Is a loader even worth getting for a N?

Big Trees

Member
I've been told that a loader with a tractor without power steering is pointless as they said I'd need to have 'Popeye' strength to turn the tractor. But I see Ns for sale all of the time with loaders on them so I think to myself that if it was so hard to turn the wheel why would anybody have one let along multiple people having them.

I'm getting to the point that I'm going to start looking and saving for a loader. But I'm not sure if I should start looking for a loader for my 8N or if I should look for a totally different tractor that comes with a loader.

There's no place better to ask, in my opinion, so if you all wouldn't mind giving me your experiences with a loader on a N tractor I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.
 
I guess that it all depends on how heavy the loads are that you want to lift, how far you need to go with the load, and how often you need to do this task.

I have bought N's that have had loaders and the front end components and steering gear box are usually badly worn. So if you get a loader, plan on buying replacement steering parts. The front end is way too light to do much with a loader. The Dearborn loader which was designed for the Ns is a nightmare. You have to crawl up the back of the tractor to get on, usually remove the fenders, and have a nasty situation if you need to do any mechanical work on the engine or front mount distributor. In my estimation, the first well designed loader for similar size tractors was made by Superior. I have one on an IH 340 U. The front end on the 340U was built much stronger than the N series Fords had. Again, any tractor with a loader should have P.S. Some models of 1960's vintage Fords are well built for loader work.

A loader can be a very useful item, but it can make an already useful tractor into more of an elephant trying to get around in tight places. You will sacrifice the tractor's agility for loader work. Many people end up with a dedicated loader tractor, and a different tractor for field work.

Paul in MN
 
(quoted from post at 19:09:01 11/25/15) I've been told that a loader with a tractor without power steering is pointless as they said I'd need to have 'Popeye' strength to turn the tractor. But I see Ns for sale all of the time with loaders on them so I think to myself that if it was so hard to turn the wheel why would anybody have one let along multiple people having them.

I'm getting to the point that I'm going to start looking and saving for a loader. But I'm not sure if I should start looking for a loader for my 8N or if I should look for a totally different tractor that comes with a loader.

There's no place better to ask, in my opinion, so if you all wouldn't mind giving me your experiences with a loader on a N tractor I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

My advice - if you plan on using it rather than playing with it get yourself a "modern" tractor better suited to a loader. That would be something made in the last 3 decades at the oldest ;-)

It's not just PS - it's also things like hydraulics, gearing, 4WD, differential lock, and brakes. A modern quick detach loader doesn't tie the tractor up anymore than any other implement and a lot less than some older ones - e.g a sickle mower. A good quick detach 4WD hydrostatic loader tractor is one of the modern joys of life ;-)

TOH
 

Thank you all for the replies and the explanation and examples of why I need a loader on a different tractor. I had a feeling I was going to need a separate tractor for loader work. I did not think about some of the things that TOH listed though.

I wouldn't plan on using the loader that often but I surely don't want it to take away from how 'easy' it is to operate and work on the N.

I really appreciate you all's help. You're always very helpful.
 
Tom has it right.....I have a Ford 5000 diesel with a loader, and even though it has differential lock, geared pretty well, it is near helpless with a bucket full of much
of anything unless on dry ground. I have been stuck with it 3 times in past 10 years or so, and most or all the reason was due to the heavy loader on the front end.
Remove the loader and it is a different acting tractor. It just makes them very clumsy. I am sure a 4x4 or FWA tractor with hydrostatic trans would be much better. I
would not even consider an 8N with a loader.
 
(quoted from post at 20:10:25 11/25/15) Tom has it right.....I have a Ford 5000 diesel with a loader, and even though it has differential lock, geared pretty well, it is near helpless with a bucket full of much
of anything unless on dry ground. I have been stuck with it 3 times in past 10 years or so, and most or all the reason was due to the heavy loader on the front end.
Remove the loader and it is a different acting tractor. It just makes them very clumsy. I am sure a 4x4 or FWA tractor with hydrostatic trans would be much better. I
would not even consider an 8N with a loader.

