First Tractor Purchase - 8N - UPDATE!!!!

Rollochrome

New User
Well drats! Hate to say it but my trip was a bust.

I drove 200 miles round trip to pick up the new 8n and hog only to find the following....

* Tractor was NOT restored. Only sprayed with rusteoleum all over.

* The motor and rest of the lower tractor was painted red, along with a good layer of flaking rust sprayed red, the fan belt sprayed red, the hoses sprayed red, all the wires sprayed red....everything. So if the guy that sold these folks this tractor didn't bother wire brushing the rust off....he probably didn't do anything else either..

* The bush hog had a nice coat of red too all over the significantly pitted top, dents all over, and then there was this huge hole in the top of the deck that appeared to have been made with a cutting torch???

* Tires were worn down and very cracked. Could not believe they held air.

* Manifold and exhaust system was spray painted black with lots of over spray...

* Bushings in the steering linkage were 100% disintegrated..

* Choke knob missing

All for $3,500...and that's just what I could see in 3 minutes.

What a disappointment... I left it right where I found it and drove home.

$100 in diesel and 4 hours wasted....

I never felt so good walking away from a deal. If it had been a thousand or more less...I might have considered it. But in my mind, $3500 is the high end and should need nothing.

Well.....back to the drawing board..! :)
 
(quoted from post at 19:51:15 02/13/14) Well drats! Hate to say it but my trip was a bust.

I drove 200 miles round trip to pick up the new 8n and hog only to find the following....

* Tractor was NOT restored. Only sprayed with rusteoleum all over.

* The motor and rest of the lower tractor was painted red, along with a good layer of flaking rust sprayed red, the fan belt sprayed red, the hoses sprayed red, all the wires sprayed red....everything. So if the guy that sold these folks this tractor didn't bother wire brushing the rust off....he probably didn't do anything else either..

* The bush hog had a nice coat of red too all over the significantly pitted top, dents all over, and then there was this huge hole in the top of the deck that appeared to have been made with a cutting torch???

* Tires were worn down and very cracked. Could not believe they held air.

* Manifold and exhaust system was spray painted black with lots of over spray...

* Bushings in the steering linkage were 100% disintegrated..

* Choke knob missing

All for $3,500...and that's just what I could see in 3 minutes.

What a disappointment... I left it right where I found it and drove home.

$100 in diesel and 4 hours wasted....

I never felt so good walking away from a deal. If it had been a thousand or more less...I might have considered it. But in my mind, $3500 is the high end and should need nothing.

Well.....back to the drawing board..! :)

Yea I went and looked at a "restored" 800 series a couple of years ago. I didn't take a trailer because it was only 20 miles. Figured I'd pay 1/2 then the other 1/2 when I returned with the trailer. What a joke. The seller tried making all these claims but I didn't like the answers it got. Sand blasted the entire tractor and used 200 pounds of sand (can you imagine the potential of sand getting past the seals and into something important?). No boots on the tie rod ends, Claimed to have rebuilt the engine but had more than a little smoke when running. Guy was asking 4K (price wasn't in his ad). I told the guy thanks for your time and by the time I could walk 50 feet and get in the car he came down to 3K.

Rick
 
OH and this should open you up to maybe a better tractor at less money.

Don't rule out the NAA, 6/800 series.

Rick
 
BTDT.
I made a 10 hr round trip in Dec to buy a tractor and came home empty handed as well.
Transmission was bad in it.
I just decieded to get over it. What else can you do?
In your case I would give yourself a second chance and have a second thought about buying an N.
Maybe think about a 1955 and newer Ford.
A 600, 601, 800,801, 2000, 3000 or some such are WAY better tractors and can be had for that same $3500 if you look around a bit.
 
Thought you had already bought it. there are plenty of tractors out
there with paint jobs like you described. If you were to take a
tractor to a body shop to get painted it would cost more than
painting a car. Not easy to paint one right. I'm currently going
threw a $400 8N. At least I'll know what I have once finished. Better
to lose $100 than what it could had been. I like Ns, but for the
asking price of that tractor you could get a lots more tractor.
you are wise enough to see threw that seller. Others have been on
here that weren't so lucky.
 
