Is there a diesel comparable to the 8n?

[6011Artist]

My very first project on my TO-35 was to pull the pump and make new roller wheels in the top plate for my hydraulics. Wheels were 3 dollars each but were no longer available, had to buy a complete top plate for 475.00. I made the wheels, it works like a brand new one.

If the pumps are worn, I have an older guy that says he had a machinist cut an O ring groove on each piston, installed O rings, had 3 pumps in the field that he has done that to and no problems, 1 in service for 5 yrs. A new pump is 500.00.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

If an 8n is having trouble with lift stability and cavitating, you might want to try the original oil used in the transmission and hydraulics: 90 wt.

 

[Bob_Young]

A late '60s 3 cylinder Ford 2000 would fill the bill. You'd probably be over $5K for a clean diesel, however. A decent gas version of this same tractor could be had for around $4K. I sold a clean one with new rear rubber for $4200 a couple of years ago.

The Ford 2000 gasser isn't a bad tractor. It pulls well if the tires are filled and is very easy on gas. Only glaring fault is when the needle valve seat in the OEM carburetor needs to be replaced, you have to buy a new carburetor. New carburetors are available on the web, however, at prices much better than what you used to pay at a dealer. At around 35HP, the 2000 will definitely out pull an 8N.
Bob

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. the holley carbs are fuel misers.. untill they get dirty or soemthing and then you go to a zenith to get back to work. they are fuel hungry.. but less hassle..

soundguy

 

[wolc123]

One frequent problem with 8n's is that they have usually accumulated quite a few operating hours and almost always have suffered from a lack of maintenence at some time due to the extensive time elapsed since they were last made. Quite often, someone has slapped on some paint or a new part or two, but you seldom know what you are getting over the whole machine. If you are lucky enough to find one that has not suffered that fate, as I was about 25 years ago in finding a cherry with just over 1000 hours that always had excellent maintenence, you will really have something. I replaced the valves (factory originals cant take unleaded gas while under load) and points/plugs when I first got that one and, 2000 hours later, it has not needed anything but oil & filter changes. I have done a lot of work with that tractor and I doubt there is a modern, compact deisel that would have required less maintenence. To this day, there is no modern tractor that I would rather use for some tasks, including 2-row corn planter, hauling firewood with carryall, and a few other light jobs. The 8n's light weight/ease of 3-point attach, easy on and off the seat, durability, and parts availability are areas where few other tractors manufactured prior or after can not touch it. Live PTO/hydraulics, power steering, 4wd are great for many uses, but there are still a few jobs that the 8n does very well. Until we again see the kind of breakthrough engineering talent of a Henry Ford or Harry Ferguson, it is unlikely that we will see another tractor comparable to the Ford N. These days, it is all about incremental improvements, and no tractor really stands out and dominates like the N's did in thier day. It is also unlikeley that many of them will still be around and pulling strong in 60 or more years as most of the N's that were produced back then still are.

 

[redneckford]

try finding a long or leeland 154 they are the same size as a 8n but are diesel tractors

 

[Soundguy]

ALL ford N's left the factory with hardened valve seats. the 'lead' ( tetra ethyl lead )issue in gas was an octane modifier to prevent spark knock/ping in 60-70 octane fuel.

soundguy

 

[wolc123]

I know you mentioned that before SG but it conflicts with what I was told by the head mechanic at our local Ford tractor dealer where my N was purchased new in 1951. I have got to give him the benefit of the doubt since he has more than 50 years experience wrenching on old, hard-working Fords. Have you ever worked an N hard on unleaded gas that you know to have original valves? I have, and have burned up many a factory valve. It seems, based on your posts, that most of your older tractors are basically light-duty, parade-type service. I have no doubt that original, factory "hardened" valves would last a long time on unleaded gas for that duty. They may have been "hardened" but they do not last like the modern replacements do for near full-hp loads. Put her on 2 bottom plow, a 6.5 ft disc, or a pond scoop for a few 12 hour days, as I have, and you may be singing a different tune. I apologize in advance as I am surely to strike a nerve with this rebuttal to your "correction". I have great respect for most of what you post, I just believe you are in error on this subject based on my own personal experience and what I have been told by local experts. There is a big difference between a hard-working tractor and a show tractor and it seems that most of your expertise is with the latter.

 

[Soundguy]

I have but one 'parade' tractor.. and it's not a ford.

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

Here's some 'backup data'

52-6057-B, insert, exhaust valve seat; was installed in ALL N-engines 1939-1952. And p/n 40-6057-B, insert intake valve seat; was installed in ALL N-engines 1939-1952 (except 2N's s/n 86271-168259 WW2 production; last 2N s/n 357XXX)
that means all N's had hard exhaust valve seats, and all N's except a short wartime production had hard intake seats.

you can look in the I&T fo-4 manual and the master parts catalog to verify this.

soundguy