Im thinking of buying a 2N

cityboy

Member
Hello all.
We recently moved out of a subdivision, to a 5 acre parcel. Im quickly realizing my 20 hp craftsmen mower just aint enough. In talking w/the widow lady up the street, she has a 2N for sale. She says it ran when parked. It has been sitting in a barn the past 8 years, but was in pieces for water pump and raditor repair. She claims all the pieces are there. She's asking $800.

I have some tools, have worked on 60's - mid 80's cars.
Like most, money is tight.

Any help is appreciated.
Thank you.
 
(quoted from post at 08:38:48 11/09/13) Hello all.
We recently moved out of a subdivision, to a 5 acre parcel. Im quickly realizing my 20 hp craftsmen mower just aint enough. In talking w/the widow lady up the street, she has a 2N for sale. She says it ran when parked. It has been sitting in a barn the past 8 years, but was in pieces for water pump and raditor repair. She claims all the pieces are there. She's asking $800.

I have some tools, have worked on 60's - mid 80's cars.
Like most, money is tight.

Any help is appreciated.
Thank you.

First thing to remember - there will be significantly more money on top of the $800. If it is a non-runner that has been in pieces for 8 years for a water pump and radiator it is a pig-n-a-poke. Assuming that was all that was wrong with it look at it as more likely $1500 and a fair amount of sweat equity just to get it running reliably.

So what types of chores are you going to do with it after you get it running? If you want a finish mower add another $500-$1000. If you want to plow snow....

In other words tell us more about the tractor and what you intend to do with it.

TOH
 
Might want shop around. Some times you can find them ready to go
for that price. What are the conditions of the tires? That's a biggie.
Needing a new water pump could mean the engine has been over
heated.
 
Might be a good buy or it might be a money pit. Hard o be sure on a non runner and not all people tell it like lit really is. I would make sure the engine is not locked up from sitting and also that the new parts are there. If you have to buy a radiator and water pump add another $200 to the price if not twice that.
 
In other words tell us more about the tractor and what you intend to do with it.TOH

Plowing snow is top on the list. Right now, all I have is a coal shovel and a 200 foot gravel drive. Im to old to shovel that much anymore.

Next spring and summer there is a 3 acre field in back with 6 foot tall grass. Major grading and landscaping around the house.

Im hoping to walk down and see it today or tomorrow.

Thank you for your help.
 
(quoted from post at 08:11:31 11/09/13) I would make sure the engine is not locked up from sitting and also that the new parts are there. If you have to buy a radiator and water pump add another $200 to the price if not twice that.

On the old Chevy's I've worked on, you put a socket and wrench on the crank bolt and turn. Does the same apply on a 2N, to see if it's free? When I go down there, I'll check on parts.

Thank you.
 
(quoted from post at 14:16:18 11/09/13)
(quoted from post at 08:11:31 11/09/13) I would make sure the engine is not locked up from sitting and also that the new parts are there. If you have to buy a radiator and water pump add another $200 to the price if not twice that.

On the old Chevy's I've worked on, you put a socket and wrench on the crank bolt and turn. Does the same apply on a 2N, to see if it's free? When I go down there, I'll check on parts.

Thank you.

Yes although you will likely need an open or box end wrench to get to teh nut. They are also old enough to have a provision for a hand crank to start them - hint, hint....

While you are in the process of evaluating this 2N I'd suggest you research the used tractor market in your neighborhood. The 8N is significant design improvement over the 2N and an NAA or Hundred series even more so. Those newer tractors can usually be purchased for only a small amount more than the earlier 9N/2N and are well worth the extra cash. Many people in your situation quickly discover the limitations of the N-series and trade up to an NAA or later model in short order. And of course in addition to the Fords there are a number of other makes that are also good inexpensive tractors.

If you [u:ecbc806097]need[/u:ecbc806097] a working tractor and not a vintage tractor project I'd look around some before letting that low ball $800 number entice you into what can easily become financial quicksand.

TOH
 
Can always take some pictures and post them on here. Theres a few people on here that could tell ya alot more about it and what to look for.
 
Try this, Sounds like she wants it sold and you want a tractor. If both of you work together it could be a good deal for you both. Make a deal for you to work on it, let her buy the parts in trade for your labor. You get it running then talk price. $800 is a good price for a running tractor here.
 
Yes that can be done if you can get one in to it or use a hand crank handle if it still has that on it like it should. Me I just make sure the fan belt is tight and grab the fan
 
hold out for a 00/01 if you can. or get that 2n cheaper. 500$ MAX for a non runner.. less for a basket case..
 
Is the $800 a final price? That price is not bad for a non-runner in this area. But negotiate it down if you can. A rescue project may challenge you, but you'll be darn proud of the end result when you're done!

Colin, MN
 

To high that's probably why its been sit'n their for 8 years...

