Difference between a 8N tractor and a 9N tractor?

[mjdtexan]

Hi, I am in the market locally (Houston-ish) for a tractor. I have found two that I am looking at and they look almost the same to me. One is a Ford 9N and the other is a Ford 8N. They both are pretty darned old but they both look good. They both run well (the internet ad says so anyway). One is $1500 and the other one is $1800. What are the differences? Anybody know? They both claim the PTO works. I really want a tractor with a front end loader but its not in the budget unless I can get one in the $4000 dollar range.

 

[JDeerekid]

They really are basically the same. Only major differences are a couple horsepower, 8n has 4 speed trans and 9n has 3 speed trans. 8n is newer than the 9n and has more hp. Newer 8n have side distributor older 8n's and 9n's had front distributor. Neither has live PTO which if you are looking to run a bush hog or tiller I would highly reccommend. .
I have run many Ford N series and they are just an all around good tractor for basic work. Parts are readily available.

Overall built ford tough

Neither own is priced to bad. Do they come with anything?

 

[mjdtexan]

They really are basically the same. Only major differences are a couple horsepower, 8n has 4 speed trans and 9n has 3 speed trans.

Thank You.

 

[RickB]

9N's (and the mostly identical 2N's) have a three speed transmission (not counting reverse).
8N's have a 4 speed transmission and a much better steering box. 8N's have position control incorporated in the three point hitch, 9N's only have 3pt draft control. With a 9N, essentially the hitch is all the way up or lowered as far as the implement will allow, nothing inbetween. 8N's have both brake pedals on the right, 9N's have the left brake pedal and clutch on the left. An 8N is better than a 9N in important ways.

 

[mjdtexan]

9N's (and the mostly identical 2N's) have a three speed transmission (not counting reverse).
8N's have a 4 speed transmission and a much better steering box. 8N's have position control incorporated in the three point hitch, 9N's only have 3pt draft control. With a 9N, essentially the hitch is all the way up or lowered as far as the implement will allow, nothing inbetween. 8N's have both brake pedals on the right, 9N's have the left brake pedal and clutch on the left. An 8N is better than a 9N in important ways.

Oh, ok. That explains alot. Thanks for that.

Are those good price ranges for that tractor? Should I stay away from them on account of their ages? Are parts pretty available?

Thanks in advance for the answers to which are probably common knowledge to yall.

 

[Stimw]

I have owned both, 8 years ago I bought both tractors not running for $1700. I had to rebuild the pump on one and replace a piston and sleeve on the other.
If I had my choice I would buy the 8-N because having the left brake and the clutch on the same side is a PITA. You can't hit the brakes and clutch at the same time, only clutch and right brake.
Some had an after market 2 speed (high/low) added called a Sherman Trans, my 9-N had it and it gave me 6 speeds. It was a lever on the left side of the bellhousing in front of the peddles.
If you get one they sell a manual called I&T Manual FO-4 that covers all three, 8,9 and 2-N. It runs about $30. and Tractor Supply carries them. It has a chart so you can check the serial number and find out the year.
The good news is there is still a lot of repair parts at good prices available and they are simple to work on.
They do have good power for as old as they are, I did a lot of box blading and bushhogging (5' mower & box) and had no issues.
I bought a new Branson 35hp 4WD Diesel 3 years ago and sold both N's and now I'm in heaven! The N's were fun but crude.

 

[mjdtexan]

PITA

PITA?

If you get one they sell a manual called I&T Manual FO-4 that covers all three, 8,9 and 2-N. It runs about $30. and Tractor Supply carries them

Hey, thanks for the Tractor Supply tip.

You got me on the PITA thing though

 

[JoeinTX]

PITA-Pain In The *****


Have an 8n and it's a very hardy little machine that does have improvements over the earlier 2n/9n models it replaced.

$1500 or $1800 are right in the ballpark and if they're in really good condition (need nothing, look decent, fire right up, etc) then that's a bargain considering how much you can get done with one.

 

[wolc123]

The 51-52 8n's are my favorite tractors of all time. These are the most refined form of the first true modern utility tractor. The 8n really is much better than the 9n/2n for reasons already explained and no tractor manufacted earlier or later has better parts availability. What sets the 51 and 52's apart from earlier models is the proofmeter (records hours and displays rpms) and the side distributer. Those prices are real good if the tractors are in good condition. Look for a tractor that has not been converted to 12 volts and still starts good cold on 6 volts to tell if the engine is in good condition. 12 volt conversions are usually a bandaid for weak compression.

 

[Matt_Jr]

PITA. He's trying to say pain in the butt.

edit: ya beat me to it.

