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.

 

[Paystar]

I'd restore the old Ford and convert it to 12 volt and electronic ignition. All can be done very cheap and there are a lot of parts suppliers for those old Fords.
it will probably still outlive anything new.

 

[big bubba]

had a TO35 for 28 yrs. & yes, my own needs have evolved as yours. it did take a few "upgrades" for me to finally arrive at a suitable model. hopefully the OP won't have to go through as an expensive a journey as it was for me.
one thing for sure: a test ride on the dealership's lot is no where near an approximation of one's own field use. that's why i recommend going up one size larger

 

[Avenger]

That old iron will still out live us all if properly maintained. However, there are better and stronger machines out there. You won't get much if you try to sell that old 8n, and you'll likely pay too much for a good new/used tractor, but having horse power, weight, 12 volts, and other creature comforts like power steering, are worth it! That said, I'd keep that old 8n. Use it for 'puttering around,' getting the mail, pulling a wagon with the kids in it, drive it in your local parade... but for doing actual work, get something a bit better. Just my .02

 

[scootr]

Before I replaced the Terex I was shopping for a second smaller tractor to leave the mower on?
Now I have a tractor that can easily do it all......easier

 

[big bubba]

agree, feel MX series is a good compromise compact utility tractor more capable overall than B, L, & smaller series.
the Grand L is for a pocketbook other than mine for what you get
M series in a league by itself...

 

[rScotty]

We span the years beginning with an old John Deere two cylinder - similar to your 8N - and now have modern 4wd power everything tractors with loaders. But we kept the old JD and it still gets used. Last time was last year pulling a landscape rake in the fall. Otherwise it sleeps.

So keep the 8N. They are an investment, and can make life nicer. Always something to do with old ones.

But those old tractors just aren't as instantly handy or versatile as the new ones. I'd upgrade by adding something new and basic. It's the golden age of compact tractors right now, so get something good. Basic, but 4wd with power steering and a loader to do work with. Maybe even shuttleshift or Hydrostat.
You'll enjoy the work it does that much more.
rScotty

 

[loggin]

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.

If you can upgrade then I would if it were me, but only to a point. I would look at tractors that have engines before tier 4. Or tractors under 24 horsepower that do not have all the electronics associated with them. They will be much easier and less expensive to maintain. I have not read every post here so if it has been already mentioned. then I apologize.

Just my 2 cents

 

[mikester]

Leaves work better and are 100% recyclable.

I like to leave an impression! ;-)

 

[DaBear3428]

if the tractor is doing the job now i would hang onto it for a few months just to see what the economy does. if it is not doing the job get a modern 4x4 with a FEL, do not try to update the 8n, i'm in the same boat with my hand me down ford 2000, no PS, no 4X4, no FEL but it is a rock that you put diesel in and it runs. upgrading the 8n would be an expensive process and would likely reduce the reliability IMO.

 

[rScotty]

if the tractor is doing the job now i would hang onto it for a few months just to see what the economy does. if it is not doing the job get a modern 4x4 with a FEL, do not try to update the 8n, i'm in the same boat with my hand me down ford 2000, no PS, no 4X4, no FEL but it is a rock that you put diesel in and it runs. upgrading the 8n would be an expensive process and would likely reduce the reliability IMO.

I agree. Most all of those old ones are made for simple, quiet, and economical pulling or maybe a bit of transmission-driven PTO work. They don't upgrade to a FEL loader well at all, because they don't have the sturdy front axle, PS, and the full length frame a FEL needs. That doen't mean they aren't a wonderful tractor. A FEL isn't the only way to load things, there are nice 3pt rear loaders that will carry a ton and dump it where you want. For a tiny fraction the price of a FEL.

12 volt electrics are an easy and inexpensive conversion that makes sense. Especially with today's bolt-in combination alternator & voltage regulator units.