few 2N questions

Hi,I am new Here,
I have a few Questions about a 2N I just bought.

Just got a 2N and wondering if 9N parts will fit on it,wheels etc?
Maybe it might be easier to know what wont interchange?

I got a 4ft bush hog and a box blade with it and I tried the bush hog out a few days ago and ran into some issues,the tractor runs well but when I engage the pto for the bush hog it really drags the engine down.

I tried mowing the grass in a ditch in front of our house(1st gear) and was constantly fiddling with raising the mower to keep the engine from bogging down too much,the grass and weeds were about 2 ft high and very thick.

As I was doing this there was steam coming from the radiator and though it started with just barely a little steam after a couple of minutes I saw it was increasing in volume so I raised the mower and drove it about another 100 yards and loosened the already loose fitting radiator cap and it hissed for about 5 Minutes then stopped.
I looked in the radiator and the coolant was about 5 inches from the top.
Add more coulant and get a tighter fitting cap?

I have never used a brush hog and dont know how high I need to set the bottom lip off the ground?? .
The bottom of the skids are just about an inch from the ground now.
I also checked the hydrolics stick under the seat on the right side and it showed full when shut off and cool and it showed full.

Was I running the mower too low?
Sharpen blades maybe?

Check out the tips below.

Most of your questions are addressed.

Re parts interchangeability, the 2N & 9N are nearly identical, but refer to the Master Parts Catalog to be sure. (tip # 39)

Re the performance problems, a tune up is always a good idea (points, plugs, condenser, rotor, cap & set the timing)
75 Tips

Well, first download and read a copy of Bruce(VA)'s 75 tips and keep it handy for future reference; you'll find a boatload of useful tips and information. Next question, the 9N and 2N models are almost identical with the 9N being first introduced in 1939 and the 2N in 1942 with some modifications/upgrades. Essentially they use the same engine, same 3-speed transmission, and same hydraulic system. Early 9Ns are the exceptions but not to worry. ALL 9N and 2N tractors used the 9N prefix in the serial numbers. ALL Ford Tractors used the 9N prefix code in part nomenclature no matter if 8N, NAA,or Hundred Series models as long as no major changes were made to it. Overheating can be caused by too low or too high coolant level. It can also be time for a radiator flush. % inches from the top is too low. Fill , don't overfill, just to the top of the core. A tighter cap? Not gonna find one, but seal may be shot in old one so buy a new one. Hydraulic oil level is good if dipstick says FULL -don't add anymore. Check oil condition. What color is it? If a murky/muddy brown shade it is contaminated with water and needs to be drained and refilled. Hydraulic oil should be a clear, honey-brown color. You can take off the side inspection covers and look at your oil with the TRACTOR OFF. feel the bottom of sump and see if there is a lot of sludge in it. If so, time to clean system and maybe pull and rebuild pump. Sharp blades always help -like a sharp fish hook. Brush Hog -does it have the stump jumper feature? The 9N and 2N 3-point system only had DRAFT CONTROL. The 8N model first introduced POSITION CONTROL as well. Many fellas use LIMITER CHAINS on mowers and brush hogs to keep them set at a certain height, or position when lowered by the fingertip lift control. We also suggest you get the I&T F-04 manual and a copy of the 39-52 MPC (Master Parts Catalog) if'N ya wanna be an N-Owner...meantime go here for a ton of more info on ID'g your tractor...

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)
FORD N SERIES TRACTOR ID/HISTORY

Do not install the wrong pressure cap or you can/will split the seams on the radiator. The correct 4# cap is needed. And a warning here, there are several 4# caps on the market & the wrong one will yield far in excess of 4#!!!

I cut at about 3 inches from the ground, works for me.
Check the fan belt to make sure it is not loose.
How fast are you running the engine? you need at least 540 PTO RPM for the brush hog.
Nothing says you have to take a full cut, make it easy for your tractor. How wide is the mower?

Read and understand all of Bruce's list. One heck of alot of good information.

check the radiator to make sure it is not choked with debris/grass.

You got good information so far, here are a couple more tips.

Use an overrunning coupler in the PTO shaft when using the
rotary mower. Otherwise the centrifugal force of the mower's
blades can drive the tractor and you won't be able to stop.

Set the front end of your mower about an inch lower than the rear.
If it is set the other way it is cutting the grass twice and making
the tractor work harder than needed.

(quoted from post at 03:37:14 07/16/17) Check out the tips below.

Most of your questions are addressed.

Re parts interchangeability, the 2N & 9N are nearly identical, but refer to the Master Parts Catalog to be sure. (tip # 39)

Re the performance problems, a tune up is always a good idea (points, plugs, condenser, rotor, cap & set the timing)
75 Tips

Click to expand...

I tried part of #14 and found that the throttle moved about half the way down before I could tell any Difference in the sound.I tried this several times to be sure.
I have never been a Mechanic but at the tender age of 57 I am ready to give it a shot ,where do I go from here?

Thanks
Craig