Muddy ground will bring any rubber tired tractor to it's knees. Totally unloaded (unless you count me ;-)) this fella couldn't even walk up the slope at the work site after a little shower go the ground nice and greasy ;-)

TOH

IMG_0182_1.jpg
 

I have one tractor. It's an 8N with a Davis loader on it. I've had it for around 12 years or so. I have five acres to take care of in the hills. I also use it to maintain the dirt roads leading to my place.

The Davis loader is pretty heavy so I don't ever get that front end bouncing over ruts in the road with a load of wet dirt. I have also learned to steer only when the tractor is moving and to use the brakes to aid in steering.

Since it's my only tractor I would not want it to be without the loader. Sure, the loader makes your N tractor into a slow lumbering water buffalo but I've learned to live with it.

I would recommend getting another tractor well equipped to handle a loader if you can afford it. Save the N for the light work.
 

One more thing. If you put a loader on your N, You'll most likely have to change the front tires to handle the loaders weight.

My 8N has 6.50 X 16" street tread truck tires on it.
 
I have 2 fords with loaders on them. The 8N has a loader and a back hoe on it and that is all it is used for is as a back hoe tractor. The other is an 841 and works well and if you have fluid in the tires and enough of a load on the 3 point it does well. So you need to have something heavy on the 3 point to do much with a loader but it is sure better then a wheel barrow and shovel
 
If you had grown up pitching manure into the spreader with a fork, that N with a loader would have looked pretty spiffy. If you grew up with a bigger tractor with FWA and a loader, the N would look and feel pretty bad. How much you need to use the loader makes quite a difference too. If you need to move half a yard of dirt 3 times a year to patch holes in your driveway, the N would work out fine. If you are loading a 350 bushel manure spreader from a pile, forget the N.
 
I got an 8N with a front loader and everytime I use it I wish I had a modern tractor, but with the amount that I do use it, it works just fine. The one without a loader get used a lot more and sure steers easy.If I used it all the time, I would have a 4 wheel drive modern machine Orange in color.
 


You all make great points and I appreciate the replies. I would not be using it that often but I know I would find more jobs to use it on once we got one. I do not have the money for too much of a tractor, that's why I was considering getting a loader for the N but I don't want to spend the money on a loader if I could get a better tractor with a loader for a couple grand more. Not sure what I'll end up with in our price range but I'll start saving and see where it ends up. I didn't consider the 4x4 point that was made but I do see why having that option would be very useful. I'll just keep my eye on CL and local places and see what I see things going for and plan accordingly.

LOL @ Old. That's my situation now. A shovel and a trailer. lol

Thanks to all who responded!!
 
I have an 8N with a loader and have been well pleased with it. It's a good idea to get a second tractor for non loader work. You can pick up
Ns pretty cheap. Tractors with power steering don't come near as cheap. A counter weight on back can help make up the difference in
steering. If I was needing to do loader work every day then I'd spend the bucks for a more suited tractor. Loaders on Ns are handy. Great
for raising that deer up of skinning, Raising bungles of shingles up to the roof, light dirt work, unloading trailers, pulling fence post,
lifting engines and just all kind of uses. I'd say try it. Then if you don't like it you can always resale it. But I think you will be pleased.
 
A loader on an N has been used for years, so obviously it can be
done with reasonable results. It does turn a nimble little N into
a bear to steer, but it still beats a shovel and a wheelbarrow any
day of the week!

If I were going to use one on an N I would look for one that
was a step through the side model, not a jungle gym like the
old Dearborn and I think some of the Wagners were.
Otherwise as stated you have to crawl up and over to get on/off.
That can get slippery and dangerous in rain or snow.

With the step through style you can pretty easily remove the
arms and bucket when not needed to reduce the weight.
Four pins, two quick disconnect hoses. Most people who don't
have a dedicated loader tractor remove theirs in a similar way
even on more modern tractors to reduce wear on the front end.

