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Ford 9N, 2N & 8N Discussion Forum

Opinions on Ns

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Joe in MI

04-15-2007 18:41:19

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Hello everybody. I finally got the green light from my wife to start looking for a tractor. (Wahoo!) I'm leaning toward the Ns, and I'm looking for some opinions. I have 20 acres - half wooded and half pretty rough field. I'm looking for something I can plow, disc, mow, and blade with. I wouldn't be working it too hard, just the usual property upkeep tasks. My budget right now is right around $2000.

Most of my tractor experience is on my dad's Ford 1600, which has live hyd and PTO. Am I gonna really miss the live hyd and PTO?

I know I could save a little more cash and get a later model Ford 801, etc, but the Ns seem so simple, and I LIKE simple. It also seems like there are more parts available for the Ns.

Sorry this is kinda long - I figured the question would be easier to answer with some background info.

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lonestarjeff

04-16-2007 18:59:27

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

Joe...like alot of these guys on the forum I have an N & at least one later model heavier tractor w/ live pto & hyds.

The bigger tractor is necessary for certain tasks the N is too light to handle, but none of those tasks are on your list. The bigger tractor will do everything the N will, only easier.

Having said all that, take a guess which one I look forward to using? The little N is just a marvel of engineering & reliability, especially when you know the designs came from the 1930's.

Jeff

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Joe in MI

04-16-2007 14:08:26

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

Thanks for all your responses. I knew this would be a good place to get some honest opinions. I think I'll ride this out for a while. If I stumble across a good deal on an N, I'll probably snag it. (I've passed up three different running Ns around $1500 in the past few years - I wasn't really looking then, of course) In the meantime, I'll let my budget increase a little and see what else it out there. Thanks again for all your help!

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Ultradog MN

04-16-2007 07:47:02

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

The Ns are very reliable tractors. Parts are readily available for them and are not expensive.
They have their limitations to be sure, but you should be able to buy a good running N within your budget. If you keep your wits about you and don't spend a pile of dough "restoring" it you will always be able to get your money back should you decide you need a newer tractor.
I think Live PTO is rather over rated. Unless you are running a baler or maybe using a rototiller, transmission (non Live) PTO is just fine.
Given the choice between LPTO and several other options like live hyds, power steering, or differential lock I would pick any of those options over live pto. I think the ONE shortcoming on an N is lack of live hyds. All that shifting in and out of neutral to raise an implement grows wearisome. But keep in mind that folks have been doing it for 50 years...
But before I spent a bunch of dough upgrading an N to have live Hyds. I would sell it and buy newer.
If I was going to skip the Ns altogether I would also skip the NAA/Jubilee. I would go directly to the 600 or 601 series. Plenty of power, live hyds, not as much gas usage as a 800/801 and the option of remote hyds that you can afford.
An 8N would be my choice over the 9/2Ns. Factory made position control is just so handy and the option of using BOTH brakes at the same time can come in handy - especially when you are trying to stop

For mowing though I liked the 3 spd gearing on the 9/2N BETTER than the 4 sp on the 8N but would pick the 8N over all.
Now I'm getting long winded...
good luck

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dan hill

04-17-2007 06:26:35

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Ultradog MN, 04-16-2007 07:47:02

The 600 does away with the loose hubs that plague the 8n.The 600 has enough horsepower to bale hay.It has a better starter than the 9n 2n 8n.Full time hydraulics are a plus.I like being able to lift my Pto driven saw without having the blade turning.I have used the 9n 2n 8n tractors over the years and like the 600 much better.A massey 35 would be even better with hi low range and its differential lock.Live pto would be nice but a failure in the 600.00 clutch turns me off.We have to consider fuel costs with 3 dollar gasoline.The best way to choose a tractor is to do some work with it.I used a friends Farmall A to rake some hay last year.I could not adjust the height of the rake teeth on the go.The steering was very sloppy and just getting on the A was a lot harder than it was 40 years ago when I used on on a daily basis.

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TheOldHokie

04-16-2007 08:05:16

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Ultradog MN, 04-16-2007 07:47:02

I concur on all points execpt "I think the ONE shortcoming on an N is lack of live hyds". I'd make it two with the addition of the limited tranny and diffy gearing (3/4/1). If nothing else reverse is WAY too fast on all models and the forward speeds are not exactly creeper gears.

TOH

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Ultradog MN

04-16-2007 09:45:29

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to TheOldHokie, 04-16-2007 08:05:16

You are right about the tranny.
I have a lot more seat time on a 2N than an 8N which I only owned for a short time before I went Ford Blue.
I'd forgotten about the hair raising reverse speed on the 8N. Reverse on the 2N wasn't so fast.

