Tractor Choice??
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Bob_Skurka
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N series the best???
Well I don't know if the Ford N series of tractors are the BEST tractors. Certainly they were the FIRST practical ASSEMBLY LINE BUILT tractors to plow the fields.
But first is not necessarily best. And they did sell scores of them, but that was at a time when there was no real competition and when they held exclusive rights to the Ferguson 3pt hitch patent. But then the patent suit opened up the competitive market and the world of tractors changed for the better in the mid-50's and a bunch of really good tractors were developed that offered features previously unknown. Let us not mix up nostalgia with accurate history.
Well I don't know if the Ford N series of tractors are the BEST tractors. Certainly they were the FIRST practical ASSEMBLY LINE BUILT tractors to plow the fields.
But first is not necessarily best. And they did sell scores of them, but that was at a time when there was no real competition and when they held exclusive rights to the Ferguson 3pt hitch patent. But then the patent suit opened up the competitive market and the world of tractors changed for the better in the mid-50's and a bunch of really good tractors were developed that offered features previously unknown. Let us not mix up nostalgia with accurate history.
OP
g42guy
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Re: N series the best???
Hey Bob, I wish I could get a good look at a super 55 in person. i think they look great and the specs make them out to be a neat little tractor. I'm curious, do the diesels have more power than the gas?
I was looking pretty hard at the Super 55 at:
http://www.olivertractors.ca/oliver_super_55.htm
But it is just a little too much and too premature right now. Sure sounds like a nice one though. web page
Hey Bob, I wish I could get a good look at a super 55 in person. i think they look great and the specs make them out to be a neat little tractor. I'm curious, do the diesels have more power than the gas?
I was looking pretty hard at the Super 55 at:
http://www.olivertractors.ca/oliver_super_55.htm
But it is just a little too much and too premature right now. Sure sounds like a nice one though. web page
Bob_Skurka
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Re: N series the best???
I believe the horsepower rating in the Nebraska tests had the HP of the diesel slightly below the HP of the gas version, but it has been a long time since I looked it up. I know the diesel had more torque. A lot more torque than anything I know of in that class of tractor. So what it might have lacked in HP compared to some of the modern units it made up for in other ways.
I've never driven a Ford 2/9/8N but I've been on some NAAs and I've had plenty of Ford owners drool over my Super 55, so from personal experience I can tell you that mine was better than the tractors that replaced the N series and the N owners who played with my Ollie seemed inclined to agree. One guy at my office has an 8N at his cabin and he has an Oliver magazine in his office, hoping someday to find one that his wife will let him have so he can get rid of the Ford.
All this talk about Olivers is making me miss my Super 55!!! I need to start looking again. This time maybe an 'orchard' or a little Ollie dozer!?! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
I believe the horsepower rating in the Nebraska tests had the HP of the diesel slightly below the HP of the gas version, but it has been a long time since I looked it up. I know the diesel had more torque. A lot more torque than anything I know of in that class of tractor. So what it might have lacked in HP compared to some of the modern units it made up for in other ways.
I've never driven a Ford 2/9/8N but I've been on some NAAs and I've had plenty of Ford owners drool over my Super 55, so from personal experience I can tell you that mine was better than the tractors that replaced the N series and the N owners who played with my Ollie seemed inclined to agree. One guy at my office has an 8N at his cabin and he has an Oliver magazine in his office, hoping someday to find one that his wife will let him have so he can get rid of the Ford.
All this talk about Olivers is making me miss my Super 55!!! I need to start looking again. This time maybe an 'orchard' or a little Ollie dozer!?! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Soundguy
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Re: N series the best???
Due to size, weight and HP.. I'm guessing the NAA ( or really.. 600 series ) is a better comparison for the Oliver 55/500.. most compare it to an N on steroids... acknowledging the fact that the N doesn't quite measure up.
( Though.. a N with a 100hp v8 funk conversion might make a bit of difference.... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ).
