a new homesteader, and a first-time tractor owner, on 40 acres in the Ozarks. I recently bought a rebuilt Ford. I think it is built from several tractors. The front half has serial numbers beginning with 8N, while the back half and three point arms have #s beginning with 9N.

The gearshift below the steering wheel is a three speed plus Reverse. Then, there is a gearshift built into the left side of the tractor, just behind the starter. Then, there is a gearshift, left side, under the seat.

Yesterday was my first time sitting on a tractor, and I could not get the tractor in gear. Could someone tell me how this configuration works? I know it runs, runs well, and I watched the previous owner drive it.

Any information would be appreciated. Keep it simple, please!

TwoSpringFarm

 

[bcp]

8n operator's manual, at bottom of the page:

OPERATORS'S MANUAL - 1948 FORD TRACTOR MODEL 8N

More manuals here:

NTC Manual Library

Tips:

Yesterday's Tractors - Fifty Tips for Ford 9N, 2N and 8N Tractors (now 75 Tips!)

Bruce

 

[meos1]

It has been 35 years since I dealt with my fathers 8N. Our 8N did not have the forward drivers side lever you have so I cant comment on that. The gear selector is the one on top of the case directly in front of the drivers seat. It did not synchro so there is no such thing as changing gears while in motion to go faster. Select a gear and go with it. Gear one is the best pulling power, two is less power more speed. As you use the tractor you will figure out which gear you need for the job at hand. Use one first and then try two if conditions warrant. Gear three is the "road gear". The tractor will do about 38 MPH depending...The little lever under the seat turns on and off auto leveling if I remember correctly.

To get it going put it in 1 and let out the clutch (pedal on the left side, not the double pedals those are the left and right brake). If it does not move push in the clutch and change the position of the other lever....let out the clutch. If not then, Im out of memory. Consult a more seasoned mechanic or the links posted above.

 

[TwoSpringFarm]

BCP, thank you for these resources. It appears I have a 9N, with an 8N engine. The 75 tips seem especially helpful. Thanks again.

 

[David Wayne]

From what I can see you have a 9n or 2n not an 8n. The lever behind the starter is a high/low selector, it might be in a neutural position between high and low. You must depress the clutch to shift it. The lever left under the seat I assume is down by your heel? It is to engage the PTO, back to engage-forward to disengage, you must depress clutch to engage it. You do not have draft over ride that meos1 is thinking of, unless it came from a 8n

 

[TwoSpringFarm]

Thank you David and Meos1. I am up and running, drove the tractor, and am comfortable on it. Apparently, I must choose high/low FIRST. If I don't, and with clutch depressed select 1-2-or 3, then I feel horrible grinding when I try to select High or Low. Here is the lever under my seat: On the right-hand-side, under my seat, is the lever that raises/lowers the 3-pt hitch.

Thanks again

 

[Jerry/MT]

I am a new homesteader, and a first-time tractor owner, on 40 acres in the Ozarks. I recently bought a rebuilt Ford. I think it is built from several tractors. The front half has serial numbers beginning with 8N, while the back half and three point arms have #s beginning with 9N.

The gearshift below the steering wheel is a three speed plus Reverse. Then, there is a gearshift built into the left side of the tractor, just behind the starter. Then, there is a gearshift, left side, under the seat.

Yesterday was my first time sitting on a tractor, and I could not get the tractor in gear. Could someone tell me how this configuration works? I know it runs, runs well, and I watched the previous owner drive it.View attachment 438344View attachment 438345

Any information would be appreciated. Keep it simple, please!

TwoSpringFarm

You have a 9N transmission with a Sherman auxiliary transmission. (The 8N had a 4 speed transmission and position control on the three point hitch.). Depending on the type of Sherman you have, you could have up to 9 forward gears and three reverse gears. If you have one under the seat, it's most likely a Howard which was mainly used for rototilling. There is another auxiliary transmission called a Hupp but I believe it's lever is on the right side of the bell housing.

The Sherman should have three and I think one is a neutral. That gives you the 9N's three speeds. Put the Sherman in the forward or reverse position will give you six different speeds. I'm not sure about the Howard but I think it is a two speed. One gives the normal 9N three speeds and the other gears it down so you can rototill.

I'd talk to the person you bought it from and get specific instruction from him. I know just enough to be dangerous!