From a money stand point I have only made out on one junker 2N and that was only because it had a perfect unworn steering gear that fetched what I paid for it... Unless their was something that caught my eye I would not pay scrap price for it... $200 max :!:

If you want to roll the dice tell her you don't know jack chit about a tractor but will gambler and will chance it @ $200 worst case you will leave with $200 in your pocket...
 
$800.00 seems too high. With a non-runner you don't know what works. You can evaluate a tractor better with it running. Don't make the assumption the lift works well, clutch is fine, engine is ok "etc". Another big question is when will you need it to work? Posting a picture would help. If it were me, and the tires were decent, I would not go over $500 and I would plan on it being a winter project. Best of luck on your decision.
 
If you [u:be077b9eef]need[/u:be077b9eef] a working tractor and not a vintage tractor project I'd look around some before letting that low ball $800 number entice you into what can easily become financial quicksand. TOH

Right now, I do not "need" a tractor, unless we get more snow than a 4x4 pickup can traverse. Im not looking for a project, as the house we bought is a fixer-upper. I will admit I am enticed by the price, but I do understand "financial quicksand".

Thank you one and all for your knowledge.
 
I'm a litle late chiming in here. Was up hunting.
As others have said it's a pig in a poke so you need to get it for just about scrap price to make it worth the risk.
On 5 acres you should have at least one tractor though. Heck I usually have a couple on 3 lots here in the city. So half a dozen on five acres would be in order.
Start with a little more tractor though.
Find yourself a Ford 600 or somesuch and go from there.
 
Im hoping to walk down and see it today or tomorrow.

I talked to Linda. They were in a similar situation 25 years ago as I am currently, and bought the Ford. A few years later, they bought another tractor with a front end loader. The new tractor was also safer for her to use. The new tractor became their primary tractor.

Last she remembers, it worked well, but it had a bad water pump. They bought a new pump, hoses, radiator, misc parts to R&R while they were there. Husband took all apart 5-8 years ago, and never got back to it. 2 months after we moved in, he died from heart problems.

As someone else noted, she's looking to get it out of her garage. I discussed what you've all posted, and she realizes it is considered a non-runner. She is willing to negotiate, is not totally opposed to towing it to my place, I work on it when able.

Parts:
There is a new water pump installed.
There is a new radiator, with shroud attached on a shelf.
The hood and gas tank are sitting is a wheel barrow.
She mentioned, and I do agree, the gas tank seems either new or rebuilt.
There is a pan with misc parts. Seems like a gas line and the sediment bowl.
No oil on dip stick.
Some parts (water pump, hood, fenders) have been painted. The rest of the tractor is red.
No battery.
The alternator bracket is a broken washer welded to a piece of threaded rod. Looks real hokey.
New rear tires.
I don't see how a wrench is going to fit on the crank to turn it over. Looks real small, but if you guys say it will, I believe you. I noticed a hole, maybe the hand crank hole(?) on the front. Will a big screwdriver fit? Turn screwdriver with a wrench?
She has a few implements she'd be willing to sell as well.

Im tempted, but financial quicksand is in the back of my head.

Thanks for reading.
 
(quoted from post at 09:13:16 11/16/13)
Im hoping to walk down and see it today or tomorrow.

I talked to Linda. They were in a similar situation 25 years ago as I am currently, and bought the Ford. A few years later, they bought another tractor with a front end loader. The new tractor was also safer for her to use. The new tractor became their primary tractor.

Last she remembers, it worked well, but it had a bad water pump. They bought a new pump, hoses, radiator, misc parts to R&R while they were there. Husband took all apart 5-8 years ago, and never got back to it. 2 months after we moved in, he died from heart problems.

As someone else noted, she's looking to get it out of her garage. I discussed what you've all posted, and she realizes it is considered a non-runner. She is willing to negotiate, is not totally opposed to towing it to my place, I work on it when able.

Parts:
There is a new water pump installed.
There is a new radiator, with shroud attached on a shelf.
The hood and gas tank are sitting is a wheel barrow.
She mentioned, and I do agree, the gas tank seems either new or rebuilt.
There is a pan with misc parts. Seems like a gas line and the sediment bowl.
No oil on dip stick.
Some parts (water pump, hood, fenders) have been painted. The rest of the tractor is red.
No battery.
The alternator bracket is a broken washer welded to a piece of threaded rod. Looks real hokey.
New rear tires.
I don't see how a wrench is going to fit on the crank to turn it over. Looks real small, but if you guys say it will, I believe you. I noticed a hole, maybe the hand crank hole(?) on the front. Will a big screwdriver fit? Turn screwdriver with a wrench?
She has a few implements she'd be willing to sell as well.

Im tempted, but financial quicksand is in the back of my head.

Thanks for reading.

If the crankshaft bolt is "real small" it is not OEM and something else is up - perhaps an aftermarket crankshaft driven hydraulic pump setup. A big screwdriver won;t get the job done.

If I were you I would get a several year head start on Linda - skip the N altogether and buy a newer tractor.

TOH
 

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