To upgrade or not

[nknelsen]

A good replacement for the 8n is a Mahindra 1626 or Kioti CK 2610. I prefer the Mahindra due to it being made in Japan.

I'm pretty sure Mahindra makes their machines in India. Or maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Chris In Gallupville]

my version of your story started w/ a 1939 9N which I used to tedd and rake hay, pull a 6 foot bush hog, drag a 7 foot back and move a wood trailer. Maintained it well and we had a life. when I inherited a ‘52 Ferguson w/ a loader, I hit the point where I could trade them both on a new NH TC33D. 4 wheel drive, better loader, live PTO, handled a snow blower and, with due respect to the old ‘uns, the new one really improved my life.

Trade up.

 

[EdGooding]

I have a similar story - bought my '52 8N from the original owner in '95. I needed a utility tractor that I could also plow/disc/cultivate with. I remembered my grandfather selling his two draft horses (but he kept his mule) for a Ford "red belly" and that kind of drove my purchase. The owner had used this 8N to replace his mules to farm 77 acres of corn/soybean/hay until his knees and hips prevented him from getting on it. He started to get emotional when I loaded it on my trailer. He gave me the original invoice, customer survey, and owner's manual that came with it. It served me well for a number of years until I got my '73 3000 which was much more tractor. My main tractor now is a modern Massey Ferguson with FWD, loader, cab, remotes, etc. It's the first one that I'm going to use for about anything these days. I keep the 8N for sentimental reasons and use it as a backup, or when I don't feel like taking the bush hog off of the Massey and I need something to do some liftin' and totin' or take one of the grandkids for a ride.
The big weaknesses of the 8N are no live hydraulics or live/independent PTO. Once you use a tractor with those features, it's tough to justify buying an 8N. If you keep it 6-volt, it's getting harder and more expensive to get a replacement battery. If you want to stay with a vintage "red belly" you can find an 800 series tractor for not much more, but it will still be a two-wheel-drive tractor. The 8N is also NOT a good loader tractor, although probably thousands of people hung one on theirs. The tractor is light, has no power steering and loader work will wear out the wimpy front axle faster.

 

[Doz]

Definitely get rid of the old and buy something newer with a loader four-wheel-drive at least 40 or you won’t be sorry! If you can cab with air and heat.

 

[oneal hicks]

Bite the Bullet buy your self a later model Tractor and equipment that will suit your needs. It will make life a lot simpler, easier and enjoyable. The 8N is collectable Tractor in some areas, therefore if you no longer want to keep The Ford put on the collectors market.

 

[hornett22]

I'm pretty sure Mahindra makes their machines in India. Or maybe I'm wrong.

Some are made in India, some are made in Japan, some are made in South Korea.

 

[tjandrews]

No HP, and no real change in how it runs. Nothing noticible to you as a tractor owner. There are advantages, but they are tiny. A coil is easier to diagnose if it goes wrong.

I'd stick with just changing the ignition coil to 12 volt for now.
You can always go to electronic ignition later.

Steiner Tractor sells a 12 volt upgrade kit for less than $200 dollars. It is basically a 12 volt alternator, 12 volt ignition coil, and some mounting hardware - but no 12 volt battery. Once you figured it out, you could assemble those parts yourself for about half that price. Not worth the hassle the first time.

The one thing that you can do to make your spark stronger doesn't care if the rest of the system is 6 or 12 volts - so you can do it now. That is to replace the points, condensor, distributor cap....and particularly the spark plugs, plug wires, and caps with new ones. Be sure to use the old-fashioned copper wire type spark plug wires.

rScotty

If just changing the ignition coil, be sure to get one that includes a ballast resistor, or that you add one into the circuit. Otherwise, you'll burn your points in short order.
Don't ask me how I know this, just accept it as fact.

 

[Chanceywd]

I have a similar story - bought my '52 8N from the original owner in '95. I needed a utility tractor that I could also plow/disc/cultivate with. I remembered my grandfather selling his two draft horses (but he kept his mule) for a Ford "red belly" and that kind of drove my purchase. The owner had used this 8N to replace his mules to farm 77 acres of corn/soybean/hay until his knees and hips prevented him from getting on it. He started to get emotional when I loaded it on my trailer. He gave me the original invoice, customer survey, and owner's manual that came with it. It served me well for a number of years until I got my '73 3000 which was much more tractor. My main tractor now is a modern Massey Ferguson with FWD, loader, cab, remotes, etc. It's the first one that I'm going to use for about anything these days. I keep the 8N for sentimental reasons and use it as a backup, or when I don't feel like taking the bush hog off of the Massey and I need something to do some liftin' and totin' or take one of the grandkids for a ride.
The big weaknesses of the 8N are no live hydraulics or live/independent PTO. Once you use a tractor with those features, it's tough to justify buying an 8N. If you keep it 6-volt, it's getting harder and more expensive to get a replacement battery. If you want to stay with a vintage "red belly" you can find an 800 series tractor for not much more, but it will still be a two-wheel-drive tractor. The 8N is also NOT a good loader tractor, although probably thousands of people hung one on theirs. The tractor is light, has no power steering and loader work will wear out the wimpy front axle faster.