It may be for the best after all.
$3500 is high for an 8N, even where they are popular.
I love my N series tractors, but at that price, 801 or thousand series.
 
Google TractorHouse There are 80 8N on it last I looked and every other flavor that's made.Bet you find what you want for less.
 
(quoted from post at 20:52:00 02/13/14) Thought you had already bought it. .

Well in my mind, I had. We agreed on price and they were even volunteering to deliver it. Wow what a deal THAT would have been....for them to show up at my house with that tractor on the flatbed..
 
(quoted from post at 20:53:22 02/13/14) It may be for the best after all.
$3500 is high for an 8N, even where they are popular.
I love my N series tractors, but at that price, 801 or thousand series.

That's what I am thinking......

Like the prior post says, I am not giving UP on the N...but I am starting to look at other, newer options, NAA and up....

I would prefer something with a front loader but assumed it was out of my price range. Perhaps I'll toss that back in the mix and see where The Lord has a better rig out there for me.
 
(quoted from post at 01:05:59 02/14/14) Google TractorHouse There are 80 8N on it last I looked and every other flavor that's made.Bet you find what you want for less.

Just be aware that the asking price on tractor house is that, asking. The selling price can be very different. My last 8N was listed for 2500 and purchased for 1700.

Rick
 
I know this is not popular to say here but the the Ns were merely Fords First tractor but by no means were they the best.
All of the tractors below would eat an Ns lunch.


<a href="http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/grd/4323468466.html" target="_blank">Here is a 3 cylinder 2000 that has a lot of potential.</a>

<a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4332527504.html" target="_blank">Looks like a nice 600 for $3450.</a>

<a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4298985767.html" target="_blank">This would be a fantastic loader tractor because of the extra heavy front axle.</a>

<a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4294793539.html" target="_blank">Another 600.</a>

<a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4327396764.html" target="_blank">Another 3 cylinder 2000.</a>

<a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4327394866.html" target="_blank">I'm not real big on Jubilees but this one looks ok.</a>

<a href="http://fortsmith.craigslist.org/grd/4306520258.html" target="_blank">I don't know how far you want to drive but here is an 841.</a>

<a href="http://fortsmith.craigslist.org/grd/4299805960.html" target="_blank">A 3000 for a little more $. These are outstanding machines.</a>
 
(quoted from post at 05:26:44 02/14/14) I know this is not popular to say here but the the Ns were merely Fords First tractor but by no means were they the best.
All of the tractors below would eat an Ns lunch.


&lt;a href="http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/grd/4323468466.html" target="_blank"&gt;Here is a 3 cylinder 2000 that has a lot of potential.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4332527504.html" target="_blank"&gt;Looks like a nice 600 for $3450.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4298985767.html" target="_blank"&gt;This would be a fantastic loader tractor because of the extra heavy front axle.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4294793539.html" target="_blank"&gt;Another 600.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4327396764.html" target="_blank"&gt;Another 3 cylinder 2000.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4327394866.html" target="_blank"&gt;I'm not real big on Jubilees but this one looks ok.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://fortsmith.craigslist.org/grd/4306520258.html" target="_blank"&gt;I don't know how far you want to drive but here is an 841.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://fortsmith.craigslist.org/grd/4299805960.html" target="_blank"&gt;A 3000 for a little more $. These are outstanding machines.&lt;/a&gt;


Awesome!!

Most of those are closer than the trip I took yesterday.

Thanks for the searches and moreover...thanks for the opinion and insight.
 
You do not have to pay $3500 for a tractor. I bought my 8N for $2000 twenty six years ago and it would still be worth that today. Not a bad investment. This tractor can do anything I need done on our 10 acres. I run it about every other day all winter long. It is 6 volt and starts even at the -22 we had this week. Very easy to work on and parts are readily available. I don't think you could go wrong with a 8N. Just my opinion.
 
