B vs BN

I'm not up to speed yet on the finer points of Farmalls, but could anyone tell me whats different between these two.

BN rear wheels are spaced 8 inches closer than the B, 4 on each side, means that the minimum and maximum tread is 8 inches less.

Yup, the N stands for "narrow."

You can tell the difference between a B and BN by looking at the right seat support bracket. If it's tight up against the right fender, it's a BN. If there's a 4" gap, it's a B.

Not sure which is more rare, or more desirable, or more valuable. My guess would be the BN is all of those.

The B/BN is about as raw and basic a tractor as you can get. You really can't do much with one but pull a cart around, unless you luck out and get COMPLETE implements with it. Most of the implements have been scrapped or lost in fencerows over the years, unfortunately. What you do find is often missing some crucial piece that was tossed on the scrap pile in the workshop back in 1953, and used to repair something else in 1966.

Thanks for the quick reply. I bought a project that includes parts and pieces from two tractors, some from a B, some from a BN. Now to find the time work on it. I could go either way, is the BN any more collectable than the B

So very true! At our clubs show it is always nice to see a display of the tractor with an implement attached. Could kick myself for scrapping the full cultivator for my 41 SC Case.

On a B you can only get it so narrow. On a BN you can start out narrow & make it wider by mounting the wheels accordingly. Fewer BN's made but not rare.

TexC, Farmall B first produced in 1939, same time as the Letter Series A, H, and M. The B has adjustable rear wheel tread from 64 to 92 inches, in 4 inch intervals. The B will cultivate two rows spaced from 32 to 46 inches.

Farmall BN first produce in 1940. It has been said it was first produce in response to farmers who wanted a little narrower tread for certain crops. The BN has adjustable rear wheel tread from 56 to 84 inches, in 4 inch intervals. The BN will cultivate two rows spaced from 28 to 42 inches.

Both B and BN are either single or dual front wheel tricycle tractors. Both B and BN can be fitted to cultivate up to 6 rows of narrow row crops. Both Band BN are "Culti-Vision" tractors. Engine and transmissions are basically identical to the Farmall A's. Engine is basically identical to the Farmall C engine. Both are handy little tractors for utility or mower work as well as cultivation.

It is hard to say exactly how many of each were made as, production numbers are blurred in with the Farmall A. Most agree less BN's were made, making them somewhat more dear than B's. Both B and BN were replaced after 1947 by the Farmall C.

Best Regards,
Charlie

TexC, SWMBO plowing earlier this spring on one of our BN's using the Little Genius. Got a good show of potatoes right there now.
Best Regards,
Charlie

Thanks again for all the help, and the pictures were great! One more thing, if I may ask, I have both the stamped steel wheel center and also the heavy cast wheel center. Does the heavy cast center go on the right side of the tractor and the stamped on the left, or do both cast centers go on the same tractor.

TexC, Farmall A's, except for the earliest models, came from the factory with a cast center on the right rear, and a stamped center on the left rear wheel. Farmall B's and BN's should have either both wheel centers cast, or both stamped steel. Most I have seen have stamped steel wheels. If you need more traction go with cast, and of course you can add weights.
Best Regards,
Charlie