 

[flusher]

Hi, I am in the market locally (Houston-ish) for a tractor. I have found two that I am looking at and they look almost the same to me. One is a Ford 9N and the other is a Ford 8N. They both are pretty darned old but they both look good. They both run well (the internet ad says so anyway). One is $1500 and the other one is $1800. What are the differences? Anybody know? They both claim the PTO works. I really want a tractor with a front end loader but its not in the budget unless I can get one in the $4000 dollar range.

Unless that 8N has a Sherman transmission, in low gear the tractor moves too fast for rototilling, if you're interested in that implement.

You also need an overrunning clutch on the pto shaft when you run something like a rotary mower (aka brush hog) on an 8N or 9N ---a $70 item at Tractor Supply.

My neighbor tried to use his 8N with an IH 57 hay baler and no ORC. He got the baler moving OK but when he tried to stop the tractor/baler he twisted the pto shaft into a corkscrew. In addition, it turns out that the 8N in low gear moved too fast and the pickup was feeding too much hay too fast which choked the baler. He borrowed a neighbors JD 2640 which handled the baler with ease.

 

[yankeerider]

.... 12 volt conversions are usually a bandaid for weak compression.

Perhaps, but not always. My 9N was converted simply because I didn't want to keep looking for 6 volt batteries and I wanted to add lights for snow plowing at night.

 

[AndyMA]

On the price issue. Around here (Conn and Mass) that would be a very good price. Most go for $2500 to $3000 here.

Andy

 

[mjdtexan]

Thank all of you for the answers and I REALLY do appreciate yalls knowledge

 

[JoeinTX]

"Unless that 8N has a Sherman transmission, in low gear the tractor moves too fast for rototilling, if you're interested in that implement......"


Yes, and yes. The 8n gear range is not good for rototilling and it's reverse gear was intended almost entirely for backing the tractor up as quick as possible. When doing any type of forward/reverse work I am constantly jockeying the throttle between the directions to get the desired power or speed.......it can be a pain.


But, it's all a matter of perspective. If you were looking at a brand new CUT for $20k right off of the dealer's floor then these would be big problems for me..........but, when discussing a 50 year old tractor for $1500 they're not such a problem.

 

[john_bud]

FYI

9N = 1939 start production date
2N = 1942 start production date
8N = 1952 start production date

The deal with the left brake on the left is a huge deal breaker. !!!!

Think about this, you want to stop quickly, what do you do? Hit the brake with the right foot and the clutch with the left. What happens? Tractor spins hard to the right as only the right brake is activated!! If you are going too fast, flips-ville. You have to clutch, shift to N, then stomp with both feet at the same time. No such thing as a fast stop with the 2N

jb

 

[mbohuntr]

Hello there, Just sold the trusty 2n, got a little more advice, but these people about covered it. If your looking to brush hog with it; GET A OVERRUNNING CLUTCH!!! not a suggestion here, there only about 75 bucks and they could save your life. It separates the transmission from the pto, allowing you to stop. A 4' hog is much better for your tractor in the thick stuff. A loader will work, I would suggest using a good 3pt counterweight. The steering boxes aren't heavy duty, and the added weight of the loader won't help. There is a great web site called the 9n,8n,2n club. A fella named Dell has talked me through some good questions. A real simple tractor to work on, built for a farmer in his field with a crescent wrench and a screwdriver. good luck, enjoy!

 

[firemanpat2910]

the differnce between a 9n and a 8n is 1n aint it?

sorry long day at work, couldnt help my self.

 

[Diamondpilot]

FYI

9N = 1939 start production date
2N = 1942 start production date
8N = 1952 start production date

The deal with the left brake on the left is a huge deal breaker. !!!!

Think about this, you want to stop quickly, what do you do? Hit the brake with the right foot and the clutch with the left. What happens? Tractor spins hard to the right as only the right brake is activated!! If you are going too fast, flips-ville. You have to clutch, shift to N, then stomp with both feet at the same time. No such thing as a fast stop with the 2N

jb

Actually the 8N started production in 1947. The later years with side distributors are more desirable but not a deal breaker if it has a front distributor. The thing I would check also is the rear wheels. If the wheels have been filled with calcium and the wheels are rotten it is big bucks. A guy I work with had to get new rear tires and wheels on his 8N just last year and it was almost $1000. Ended up not being such a bargain tractor.

As for the FEL on a N series tractor forget about it. Yes, they will work but if you plan on using it much you need arms like Popeye with no power steering. Also not being 4 wheel drive they are really only good for light work.

Chris

 

[RobJ]

Search Craigs lists and Ebay for tractors. I bought mine off ebay, guy was in Cleveland.