NEW 8N! Just got my first tractor! PICS! Questions!!! HOORAY!

The serial number is listed as 8N2I9609 (219609)
on the left side of the block. Check out the pic
- I believe according to the serial number guides, it is a late 1949 - Is this correct? However it has the original proofmeter - check it out here - and it has the original scripted FORD fenders - It is a front mount distributor converted to 12V system. Original bumber, lights, air cyclone filter system, and proofmeter. Am I missing something or did those items not appear until 1950 and later?

I think I got a very good deal on the tractor -
I bought it from an old dairy farm fellow for $2400 - Dealers wanted $3000-4000 for tractors in this shape with no original components. The oil pressure, PTO, lift, brakes - everything seems ok and I have had them all checked out by a great local mechanic. (who just happens to live next door!) - It has good rubber and has been garage kept by ONE SINGLE owner since NEW - He just passed away a few weeks ago after having the engine completely overhauled. (receipts included)
It does has an ORC and I have been reading extensively on the safety concenrs on this forum.
I am going to pick up a center link (backbone) bar for my 5' bushhog and get to business!

If any of you can answer my questions, I would be quite grateful! it is a pleasure to join such a wonderful family of tractors and people!

One last question, why does the air filter assembly sit in oil like that? I checked the level and conidtion of the oil perfect - it just seems odd! Thanks!

Andy - Hammond, LA

You got a great deal. You now belong to one of the best brotherhoods in the country.

Thanks so much. BTW, I picked up the FOP-4 manual and have been learning lots!

-Andy

So guess that most N's had less than a thousand hours put on them per year. Even back in their prime years. By the late fifties they were too small to be the "primary" tractor for most farmers, or at least there was often a second if not third tractor available. Thus in the years after that their usage could drop to only a hundred hours per year or so.

So I suspect your 8N has turned over at least once, but could have made it over several times. Just no way to know for sure.

Anyone else care to speculate?!?!?

Remember, "your mileage may vary" :-)

Larry 8N75381

But Andy, isn't it supposed to be all grey? LOL! (see my reply to Tyler Neff a few posts down). -9N'er

nice job...good score.

Too bad the lower bar is missing off the original bumber - could be replaced though. Protect those original rear "hat" rims. They can't be bought new and you are lucky to find them used. I suggest pulling the tires off and checking the condition inside. Might want to get new "ring" rims to use for work and save the "hat" rims for show, I am with the pair I have. Hope your 12V conversion was done right. I bought a second 8N where it was not. Didn't find out until the battery was dead! :-(

I'd bet your engine has been changed. Go to the page linked below and check all the casting dates you can find. That should verify my suspicion if all the casting dates are 1950. It seems very unlikely that the dash and fenders would have been changed.

I am jealous of your cyclone jar. Mine had one but got broken years ago when the tractor was my Uncles. The bail/clamp holding the jar looks strange. Would like to see it up close.

Regards,
Larry

• Casting date loactions.

Something has been changed, either the sheet metal or the engine and I would bet on the engine. If it's a one-owner, hopefully someone knows the history. The proofmeter came out in mid 1950 (someone on the forum can tell you the exact serial number). My 1950 is 256591 and does not have the proofmeter. The script fenders were also post-1949. Regardless, if it runs well and looks good it makes little differnce.

You're missing the bottom bar on the bumper, as I was. I had a local welder make one up for me, looks good and wasn't expensive.

Have fun.
Don

I'm no expert, but here's what I've learned from the good folks here.

Since so many Ns were rebuilt and since so many parts are common to the 9N/2N and the 8n it is often not possible to say "My tractor is a 194X"
You can date the block by the serial or the date code on the starter mount.
You can date the axle trumpet, theres even a date code near the trans/hydraulic drain plug.
If your dates dont agree, its probably because major parts have been replaced.

This takes nothing away from a working tractor. It might affect the value to a collector, but I'd bet you'll keep your N a long time so it really doesn't matter. If you must put a date on it, I'd use the date from the block. Use Your Browser's [Back] Button To Make Change

Thanks!

Andy

Again, welcome aboard!
Tom