The loaders for N series sized tractors weren't meant to load
dump trucks, dig gravel pits or move mountains.
Used within their intended limits, they work fine and there is
no real need for FWA or 4 wheel drive. If you're doing that kind
of work then buy something intended for that work like a TLB.
If you push them at all, you may need the front tire change
that was mentioned. I have had them on all of mine with a loader

This is a 9N with a step through loader converted from trip
bucket to hydraulic dump. Worked fine for snow and light
work. Don't try to move a round bale with it though!

30414.jpg


One of my Jubilees. I added power steering to this one and it
is now a designated loader tractor. It does nothing else.

30415.jpg
 

My first N came with a loader I thought I was in hog heaven even tho it was not much of a loader tractor. The transmission fudged up that lead to a engine transmission overhaul. After going thru all the chit the loader tore up and finding out how nibble the N was with out the loader I did not have the heart to put a loader back on it and fudge it up again, I sold the loader :D

I brought a 850 same deal the loader did not work to my liking and the loader had beat the tractor to death... It had power steering it was still not what I wanted I sold it BUT @45HP it was as strong a tractor I have ever owned...

Next I Brought a 3000 with a loader it needed a clutch the PTO clutch was stuck/worn out. I did some loader work with it, it had a lite built loader that was busted up and patched. It did OK but could not do any heavy work. I took it off and repaired all the chit the loader had torn up worn out... The 3000 was a ell of a tractor I did not have the heart to put a loader back on it (Its not for sale) I sold the loader :D the 3000 stays as long as I am here to hold on to it...

I brought a Kubota L4600 HST all it has to do is loader and mowing work... Every man that has a use for a tractor deserves to own one new one in his life time... I will keep my 3000 to plow with and my Farmalls to cultivate with...
 
I have over the years had many loaders that fit many machines. I see loader for the N series sell in my area for as little as $150 with a trip bucket up to a stupid price of well over $2000 which is just flat out crazy for a loader that fits the N. My 841 has a heavy duty loader on it and a Sherman combo and I have pushed over tree with it that where around 8 inch or so in diameter. Still remember getting pinned to the seat when many years ago I tried to push over a dead tree and a branch broke off and fell and hit in just such a way that I did not get hurt but got pinned down and had to wait for help to get off the tractor. The 841 still has a big dent in the hood for that branch
 
If you need a loader mainly to move stuff at ground level, consider a rear scoop (sometimes called a pond scoop). They can be had new for about $250 and used for much less. They attach and detach in minutes and don't damage or wear out the front end. A rear scoop can haul a surprising amount of dirt, gravel, crushed rock, etc., quickly and easily. It can also serve as a carry-all. I have two FELs for my Ns but haven't put them on since I built a rear scoop.
 
Sounds like you're wanting one to load manure? I have a Dearborn with a manure bucket (that will need work to be functional - no pump, and needs new hoses, brackets, etc.) that I'd be happy to sell very cheap (located near Peoria IL). I picked it up with the thought of putting it on my 8N, but in the end, decided not to for a lot of the reasons stated above – mostly because I use the tractor for a ton of other work on our 15 acre place. A loader would have reduced its utility on those other areas greatly.

2013_8N-vanbrundt.jpg


I eventually got an AC 190 (75 horse) that worked perfectly for the loader work I needed (despite only being 2WD). When it developed bad rod knock, I ran the numbers and decided to replace vs. repair, and now have a NH Boomer 8N (50 hp, 4WD) that's the cats.

2014_sheddirtpile.jpg


Not everyone is at a place where they can afford two tractors (that was me for a number of years), and if that's where you're at, you have to think through what all you need your [i:d791f2bde4]one[/i:d791f2bde4] tractor to do, and find the right balance. When all I had was the 8N, I decided a pitchfork was the better option for loading the manure spreader!

2015_two8Ns.jpg


es
 
BT,
Lots of good advice that comes from years
of experience in this thread.
I too will say that a loader will make a
dreadnought out of an otherwise nimble
tractor. Not only does the loader make it
much longer but all the extra counterweight
makes it heavy too.
One thing I didn't see mentioned here is a
3 pt boom pole. They work great for lifting
engines, implements and other heavy stuff.
Between a boom pole and a reversible scoop
I have gotten by pretty well without a
loader though someday I do hope to have a
dedicated loader tractor.
 
