Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Discussion Forum
:

First tractor -- how would you pros handle this?

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
motorv8N

10-03-2007 16:55:44




Report to Moderator

Hey gents - I've been loitering for some weeks in the preparation for buying one of these old girls. The wealth of information and people's willingness to share it here is heartwarming to say the least.

So, I'm gonna take the plunge and am lining up some 8Ns to see over the next few weeks. Good examples for reasonable money seem to be few and far between in this neck of the woods (middle Ontario Canada) so I've got a search radius stretching from North Bay to Pittsburgh.

Anyway, one of the few close ones is a 49 8N on consignment at a tractor dealer. In my initial discussion the guy on the phone mentioned that the tractor has no fan belt. "Owner dropped it off like that. It started right up fine without it though, so you know it runs" or words to that effect. I'm trying to convince them to put one on so I can take a serious walk through the 8N buyers inspection list over at Smith's Tractors page.

Should I insist the belt get replaced? Is this a reasonable request? It would seem so to me but this will be my first adventure in farm machinery and I look to you for advice.

The asking price is a tick above $2000 (no sherman hi/lo or any implements). It's sporting what seems to be a new although not very carefully applied paint job (rad hoses, plug wires, etc all slathered in red).
Should I offer to pay for a belt install? Check it without? Walk away? Offer a thousand less?

As I say, they haven't outright refused yet but I get the sense he'd like me to make his life easy...

All opinions welcome!

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
motorv8N

10-04-2007 21:29:56




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
ha ha -- "just" 60 eh? Looking forward to checking that link. third party image



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
motorv8N

10-04-2007 09:15:48




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to Steve IA, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
Guys -- all this help is really great. And thanks for helping keep the faith that there are others out there. I recognize the signs in myself...get a particular machine in my craw and it's hard to shake.

The story keeps getting messier on that N. Apparently it belongs to the father of a friend of another sales guy. He was supposed to call me with the history yesterday and to maybe work something out about the belt. No callback despite another message today.
I don't geddit. This dealer must have paid to advertise, it's taking up space on his lot, he's not making friends with potential customers, etc. etc?
You'd think they would have just thrown a belt on so some noobie idiot like me woulda been blinded by the paint, run it for two minutes then bought. Seriously got the willies now so will probably let it lie.


Widget said: (quoted from post at 14:07:31 10/04/07) Motor... Its true that not all N's are in the U.S. I have a 1950 8N sidemount,... If interested email bcoppin@sympatico.ca , Located in Bancroft.


Widget -- email coming your way!

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Ken(Ark)

10-04-2007 16:00:42




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-04-2007 09:15:48  
The dealer probably figures its money in his pocket if he sells it on consignment . Anyone that would buy a $2k older tractor is not going to be a repeat customer that is going to buy a $40k or better tractor anyway , so odds are that's the only money he will get from you anyway .

But check it out , the owner may just be tired of throwing money in it and just wants get rid of it . Call Capt. Kirk and get him to help you negotiate a good price if it does run good .

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Widget

10-04-2007 06:07:31




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
Motor... Its true that not all N's are in the U.S. I have a 1950 8N sidemount,new carb, new ignition system, Rad cleaned and new thermostat, 12Volt for headlights & rear flashers (6Volt genney stored in shed), 1998 rebuild with decent compression. Plowed snow with borrowed rear blade all last winter. Not the prettiest N around but works decent and always starts first spin. Weather cracked rears should be replaced but still hold air and get the job done. If interested email bcoppin@sympatico.ca , Located in Bancroft.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Dave H

10-04-2007 05:52:29




Report to Moderator
 Run Don't walk in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
A slopped on paint job and a weak fairy tale why the belt is not on is enough to identify a slickey boy.

They obviously don't want you to run it until it warms up.

Maybe 500 to 600 unless they get it running.

There are up front deals out there.

my two centagos - I been there and still have the burn marks my bottom



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
soundguy

10-04-2007 05:44:28




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
I know it's a consignment deal.. but neither the seller nor the dealer is being served by not putting a belt on it.

Soundguy



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
GA Dave

10-03-2007 22:42:59




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
As Forrest Gump's mom said, Life's like a box of crap, or something like that. I bought a 8N that was running a year ago but had been run through a car wash and had to be pulled home. Several people WORKED on it. I got it as as is and found the switch was burned out from 12 volts put across the 8 volt battery. Two wires were crossed on the front mount distributor but it cranked and ran on two cylinders after the switch was jumped out and ether was used. I bought a good 8N for a lot less than the cheapest Sears lawn mower on sale but any DEALER should spend $10 bucks to make it right and let you hear it run for that price. If not I'd look elsewhere. My $00.02 worth. David.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
K.W. in Tx

10-03-2007 21:27:54




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
Sounds a little weird to me. Like they Know somethings wrong with it or afraid that somethings wrong and just want to get rid of it. I would look for another before I jumped on that one. Good Luck



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Zeusdog

10-03-2007 21:04:00




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
Motor,

I will never buy another without drivin it around long enough to get her hot. First one had a new sloppy paint job over the grease and dirt and the guy didn't want me runnin around on it either so I offered 600 less and he jumped on it, sort of. Thought I had a good deal.... you know, bondo don't hold on a block when it gets hot. Tried to argue and all he said was it was sold as is.