Thanks for the update, glad you didn't get burned on it. I think it wise to never buy without seeing it in person unless you have a person you trust to look at it for you or buying from a trusted source. Nothing wrong with an N if that will serve your needs. I've had them for the last 22 yrs and still working for me on our small place.

Something with a loader will probably set you back $5K and above. Even might find a mechanic's special for less. Just don't get an N with a loader, despite what some here say (and they probably will if the "N_loader_faithful" read this). I've been looking at them for the last year or so on Tractor House in the over 40 hp category. But, I've decided that a compact/sub compact with loader and a finish mower will serve me better (have 41 llamas to clean up manure in the barn, wife insists on everyday cleanup!). We already have a 9N and an 8N for heavier work like bush hog type mower, rear blade and pulling a 125 bu. manure spreader, so saving my pennies to get something that's under $15K in a much newer model. Local dealer has gotten big in Mahindras and was making good deals, last fall at least. I'm starting to see more posted on C List as we get closer to spring too.

Good luck with the hunt!
 
I really like the looks of the 3400I. I have a 4400 and it is the best tractor I own. Power like you wouldn't believe, and with the 753 hoe on the back it will do just about anything. The Industrial Fords, (like this 3400I) have a "mo betta" steering/front-axle system because they were meant to have loaders on them. My 4400 also has bigger brakes than the neighbors 4000 Farm Tractor, so that might be a plus too! Like UD said, that would probably be a bullet proof loader tractor.
Bryce
 
(quoted from post at 10:17:10 02/14/14)
(quoted from post at 05:26:44 02/14/14) I know this is not popular to say here but the the Ns were merely Fords First tractor but by no means were they the best.
All of the tractors below would eat an Ns lunch.


&lt;a href="http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/grd/4323468466.html" target="_blank"&gt;Here is a 3 cylinder 2000 that has a lot of potential.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4332527504.html" target="_blank"&gt;Looks like a nice 600 for $3450.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4298985767.html" target="_blank"&gt;This would be a fantastic loader tractor because of the extra heavy front axle.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4294793539.html" target="_blank"&gt;Another 600.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4327396764.html" target="_blank"&gt;Another 3 cylinder 2000.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/4327394866.html" target="_blank"&gt;I'm not real big on Jubilees but this one looks ok.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://fortsmith.craigslist.org/grd/4306520258.html" target="_blank"&gt;I don't know how far you want to drive but here is an 841.&lt;/a&gt;

&lt;a href="http://fortsmith.craigslist.org/grd/4299805960.html" target="_blank"&gt;A 3000 for a little more $. These are outstanding machines.&lt;/a&gt;


Awesome!!

Most of those are closer than the trip I took yesterday.

Thanks for the searches and moreover...thanks for the opinion and insight.

I know this is not a popular thing to say here here but may i make a small suggestion ;-) Go visit a local tractor dealership (any brand) and test drive a 30 HP Hydro 4WD compact tractor with loader. If they have a 5 or 10 year old used one even better. Lie through your teeth to them. Tell them you really are interested in what they have to sell and make them explain all of the features. Mention their competitors machines and even and old Ford tractors and hear what they have to say. You have never owned a tractor before so consider that basic education.

Then go shopping for a $5-$7K loader tractor on the used market. Don't buy anything you cannot test drive and make sure you operate several different models and sizes to get a feel for the differences. You will be surprised what you can find at that price many of which won't be Ford blue. Yes - you can buy an older $3k machine without a loader but you are simply postponing the inevitable and likely increasing the final cost.

TOH
 
Did I hear someone say 4400? :)
I'm building one out of parts from 3 different tractors.
I've had a bunch of 2/3/4000s, 3400s, 3600s, etc, etc but always need the dough for something else and have to sell them.
I like the 3 cylinder Fords.
I've been wanting to replace my own 3000 with something and the standard 4000 is just too tall and long for my purposes.
The 4400 is built low and short like a Hereford bull. Close to a 3000 in size but more weight, HP, better brakes, better steering.
I've been using it as is to move snow this winter. Kind of a hodgepodge but it's a good runner. I wont put a loader on it. It'll just be my all purpose machine.
Rollochrome, I snuck down your way this winter (Quinlan, TX) and hauled home a tractor just to get this engine.