I've got 4 8N's; one trailer queen & 3 workers. One of the workers is a 1951 w/ a Freeman loader. If I could only own one N, it would not have a loader on it. The N doesn't have PS, so a loader makes it very difficult to steer. (my wife can't drive it) Stopping it on a down slope w/ a full bucket is a real joy as well. Maneuvering around trees, etc, w/ that bucket out there isn't fun either. Some require you to chain the lift arms down to operate the loader. And, try a simple 5 minute repair job (points replacement) w/ some loaders attached & you will not be happy. Worst of all, the N wasn't designed to carry the weight of the loader & the load, so be prepared for split radius rods & worn out front end parts.

As an alternative, as UD said, a boom pool and a rear scoop bucket on an N works very well.

As to ease of detachment.....it's not going to happen. The old loaders weren't meant to come off & on in 5 minutes like the new ones.

I built a frame to hold the lift cylinders, arms & bucket for my loader. I drive in & 20 - 30 minutes later & a lot of lost fluid, it's off.

There were at least 5 (& probably more) loaders built for N's; Wagner, Freeman, Dearborn, Davis & Sauder come to mind. Each has certain advantages over the other, (e.g., the Sauder does detach quicker) but all share the common disadvantages I mentioned above.

I do like Hobo's advice: " . Every man that has a use for a tractor deserves to own one new one in his life time.."

Hence my new M-F 1532 w/ a loader.
N1951-1.jpg

75 Tips
 
(quoted from post at 09:04:15 11/26/15) S

I eventually got an AC 190 (75 horse) that worked perfectly for the loader work I needed (despite only being 2WD). When it developed bad rod knock, I ran the numbers and decided to replace vs. repair, and now have a NH Boomer 8N (50 hp, 4WD) that's the cats.


Not everyone is at a place where they can afford two tractors (that was me for a number of years), and if that's where you're at, you have to think through what all you need your [i:505b772580]one[/i:505b772580] tractor to do, and find the right balance. When all I had was the 8N, I decided a pitchfork was the better option for loading the manure spreader!


es

The Boomer/8N picture is a nice touch and I'm envious ;-)

So how long does it take to detach the loader on the Boomer - I'm guessing about 3-5 minutes ;-) That plus the skid steer style quick attach bucket makes things soooo much more convenient than the old style loaders. For those who aren't familiar with how modern loaders mount/dismount here's a little Boomer loader promotional video - the loader quick attach demo starts at 1:50 in.

[u:505b772580]Boomer Loaders[/u:505b772580]

Have a great Thanksgiving !!

TOH
 
Big Trees........gotta confess FEL beats a wheelbarrow'n'pitchfork. When I need FEL work, I rent one ($150/day) or HIRE my neighbor down the street who is a professional backhoe operator. (he works cheep on Sunday) I find the 3-pt scoop or 3-pt blade all I need to keep my 5-acres of starvation grass (moss?) in shape fer my sheep that I use to train my Australian Shepherd Dog fer competition against Border Collies........Dell
 


Thank you all for the replies! Very informative posts and suggestions along with other options and the brands that manufactured FELs for the N tractors are very much appreciated!


I will look into my local options and I will continue to keep my eyes on prices for tractors that come with a FEL already. There is a guy close by and he has 2 tractors with 4x4 and FELs but I don't have enough to buy those at the moment. I'll have to save a while but I think in the long run I'd be happier. I may have to work my way up to that stage but I'm used to that in life by now.


Thank you all sincerely!

Ed S - Funny thing is I was born at SF in Peoria but no longer live in that area. I'm in Texas, outside of Dallas. I appreciate you throwing that out there, never know when somebody on here may be your neighbor lol. Thank you.
 
Ed S - Funny thing is I was born at SF in Peoria but no longer live in that area. I'm in Texas, outside of Dallas. I appreciate you throwing that out there, never know when somebody on here may be your neighbor lol. Thank you.

LOL! Small world, but I'd hate to have to paint it!

One of my brothers used to live outside Dallas, so I've been there before. I'm from GA originally, myself.

es
 

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