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8N vs 9N

Big Dog

Big Dog

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I’ve operated a 9N, never a 8N. I’m hearing the 8N is the way to go for the 4 speed and PTO positioning. I’m looking for either to use solely for a 5’ bush hog. Input requested or a recommended frugal alternative. There’s a lot of Fords out there reasonable ……
 
I ama 9N fan. They are simple machines and easy to keep running in the field.
The 8N is more popular and parts are easy to find. It also comes standard at 12 volts unlike the 9N which is six.
Most 9'stoday are converted to12. Mine is.

I believe the engine of the 9N is slightly larger. 20HP vrs18. But it is low compression.

Operationally, I cannot see a difference except for the live PTO on the 8N disengages with the clutch. When you stop with the Brush hog engaged, the spinning blades will push you forward. There is a coupling available that prevents this, but it is a dangerous feature.

I am a fan of the 9N but frankly, you would be happier with the 8N as it is "technically" more modern. Both are decent machines for the purposes you have intended.
 
I started out with an 8N. Loved that little machine. I think they came after the 9N. Mine was a 1952 model. I bought it for brush hogging but after it about pushed me over a hill two times and I had issues with the battery (6 volt positive ground). I either had to convert to 12 v negative ground or ....save up my pennies and buy a newer tractor. I sold it and bought a Kubota.

edit to add:
I should say part of my issues with it pushing me over the hill was operator inexperience. It was my first tractor ever.
Yesterdays Tractors Forum was a great source for info on these babies.
 
NAA if you can find it, several advantages over an 8N, but an Oliver Super 66 would be even better, and those are diesel. My Super 66 (sold many years ago), was restored to parade condition and also a true workhouse. Way better than any of the Ford models mentioned so far.
 
Doc said:
I started out with an 8N. Loved that little machine. I think they came after the 9N. Mine was a 1952 model. I bought it for brush hogging but after it about pushed me over a hill two times and I had issues with the battery (6 volt positive ground). I either had to convert to 12 v negative ground or ....save up my pennies and buy a newer tractor. I sold it and bought a Kubota.

edit to add:
I should say part of my issues with it pushing me over the hill was operator inexperience. It was my first tractor ever.
Yesterdays Tractors Forum was a great source for info on these babies.
Click to expand...
I could use my Kioti but it already gets implement swaps regularly including backhoe. I’m just gonna set up a bush hog machine and be done.
 
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Big Dog said:
I could use my Kioti but it already gets implement swaps regularly including backhoe. I’m just gonna set up a bush hog machine and be done.
Click to expand...

Bush hog machine screams for a LIVE PTO

The the Oliver 66 or the Ford NAA
 
Big Dog said:
I said frugal Bob!! 🤣🤣
Click to expand...
Last time I checked, which I admit was long ago, all were priced similarly.

Perhaps times have changed and people now understand that not every 1950-s era machine is created equally? Some are clearly better!
 
Melensdad said:
Last time I checked, which I admit was long ago, all were priced similarly.

Perhaps times have changed and people now understand that not every 1950-s era machine is created equally? Some are clearly better!
Click to expand...
2 - 2.5 times to equal condition
 
bczoom said:
You didn't mention your budget.
I did a CL search for ford. In the results, there's an 8N, 9N and Jubilee, all around the $2000-2500 mark. Pretty close to you as well.

pittsburgh farm & garden for sale "ford" - craigslist

pittsburgh farm & garden for sale "ford" - craigslist
pittsburgh.craigslist.org pittsburgh.craigslist.org
Click to expand...
And I have them all bookmarked ;) . Anything less than 5K would be nice but I find my self looking more at bigger diesels. Already have a diesel tank ;)
 
Interesting conversation. I might add that a live PTO means the PTO has an independent clutch mechanism. You can turn off or on the PTO at anytime. Non live PTO means the PTO uses the ground drive clutch to operate it, there for if you stop so does the PTO.

Never was a Ford fan and there were not common here. The smallest tractor we have is an Oliver Super 88 diesel. For decades it served as the loader tractor for our livestock operation. Great older tractors.
 
A Ford 3000 is a great tractor.
That said, I won't buy something without 4-wheel-drive. I moved around 40 tons of dirt today, will be moving 40-80 tons of millings tomorrow. 2WD just wouldn't get it done. I tried.
Maybe look at something like a Ford 1720 or 1920.
 
Have been mowing and grading my place with a 1953 Ford Jubilee, first year of overhead valves. I have been using it since 2007 for mowing with a brush hog, when I first got it I excavated the building site where my shop now sits with a set of rippers and a box scraper. Took me all summer to make a 100x100 level pad that was 4' high on one side. I have bought a few batteries and changed the oil, but thats about it. its the energizer bunny.
 
bczoom said:
A Ford 3000 is a great tractor.
That said, I won't buy something without 4-wheel-drive. I moved around 40 tons of dirt today, will be moving 40-80 tons of millings tomorrow. 2WD just wouldn't get it done. I tried.
Maybe look at something like a Ford 1720 or 1920.
Click to expand...
I still have my Kioti
 
Big Dog said:
This one is screaming at me ….. $6500

I have some questions into the holder, live PTO was optional on this model with the 8 speed.
Click to expand...
If it has the live PTO and is in good condition, I think it is an OK buy.
They have a differential lock I see in the specs you posted. A very big plus in my opinion.
 
@Big Dog
Here's a couple near you.
8N for $2400.
pittsburgh.craigslist.org

Ford 8n tractor - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

Nice running side distributor 8n good oil pressure good tires and rims nice sheet metal. Call .
pittsburgh.craigslist.org pittsburgh.craigslist.org

9N for $1900
pittsburgh.craigslist.org

9n ford tractor - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

9n ford tractor restored new gas tank carburator manifold muffler alternator amp gauge and paint 1900 or best offer. no taxt messages.
pittsburgh.craigslist.org pittsburgh.craigslist.org

Also saw this one but it may be a bit of a drive for you.
00o0o_19uXLdAUAE3_0t20CI_600x450.jpg
 
Hey Greg,

Spotted this on CL. 9N & a brush hog for $1125. The brush hog alone is worth probably that much.
pittsburgh.craigslist.org

9N-&-King Kutter - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

The 9N--this will run,just needs someTLC-----have new spark plug wire and coil--it does have a new generator -new carb-----the hydraulic pump has been repaired and lots of parts put in this 9N by a...
pittsburgh.craigslist.org pittsburgh.craigslist.org
 
Mr Bell said:
The one i have is a Ford 601 Workmaster, it is the NAA style with the ohv engine and way more power, the tractor itself is also a little bigger and has live hydraulics. I bought mine at auction for $1200. I would do it again tomorrow if i had the opportunity.
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I have restored 3 8N’s. The next Ford I restored was an 851. The 100 series Fords are head and shoulders above the N series.
 
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