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A. Bohemian

04-16-2007 07:13:33

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USD .02 in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

Your biggest problem is your budget. I"ve never bought or sold a tractor outside of Central Texas, but you"re not going to find anything with a live hydraulics and a PTO that is a good, reliable tractor for two grand.

In fact, the only tractors you"re going to turn up with any kind of three-point hitch in that price range are conversions. You used to be able to find some late-model two cylinder Deers with three-point hydraulics in the three grand range, but collectors have driven the prices up in the last five years or so.

Really, in your price range, if you want three-point hydraulics, a 9N/2N/8N is your only choice. Good, relatively recent tractors with all the safety features start at about four grand here, and anything less than fifteen years old is going to be more.

Maybe prices are lower in other parts of the country where the push to urbanization isn"t really underway yet. But not here.

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TheOldHokie

04-16-2007 05:29:28

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

If you're looking for your one and only WORKING tractor sooner (likely) or later (less likely) you'll want "real" hydraulics (live and external) and the N's are severly lacking. Not to mention their abysmal gearing and brakes. I love my old N for it's sentimental value but there's WAY better choices in the low budget end when it comes to function. I'd suggest you up your budget 50% or so if you can and look at something a bit more modern - it will save you money and effort in the long run. There's all kinds of workarounds for the limitations of the N's but they don't come cheap. And there's no shortage of N's out there. When, not if, you reach the point of wanting (needing) a second tractor you can reconsider the suitability of a "collectible".

TOH

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DON TX

04-15-2007 20:57:44

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

Look to the top left of the page. Classified and photo ads have a lot of old Fords for sale cheap in Mi. HTH
DON TX

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old

04-15-2007 20:48:13

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

Well the N series tractors are ok but, they can be a real pain at times to do much with. Not haveing live hyds is one and also not having live PTO is another one. For what you have an 8N etc would work but you would be better off to get a Jubilee or even better an 861, or 860 there bigger and have both live PTO and hyds and will not cost all that much more then an N

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BillM (OH)

04-15-2007 20:02:16

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

Joe: I have 2 8N's and an 861. The N's are fine for working my small (8 acres) place in Ohio, but the 861 is much better, especially for working on the farm in NY (165 acres & lots more work to do). That said, every time I go to buy parts for the 861 at FNH dealer, I have to bring big bucks. I get all my parts for the 8n"s off the net, they are much more available and generally much lower $$$. Live PTO, power steering and twice the HP are all nice, but when I have to spend upwards of a hundred bucks for a gasoline shutoff valve and screen for the 861, and they want almost a hundred bucks for a simple power steering line ($11 at NAPA including the tubing bender) I wonder if they're worth it. Good luck.

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Jerry Marks

04-16-2007 06:14:12

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to BillM (OH), 04-15-2007 20:02:16

Parts for your 861 are available from a variety of sources other than the NH dealer and for much less money. Used parts are also readily available from your local boneyard for most of the older Ford tractors. I work on a variety of fifty plus year old tractors, and, by far, the Fords are the least expensive and easiest to keep in the field. If this gentleman can find an 861 close to his price range, he would be wise to make that purchase. True, he will experience problems with it at some point; it is a machine and machines wear out and break down. But, compared to a $3,000 bill for a hydraulic problem that my friend had with his green and yellow tractor, the old 861 generally won't bankrupt him or lead him into divorce court.

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Jerry Marks

04-15-2007 19:25:54

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

I've purchased a 2N, a couple of 8N's, an NAA, and an 861, all for under $2,000. You have to be willing to look at a lot of tractors and believe that you can purchase one for much less than the owner is asking for it. Remember, the tractor is for sale for a reason, be it the tractor is a lemon, a piece of junk, a family treasure, an old friend, or the seller is going through a divorce, has lost his job, or has a kid going through college and needs the money now. Each one of those scenarios will affect your ability to strike a deal at the price that you want to spend. Take a little time to familiarize yourself with the cost of replacement parts, tires, electrical components, so you can mentally subtract the cost of those items when you look at a tractor and those items are in need of replacement. Parts are available for all of the old Fords from a variety of sources, so your biggest concern should be to try to purchase the best tractor that falls within your budget. That usually takes time and some luck. Don't hesitate to make inquiries of the members of this board. They can be of invaluable assistance in your search for that tractor that will make your wife proud! Best of luck.
Jerry

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Scott1ky

04-15-2007 19:09:50

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

Everyone has their opinions, and you'll probably get several of them. Here's mine. You stated you wanted "something I can plow, disc, mow, and blade with."