100_1534.jpg
 
Though I'm partial to these old Fords TOH I tend to agree with you.
Newer is better in just about every regard and the newest are probably the best.
 
(quoted from post at 16:05:12 02/14/14) Not going say any about a loader on an N except I love mine.
Question is after reading this guys ad, "What size is considered
'compact'"? Seems he has a mighty BIG compact wouldn't you say?
46 hp compact ford tractor

Well Kubota calls their B series tractors compacts and the biggest thing in that lineup is a B3200 that checks in at 2400 unballasted pounds, 32 HP diesel, and sits on 16" rubber.

The L series is the next size range up and they call them utility tractors - 30-50 HP on 24 inch rubber.

I came really close to buying a 30HP L2800 about 3 years ago. Would have come in a biscuit over 4000 pounds with quick detach loader and filled tires. All the tractor I could ever need and delivered to my door for a paltry 18K. I'm sure I could have negotiated a bit off that "sticker price" but in the end decided it was a luxury I didn't really need. In other words TOOH said no. But now that I gave her a very nice almost new BMW for Xmas my negotiating position is a whole lot stronger and I've been looking at the Grand L :roll:

TOH
 
I agree with trying before buying. New or used.
I listed this one on CL for $4500 this past fall.
Right after it started snowing.

25HP 4x4 diesel, power steering, loader, full set of front suitcase
weights, rear weights, 3pt hitch with draft control, diff lock, 4x2
manual transmission and an auxiliary trencher tranny, like new tires
all the way around, 500 and 1000 RPM live PTO, ROPS and canopy.

If I wore size 9 shoes I probably would have kept it, but I wear
size 12 boots. I had trouble getting on and off with all those levers
in the way, and didn't really have much room to work the pedals.
So even though it was newer and had more features, it wasn't
very usable for me. The guy that bought it sure loves it!

BTW, it's a 2007 that had 686 hours on the clock.

mvphoto3590.jpg
 
What a bummer.

I put a lot of time and effort into fixing up my '47 2N last winter. I was going to sell it so that I could justify further tractor purchases (more like rescue projects). I had a serious buyer and we actually agreed on a price. But while showing it to him, the engine developed a misfire on #4. I lost the sale.

It might have been a good think in the end as I have used the tractor quite a bit since, even with just 3 cylinders popping. Still need to work on it.

Colin, MN
 
While I am fond of side mount 8N's,
in my area all N's are badly overpriced.
nice ones are in the 2500-3500 range..
.......which I consider a bad joke.
That much money will buy a very nice 600-800
and even sniff around the later 'Blue' ones.

Like the other posters say, go to a modern tractor dealer too,
and check em out.
I put off buying a new tractor for a lot of years because of the price.
But, with 0 percent manufacturer loans, it's just 'forced savings'
and you get to have the tractor while you're 'saving' for it :)
I keep my old ones to work the dirt, and for something to work on,
but my loader equipped, HST, 4WD, 30hp diesel B7800 is a joy,
and is holding up well to the 100% heavy loader work I give it.
 
so with my size 14's your saying this wouldnt have been a good choise? onthese smaller tractors how far will the bucket lift? im looking a loader tractor i can haul around, but it needs to clear 7 foot and still dump , my jd is just too much to haul all over it weighs between 9 and 10 thousand lbs
 
Don't think 14's would even get on that tractor.
At least not with boots on!
The max height is 7' 10", max lift 1300lbs both at the pivot pin.

I would put these tractors in a "home owner" category myself.
They're not as well built as others, like a Kubota for example.
They cost $13,500 brand new with the loader so for light use
they a pretty reasonable alternative.
Some nice folks in Texas had all the parts I needed on the shelf.
Shipped them out same day. But a water pump was $170.
 

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