Thanks for posting those original documents.
I have an 1950 8N with a sherman over, under and direct. I have had it for about 25 years and still use it to plow snow and doing my firewood. It isn't a parade tractor, I have added a front pump and have good hydraulics and made an electric power steering from a saturn vue work. I also converted to 12 volt and added the electronic ignition. I love it but I needed the Kubota L2501 DT with a fel and bh77. I have the best of both old and new tractors. I paid $4000 for the 8N with a back blade and finish mower in 95. interesting to compare to your original price.

Bill

 

[Chanceywd]

Some are made in India, some are made in Japan, some are made in South Korea.

I think my son's 1626 has a mitsubishi engine and is made in japan.

 

[tjandrews]

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.

I'm going to say that none of us can make this decision for you, because as with most decisions, it depends.

We have three tractors, four if you include the old Simplicity garden tractor. The oldest is my grandfather's 1952 Case SC, which has been converted to 12 volts, and has had three engine rebuilds over the last 60 years. Next-oldest is our late 60's IH 424 gas tractor, and the newest is a 2000 John Deere 4600, with 4WD, a loader, and a cab.

Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and each has jobs where it is better than the others. It would be next to impossible for me to choose just one to keep because of that.

 

[Gord W]

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 have the room I would keep the old tractor and buy a newer or new 4x4 loader tractor. You’ve had the 8n for 15 years and know the tractor pretty well and know how to maintain it so why stress about selling it, just keep it if you can afford to.
I have 3 old MF tractors and am debating the exact same thing. I really like the old tractors and their history but would also like to have a new or newer 4x4 tractor. The old tractors are great but I sometimes think it would be nice to not have to wonder if the old tractor will start when you really need it. There does always seem to be something needs fixed or attended to on an old tractor so yes, get a newer 4x4. But keep the old girl and use her once in a while. I plan on keeping 1 and also getting a 4x4 with loader.
I think in my case though, I won’t be able to part with the old tractors they’ve become family. I talk tough but when it comes time to part with them I’ll probably end up keeping 2 of the old tractors and just dedicate each to a specific job to keep them exercised and me happy. Lol. All the best with your dilemma.

 

[Lee plows]

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.

I have a 48 8n 6 volt as a toy, tried to plow with it this winter didn't work that well at night. Did a 12volt conversion lights flashers and a work light works good now.

 

[rocco611]

I bought a Ferguson TO-20 (similar to an 8n) for $1500 in 1996 I paid too much for it then. I converted it to 12v, rebuilt the steering box and spindles. replaced the oil pump and distributor, replaced the gauges. I borrowed a 6ft bushhog from the neighbor when I needed to mow, I kept the mower in good shape so the neighbor didnt mind that I used it a few times a year. the 6ft mower was a bit much for the To-20 but I got by. In 2004 I bought a Kubota b7800 with a loader and sold the T0-20 for $2500 . The Kubota dealer only offered me $1000 for it as a trade in. I really didnt need to sell the T0-20 and looking back I wish I had kept it. The T0-20 was much heavier than my B7800 and was handy for pulling out stuck vehicles. My suggestion is upgrade if you can afford it and keep the 8n .

 

[JBacon52]

As others have already mentioned, and I agree with 'em. I'd keep the old iron, for the smaller fun type work, and purchase another that is a 4x4 with an FEL, rear power beyond, maybe with tilt and top hydraulics [which really is worth it!] for more a reliable and capable work/production!!

 

[EABill]

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.

Your smart on keeping the 8n. Me too. Does not quit.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

Something about those old tractors you'll never get with an orange or green machine. That said, the dependability of the new ones goes a long way to happiness.
If you can afford to keep it and buy a newer machine, that's the way to go, as long as you can care for two machines. A cheaper fix to the voltage problem is an 8 volt battery. The generator should charge it OK, at it goes a long way to an easier start. It never caused a bulb problem with my Cub, either.

 

[Merck]

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 don't want to spend a lot of money Deka makes or they used to make what is called an automatic battery. It has a solenoid built into the top. It cranks on 12 volt and converts back to 6 volt for your lights and stuff. I worked at a dairy and they had a lot of old trucks that were 6 volt. We installed these all the time.

 

[canbydan]

Do both, keep the 8N for fun, paint & polish then run in local parades and odd jobs around your place. First time in my life, I bought shiny new Kubota B2601. Did not really need to but my reason little different then others. My regular tractor was a 24hp diesel Wheel Ox (a very obscure chinese tractor). It ran fine, had all the bells & whistles of modern sub compact tractors, Loader, 4x4, ect. Biggest reason was my safety, Wheel Ox not very ergonomic. Was difficult for me to climb on safely due to my size 17 boots. Had to do a weird and dangerous foot twist and tall transmission to throw leg over to safely get into seat. Having already had ACL knee surgery years ago, I probably over think how I step, climb, mount equipment. Price for new Kubota probably not much more then what I'd have to pay for my next knee, hip, shoulder ect.

 

[tjandrews]

Something about those old tractors you'll never get with an orange or green machine.

Hey, my 70-year-old Case SC, the one that belonged to my grandfather, the one I learned on, is orange. Well, the parts that still have some original paint are orange, anyway...

 

[ddbackhoe]

The big weaknesses of the 8N are no live hydraulics or live/independent PTO.

Yes, an over running clutch is not a big help either. I brain farted one day (downslope) and pushed in the clutch to switch gears and the momentum from the mower took me on a wild ride. Last time I put any pto stuff on that tractor.