First Tractor Purchase - 8N

Rollochrome · Feb 11, 2014

Just bought this tractor:

http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4320250789.html

I don't know a SINGLE THING about ANY tractor....much less the 8N.

HOWEVER....I am reading and learning. This looks like the forum with the most resources so I am glad to be here...

What can you tell me about this tractor from the pictures?

What is that sticking out of the side of the body past the steering wheel?

I hope the loose fitting grille (gap) is not indicative of some other problem...

Thanks!

(EDIT: Oh and I am sorry for the craigslist link. I tried to post a picture but the website didn't want me to do that as a new member in case I was not on the level or something

I tried emailing the mod but my email said it was not a valid address. If the mods can help me out and clear me I will post pics. Thank you!!!)

Fuddy Duddy · Feb 11, 2014

Looks like you got a good one.
"What is that sticking out of the side of the body past the steering
wheel?"
I think you are referring to the air cleaner with the jar? That's a
good thing to have.
Hood might had been replaced with an after market hood. They are
know for not fitting just right.
Hopefully, for what you gave for it you won't be doing a whole lots
of work to it for some time.
Welcome to the page. Great bunch of folks here.
8N Ford Tractor with 5 mower

W_B · Feb 11, 2014

Welcome! Looks to be in pretty decent shape. It appears you have a later 8N with the side distributor, easier to work on than the front mounted ones that are earlier models. Also looks like it has been converted to 12V (they came with a 6 volt system), also a good thing for a worker tractor. You might want to think about getting some sway bars for using that mower. They go from a bracket mounted under the fender to the pin on the implement to keep the side to side movement to a minimum. If you don't have the bracket on it it's easy enough to mount it.

Look for Bruce's 75 tips on this site. Lots of good stuff in there. Oh, and get a manual for it, available from our hosts here.

01BIRDDOG · Feb 11, 2014

Welcome here also. Looks like a really nice 8N that will give you a lifetime of service. You will never get tired of it being around.

Roger in Iowa · Feb 11, 2014

Looks like it has sway bars. Black ones.

Bruce (VA) · Feb 11, 2014

Congrats on the new tractor!

The thing sticking out of the hood is part of the air cleaner. Looks like a Harco brand from this distance.....

Check out the tips at the link below. The other pic is of the manuals I suggest you get (& read). Tip # 39.

Get an ORC if it doesn't already have one. (tip # 18)

The only problem w/ that grill is that it is a cheap after market version of the real thing.

If you want a good used OEM grill, check w/ these guys:

Jim Webb webbtractorATgmail.com.

John Smith smith8NATatt.net

Replace the AT in the address w/ @

And when you ask a question about the tractor, always ID it as " an 8N w/ a 12v conversion & a sidemount distributor". That's because troubleshooting is different depending upon the voltage of the charging system & the distributor.

75 Tips

mwbailey · Feb 11, 2014

Nice looking 8N, Rollochrome. I was in the exact
same position a little over two weeks ago; AND I
am still learning. Great forums for 8Ns, huh?

Yep, that object on the side is a Cyclone Air
Cleaner. Mine had one without the glass cup.
Found a replacement at Just 8Ns (Google them for
parts; other businesses are also out there). It
is supposed to be a "precaution for extra dirty
conditions" according to an advertising brochure.

You might want to double check your tractor's
serial number so you know the year -- ad on
Craiglist says 1950's, which sounds right with
side distributor. You can find serial number
lists on the web, but 1950 will be 242637 to 1951
as 343593 to 1952 from 442035 and above. If you
haven't looked, check on block just to the right
of the oil filter, should start with "8N" followed
by the number.

FYI, I got the operator's manual, Service Manual,
I&T Shop Manual (you'll see reference to FO-4),
and Parts Catalog. Lots of redundancy, but fun to
read on snowy day! Got them from Just 8Ns, but
available elsewhere -- don't mean to be an ad for
them!??!

Good luck.

kylemorley · Feb 11, 2014

You have come to the right place, and will get much good advice here.

Most of it, however, will be mechanical - what manuals to buy, what tools to use. But the most important things a new tractor owner needs to know concern safety issues. There are many ways to get badly hurt or killed on a tractor, and most of them are not intuitive - things like rollovers, frozen tires, fiddling with implements with the PTO running, when to back up a hill or ramp rather than driving frontwards. A new tractor will come with all sorts of built-in safety features, festooned with warning labels warning of specific hazard, and an owners manual filled with even more cautions. Not so your 60-year old antique - you got to got out and find the information for yourself.

Fortunately there are a lot of good extension service and manufacturer's webpages that have the information you need, as googling "tractor safety" will find. Taking the time to do so could easily save you from much grief.

Dan S (NY) · Feb 11, 2014

That looks like a nice setup!
Here are the pictures from the ad in case the listing is removed.

Dan

jon · Feb 11, 2014

I don't know a SINGLE THING about ANY tractor....much less the 8N.

I haven't read the entire post so may be repeating someone but if you ever have to pull something with a chain, hook it as low as possible. Better yet, never pull anything unless you have some type of implement hooked up to aid in it not flipping backwards.

Words to literally live by whether a newbie or a veteran. :wink:
Be careful & have fun.

Britcheflee · Feb 11, 2014

I cannot see from the picture but check it has an ORC for that brush hog - if not get one before using it. Otherwise looks really nice.
Lee

jon · Feb 11, 2014

I cannot see from the picture but check it has an ORC for that brush hog

I tried zooming it in but still couldn't tell.

if not get one before using it

Most definitely!!

Ultradog MN · Feb 11, 2014

You should add Tractor Rod (Wildchild on this board) to your list of used parts vendors.
Rod has semi loads of N parts and is parting other tractors all the time.

souNdguy · Feb 11, 2014

nice looker.. if she runs half as good as she looks.. I'd say you are ready to mow after checking for an ORC for safety.

Fuddy Duddy · Feb 11, 2014

Good folks at Just Ns. But lets also not forget the good folks that bring us this site. Parts are sold here too. Sometimes at better prices. Case in point, Just Ns exhaust system $50 Shipping for one (with other parts also) increased $15 to order one $40 if ordering two. Here exhaust is $27. Shipping for two is $9. How can you beat that? Shop around. But remember these folks bring us this page. So order here first when you can.

BERTL · Feb 11, 2014

Hi Rollo....Congratulations, very tidy looking 8N. Welcome to the site, take your time in getting acquainted with your N. They are all different, each has it's own particular needs and temperament!

Bruce (VA) · Feb 12, 2014

Tnx

I'll get his contact info & buy something from him.

I like to have personal experience w/ sellers before I recommend them to others.

First Tractor Purchase - 8N

Rollochrome

New User

Fuddy Duddy

Well-known Member

W_B

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01BIRDDOG

Member

Roger in Iowa

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Bruce (VA)

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mwbailey

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kylemorley

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Dan S (NY)

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jon

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Britcheflee

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jon

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Ultradog MN

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souNdguy

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Fuddy Duddy

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BERTL

New User

Bruce (VA)

Well-known Member

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