Having driven the oliver 55, I can say it is real close to my NAA.. that low end luging of the diesel is real hard to approximate with a similar sized gas engine though.. perhaps the governor response on the gas is a bit faster....it is still one of those apples to pears type comparisons.
Either way.. any tractor is better than no tractor!
Soundguy
Due to size, weight and HP.. I'm guessing the NAA ( or really.. 600 series ) is a better comparison for the Oliver 55/500.. most compare it to an N on steroids... acknowledging the fact that the N doesn't quite measure up.
( Though.. a N with a 100hp v8 funk conversion might make a bit of difference.... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ).
Having driven the oliver 55, I can say it is real close to my NAA.. that low end luging of the diesel is real hard to approximate with a similar sized gas engine though.. perhaps the governor response on the gas is a bit faster....it is still one of those apples to pears type comparisons.
Either way.. any tractor is better than no tractor!
Soundguy
Bob_Skurka
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Re: N series the best???
Oliver Super 55 was the same size tractor as an 2/9/8N/Jubilee/NAA tractor with roughly the same HP rating. They just had a lot more features.
And Oliver was not the only other tractor brand that raised the bar for all tractors in the mid-1950's when the Ford-Ferguson patent lawsuit was resolved and 3pts became the de-rigur standard for all tractors. Multi-range transmissions (forward & reverse), automatic draft control, live PTOs and diesel engines were all on OTHER brands before they were incorporated into the Ford pattern machines.
Ford & Ferguson both had near identical tractors in the 50's, many parts could be interchanged, they were FIRST with a modern utility pattern "compact" tractor, but they were not the best. Oh, and I think they were cheapest then, and they still are. Low prices got few features but got the tractors into the hands of a lot of farmers. And most of those farmers moved up to more sophisticated tractors with more features made by other manufacturers.
Oliver Super 55 was the same size tractor as an 2/9/8N/Jubilee/NAA tractor with roughly the same HP rating. They just had a lot more features.
And Oliver was not the only other tractor brand that raised the bar for all tractors in the mid-1950's when the Ford-Ferguson patent lawsuit was resolved and 3pts became the de-rigur standard for all tractors. Multi-range transmissions (forward & reverse), automatic draft control, live PTOs and diesel engines were all on OTHER brands before they were incorporated into the Ford pattern machines.
Ford & Ferguson both had near identical tractors in the 50's, many parts could be interchanged, they were FIRST with a modern utility pattern "compact" tractor, but they were not the best. Oh, and I think they were cheapest then, and they still are. Low prices got few features but got the tractors into the hands of a lot of farmers. And most of those farmers moved up to more sophisticated tractors with more features made by other manufacturers.
SteveM
Gold Member
Re: N series the best???
Here is my reasoning on the N being the 'best' collector/hobby tractor:
1) It is darn cute. More than any other tractor I wager.
2) Because of the high production volumes, there is a massive resource of parts, accessories and general knowledge to take advantage of.
3) Because of this massive interest in Ns, the price and resale is almost a commodity. It is hard to lose money on an N
4) It is the oldest and cheapest tractor that can utilize modern cheap 3pt hitch attachments, making it handy for the weekend farmer wannabe.
So, no - it is not the best technical/mechanical tractor. But for the average owner, it is hard to beat. I have had my 2n all of 2 weeks- but I had been dreaming of one for years. Everywhere I go, people either have an N, want one, or had one at some point in life. So easy to get advice on repairs....
Here is my reasoning on the N being the 'best' collector/hobby tractor:
1) It is darn cute. More than any other tractor I wager.
2) Because of the high production volumes, there is a massive resource of parts, accessories and general knowledge to take advantage of.
3) Because of this massive interest in Ns, the price and resale is almost a commodity. It is hard to lose money on an N
4) It is the oldest and cheapest tractor that can utilize modern cheap 3pt hitch attachments, making it handy for the weekend farmer wannabe.
So, no - it is not the best technical/mechanical tractor. But for the average owner, it is hard to beat. I have had my 2n all of 2 weeks- but I had been dreaming of one for years. Everywhere I go, people either have an N, want one, or had one at some point in life. So easy to get advice on repairs....
Bob_Skurka
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Re: N series the best???
Steve, based on what you said, I would agree that all your points are valid, and I am sure that all the Ford collectors would agree. I take nothing away from the Fords for what they are, and I would even add that they are historically the most important advancement in tractor technology since the Hart-Parr Model 3, which was the first practical mechanical tractor ever. I guess I am just a stickler for historical and mechanical fact.
The 50's had a lot of really nifty tractors, some were even great machines. Some of the AC tractors were way ahead of the times, but were held back by a decision not to adopt Ferguson's 3pt hitch. The N series is a nice tractor, and a good all around use tractor to this day, it is a fun collectable, and since NAPA stores sell parts, it is practical to use daily. But from both the technical and the historical standpoint, the statement previously made by another poster saying that it is the BEST tractor (even with the caveat of 10 acres or less) is simply not accurate. And I am not trying to dump on the Ford N folks, I am just trying to point out that other brands did exist, had more features or power or torque or all the above, in the same size package as the N series machines.
Steve, based on what you said, I would agree that all your points are valid, and I am sure that all the Ford collectors would agree. I take nothing away from the Fords for what they are, and I would even add that they are historically the most important advancement in tractor technology since the Hart-Parr Model 3, which was the first practical mechanical tractor ever. I guess I am just a stickler for historical and mechanical fact.
The 50's had a lot of really nifty tractors, some were even great machines. Some of the AC tractors were way ahead of the times, but were held back by a decision not to adopt Ferguson's 3pt hitch. The N series is a nice tractor, and a good all around use tractor to this day, it is a fun collectable, and since NAPA stores sell parts, it is practical to use daily. But from both the technical and the historical standpoint, the statement previously made by another poster saying that it is the BEST tractor (even with the caveat of 10 acres or less) is simply not accurate. And I am not trying to dump on the Ford N folks, I am just trying to point out that other brands did exist, had more features or power or torque or all the above, in the same size package as the N series machines.
OP
g42guy
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Re: N series the best???
<font color="blue"></font><font color="blue" class="small">( other brands did exist, had more features or power or torque or all the above, in the same size package as the N series machines )</font> </font>
Hey Bob, I am interested in ALL the old small tractors. It was your post that introduced me to Olivers. Would you care to name some of the others!
As I said in an earlier post. I need a larger tractor to compliment my BX2200. I am also building a barn next spring and will have more space to store the tractor. BUT would love to have one or two more (in the future, as money allows) tractors. I know I will someday have another N, my Grandpa had one that I used to play on as a kid, good memmories. And after all I have heard and read would love to have a Super 55. I like the look of some of the Farmalls but many do not have the 3pt. I guess if I am going to have a little collection, I would prefer to be able to have each tractor be ABLE to work it's share if called upon. I would also go for wide front.
You seem to have a lot of knowledge of the untility tractors. I hope you would not mind sharing some with a eager 40 something kid! If you would prefer to email me ideas please feel free.
Guy
<font color="blue"></font><font color="blue" class="small">( other brands did exist, had more features or power or torque or all the above, in the same size package as the N series machines )</font> </font>
Hey Bob, I am interested in ALL the old small tractors. It was your post that introduced me to Olivers. Would you care to name some of the others!
As I said in an earlier post. I need a larger tractor to compliment my BX2200. I am also building a barn next spring and will have more space to store the tractor. BUT would love to have one or two more (in the future, as money allows) tractors. I know I will someday have another N, my Grandpa had one that I used to play on as a kid, good memmories. And after all I have heard and read would love to have a Super 55. I like the look of some of the Farmalls but many do not have the 3pt. I guess if I am going to have a little collection, I would prefer to be able to have each tractor be ABLE to work it's share if called upon. I would also go for wide front.
You seem to have a lot of knowledge of the untility tractors. I hope you would not mind sharing some with a eager 40 something kid! If you would prefer to email me ideas please feel free.
Guy