Plow - N's are good with two bottom plow
Disc - No problem.
Mow - can handle a 5' Rotary (bush hog) or a finish mower. Blade - Grade your driveway, push dirt around, or scrape ice or snow no problem.

As far as the live hydraulics, I think it's just a matter of learning how to work without them. Sure they are nice, but you can get by without it for what you're wanting to do, in my opinion. They're great little tractors, and yes they have their limitations with only around 23 horsepower. You probably should also have somewhat of a passion for these old little tractors. It's been said you spend 1 hour of working on the tractor for each 10 hours of operation of the tractor. That's probably a little over exaggerated, but just make sure you're okay with turning a few wrenches and be prepared for it. It may even need a few minor things before you put it into severice. After all these tractors are 50+ years old.

Scott

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Scott1ky

04-15-2007 19:17:19

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Scott1ky, 04-15-2007 19:09:50

Oh one other thing, if you mow with your N, BE SURE to invest in an Ove Run Clutch (OR) It will keep you out of the fences and is a MUST HAVE for safety.

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K.LaRue-VA

04-15-2007 19:08:28

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

I was going through the same process a couple of years ago. My budget was not up to what a modern tractor costs. I could not believe I was going to have to settle for an ANTIQUE tractor. After weeks of research I decided to look for an 8N. That way I would at least get the benefit of all the upgrades that Ford made to the N-series before the jubilee came out. My apologies to those who own and love their Jubilee or later tractors, but I just liked the style of the earlier 9N, 2N, 8Ns better. Maybe I have bad taste?

Anyway, It seems like your research went in the same direction mine did. There are TONS of parts sources available for the N-series tractors and then the support seems to fall apart. Nobody seems very interested in the Ford tractors that came after the N-series.

SO, I have been blessed with making a great decision. My first real tractor was an 8N and NO it does not have live PTO or live Hydraulics, but you can buy an overunning coupler for your PTO for CHEAP and if you want live hydraulics for an N-series Ford Tractor, go to Zane's page at

Link

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Jimmyjack

04-15-2007 20:53:26

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to K.LaRue-VA, 04-15-2007 19:08:28

Ken, no apology needed, remember the Jubilee and NAA are still N's.

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Dunk

04-15-2007 19:13:16

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to K.LaRue-VA, 04-15-2007 19:08:28

And you still either have to be going somewhere, or take it all the way out of gear and have the clutch out to be able to have the bush hog running...

third party image

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K.LaRue-VA

04-15-2007 20:04:13

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Dunk , 04-15-2007 19:13:16

The only complaint I had trying to use a bush hog on my 8N tractor was not being able raise the lift first and then get the blades up to speed.

Likewise, running a back blade was no fun, because I had to knock it into neutral and release the clutch to raise the blade before I could stick it in reverse and back up.

Adding Live hydraulics lets me raise the cutter or blade off the ground with the clutch depressed.

Problem solved, cheap.

I do not see how it is worth spending an additional 2 or 3 thousand dollars to have a newer tractor with a two-stage clutch.

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Dunk

04-15-2007 19:07:05

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

"Am I gonna really miss the live hyd and PTO?"

You can't even imagine how bad!!

It is kinda like the difference between a smoker, and one that has never smoked.

The smoker can't quit, the nonsmoker can't figger out why.

Blind folks from birth, don't understand why it is so terrible that they can't see.

2 different worlds, and you have already been spoiled.

humor intended, this post in no way can be attributed to any real person past or present.

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K.LaRue-VA

04-15-2007 20:16:08

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Dunk , 04-15-2007 19:07:05

You said it!

Not having live hydraulics on my 8N was a real pain right out of the box. After becoming familiar with the controls, I couldn't believe the engineers at Ford didn't anticipate a need to raise the lift with the clutch pedal depressed!

What a BUMMER! I was GREATLY relieved to find out that the problem can easily be fixed with a belt-driven pump and a couple of hoses.

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duey

04-15-2007 19:04:15

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to Joe in MI, 04-15-2007 18:41:19

Yes, I'd guess you'll sorely miss live hydraulic and live PTO....

But if you want basic, the Ns are the next step up from a HORSE... a 6 volt horse at that!! Horse parts are harder to find....

duey

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va. rebel

04-16-2007 07:17:59

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to duey, 04-15-2007 19:04:15

massey ferguson 35 hard to beat

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Dan S (NY)

04-16-2007 09:36:19

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Re: Opinions on Ns in reply to va. rebel, 04-16-2007 07:17:59

I would agree with that. I got my Massey 50 for $2000. Same as the 35 but with a heavier fron end. Parts availabilty has never been a problem.

Dan

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