Take along a few gallons of gas and a $10 belt as well as a couple quarts of 30w and a idiot wrench. If he lets you run it on your dime check all the gears, hydro, pto, brakes and look for stuff runnin out of it. Check fluids and look hard at em for water or other forin material. Feel the wheel and how it handles, if it pulls a quick visual on the radius arms will tell how many stumps its run into.
My current 49 8n the guy even supplied the gas and let me run it around the property. Radius arm on one side bent up a little but was acceptable, third gear was a little iffy but I don't even use it much. There was no thermostat in the radiator, but that's not unusual as some folks, even my new holland dealer here in TX, don't think they need em, they do.

All in all I bought her knowing a whole lot more as to what I was gettin into than the first one and so far I still feel I got what I paid for even if I have put more into it. After all, if I wanted a mint condition, I'd buy an new one. Kinda deflates all the fun out of it.

Bottom line is you don't want to get something you can't have fun with without goin broke. The N's are out there, take your time and check em out good.

Best of luck, I'll be looking for future posts.third party image

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
russb

10-03-2007 18:40:01




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
My opinion, painting over rust means the object isn't worth the proper fix to the person who painted it. Since the paint only compounds the problem of removing the rust, offer a very low price and tell em you would have offered more except for the paint.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
9n1411

10-04-2007 20:28:32




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 18:06:52  
We are east of Kingston, we have 60 some tractors 9Ns, 2Ns, 8Ns, jubs, 600s, 800s, 960, 740, 541, 871 Gold demo, Alum hood 9n, 601s, 801s, 4000s, 4000 LCG, several att. I would be glad to have you visit. check:www.burthudson.com/tractors



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Marty 2n IL

10-05-2007 00:15:56




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to 9n1411, 10-04-2007 20:28:32  

9n1411 said: (quoted from post at 20:28:32 10/04/07) We are east of Kingston, we have 60 some tractors 9Ns, 2Ns, 8Ns, jubs, 600s, 800s, 960, 740, 541, 871 Gold demo, Alum hood 9n, 601s, 801s, 4000s, 4000 LCG, several att. I would be glad to have you visit. check:www.burthudson.com/tractors


Website is awesome! I wish I was close enough for a visit.

Thanks for posting

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Paul in MN

10-03-2007 18:39:42




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 18:06:52  
Motor...

I'd be very suspicious about that missing fan belt. I assure you that the owner didn't "just lose it". It is missing for a reason....probably a problem with overheating. Now there can be many reasons for this, from the cheap and easy stuck thermostat to the mighty expensive cracked block. From a purely statistical point of view, I'd suspect a bad head gasket and maybe warped or cracked head. Those are not fatal flaws, but they sure do not make for a $2,000 tractor.

If the guy put out the cost of even poor paint, and the effort to do the clean-up and work of painting, he sure isn't going to screw-up the sale over the cost of a new $8 fanbelt. This guy is dumb like a fox. Don't even give him the satisfaction of showing up and listening to his lies.

Keep this in mind as you look at others: Your Canadian $ has hit an all time high against the US $. What used to be expensive on this side of the border is now right in your price range. I do not know the details of crossing the border with a new "to you" used tractor. Certainly a lot of them have crossed the border in past years, so I know it can be done.

Best Wishes, and keep in touch with the board here.

Paul in MN

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
9n1411

10-03-2007 17:57:41




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
We are in Ontario, where are you? I would be glad to help. Those Ns are not all in the US, a few are in my barn!



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Ken(Ark)

10-03-2007 17:50:40




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
In my opinion a missing $10 belt and fresh paint are red flags .

A friend of mine worked for the local ford tractor dealer for 20+ years before opening his own shop . He told me that the dealership would patch up some of the old beat up trade in tractors and sell them as "consignments" so they would not have to give any kind of warranty .

Unless it was dirt cheap I would not buy anything I could not test for 15+ minutes . You can patch a lot of things for a 30 second start up test .

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Hobo,NC

10-03-2007 17:44:01




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
I can not tell ya till I seen it what I would offer but it would have to B a very good runner for me to go 2K. If he neglected to install a belt I wounder what else he was to cheap to do. A haft arse paint job does nuttin to make a tractor a working tractor, I soon have it in its working outfit. My guess is the owner does not want a belt on it he is hiding something so you will not run it long, run don't walk. It does not say much for the dealer either. If you are still interested offer $500 cheap goes both ways play the game. I don't play the split the difference game either, I don't split my money with no body.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
jimont

10-03-2007 17:35:20




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
Dunno. It seems a little fishy to me that the dealer wouldn't just install a belt in order to make a sale, even if it was on consignment. Where are you in Ontario? I don't think you'll find any N in reasonable condition for under $2000. On the other hand, those in really good condition, good paint, good tires etc. will seldom bring more than $3000. For example, years ago I paid $1500 for a '49 8N, gave it an entire motor overhaul using the best overhaul kit available, new tires all around, even changed the PTO to the standard 1 3/8 size and new paint. I have well over $3000 invested in this tractor (I'm the second owner and drove it 1/2 mile home from it's original home).

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Dunk

10-03-2007 17:22:35




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to motorv8N, 10-03-2007 16:55:44  
Offer him $1750 for it, like it is, if I understood that you have seen and heard it run, without a fan belt.

See how he acts.

You may have to worry about the water pump, or the genny (charging system).

You may be alright to up my price a tad too.

JMO



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Dunk

10-03-2007 17:27:50




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to Dunk, 10-03-2007 17:22:35  
You should also, from a cold start, be able to see that the tranny, and the PTO/lift work before you need to cut it off you keep it from over heating, if you do it all quickly.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Dunk

10-03-2007 18:15:21




Report to Moderator
 Re: First tractor -- how would you pros handle this? in reply to Dunk, 10-03-2007 17:27:50  
You ought to be able to check the oil pressure in that time too.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy