To upgrade or not

[19528nford]

I have a 1952 8n I bought from a 95 year old man about 15 years ago. The man told me when I got it he had gotten tired of "little things" breaking so he recently took it to a tractor shop and had it completly "gone through" he told me the reason he was selling was "son I just cant get on and off of it anymore". I have about 4 acres of land that I currently bush hog. I was using my Pepa's old 5ft bush hog it broke, and I went off and bought a 6 foot hog, I just figured bigger was better. I also maintain the driveway with it using a 5 foot heavy duty box blade with rippers. Tractor is the orginal 6 volt system that can be kinda irritating at times, but my Pepa had a 528n and I wanted one. I wanted to get peoples thoughts on what I should do. Should I try to upgrade to a newer stronger tractor or run the old 8n with the 6 volt system. I would really appreciate everyones thoughts. Thanks in advance.

 

[scootr]

Upgrade. You got your use out of this one and you put in your time with the old machine. If you are in a financial position to upgrade then I recommend it. Get 12 volt starting, 12v lights, better comfort and more power to make your work easier. You deserve it

 

[mikester]

I would really appreciate everyones thoughts. Thanks in advance.

I think you should sell everything at auction and then go to the casino and put it all on black on the roulette table.

You should also use newspaper as toilet paper.

I have more thoughts, let me know if you want more.

 

[5030]

You should also use newspaper as toilet paper.

Leaves work better and are 100% recyclable.

 

[Cycledude]

One of the best things I ever did to my 8N was convert it to 12 volt.
Its a great little tractor but a few years ago I added a brandnew LS XR4155 to the lineup and very glad to have it, it makes many jobs so much easier.

 

[nybirdman]

Havning grown up with 8N and 9N's,upgrade for sure.The newer 25HP 4WD ,loader ,power steering ect.World of difference and much safer.
You shoud be able to sell the old machine fairly easy,around $2500 if in decent condition.

 

[Fixastuff]

Leaves work better and are 100% recyclable.

But they do get a little fragile in the winter time. Give pine needles a try lol.

 

[big bubba]

maybe define your current needs in more detail, & project future projects. choose a tractor for those needs, then go with the next size up. weight is as important as hp. 4wd & fel goes w/o saying.
so it's not just "replacing the 8n". keep it, foresee your needs while still using the vintage tractor, then make the decision.
just avoid the new tractor purchase fever...then decide. let us know the outcome
a mid size compact such as a K MX series (or mid 40hp L series) would be a good start. had one myself back when, a great bare bones no nonsense tractor.

 

[mike0000]

My first tractor was a Massey Ferguson 135 Diesel, inherited from my dad. It was a good tractor but two wheel drive and no front end loader. I upgraded to a Branson with four wheel drive and a front end loader close to 20 years ago. That tractor opened up a new world of capabilities, I swore to never own a two wheel drive or be without a front end loader. I recently bought a new Kubota w/HST, four wheel drive front end loader and a grapple. The grapple opened another door of capabilities, I didn’t know I “needed”. I guess my point is I evolved along with my tractor needs/wants.
I don’t think you will be sorry if you “upgrade/evolve” too.

Mike

 

[Tinhack]

Get an upgrade but keep the 8n. They aren't worth much but can and do work. You could always use it to pull a wagon or something. No matter how good they may look and run, top book is about $2k. It's more of a hassle to sell and you'll be constantly "low-balled". I've seen complete tractors go for $500 in running condition. Get a new/better tractor and just run the wheels off the 8n. It's always nice to have a backup when one or the other breaks.