Hey Mr Magoo!

Thank goodness I didn't sell my Fergie!! The 8N developed a cooling system problem- I dont yet know if it's just the head gasket, or a cracked head or block. Someone had put ceramic engine sealer in the motor (I found evidence of it in the block draincock)....and it just must've decided to let go after I bought the tractor! Since the N parts seem to sell good, that was all the motivation I needed to part the tractor rather than fix it! (And since my Fergie only got bid up to $1725 on Ebay...) My over-all impressions: The Fergies are definitely a better tractor. They're simpler (less to break!)and made stronger. The Fergies are designed better too- evidenced by such things as one pedal to operate both brakes, and seperate pedals for individual brake use. The hood on the Fergie opens....which makes access a lot easier! The Fords are cool tractors....and will probably appreciate in value....and the parts may be a little cheaper and easier to get....but for doing real work, the Fergie is the winner! I bush-hog 27.5 acres with my Fergie (hilly land) and it's a champ! (How could I even think of selling her?...I must go outside and kiss it!....well...maybe not...my dog might get jealous!)

Mr. MaGoo (My eyes should be as good as his!)

Mine ran when I got it..... but it had its' quirks.....I wanted to make a good reliable tractor out of, so I fixed all the "little" things, like the carb and a major tune-up, exhaust, fluid changes, etc. And now I have a tractor that you just have to tap the starter, and she fires right off, and never quits.

Some people say these old tractors are fussy and not reliable.....but I wanted to make sure that mine wasn't!

I think so highly of this tractor, that I'd like to read a biography of Harry Ferguson- He must've been both smart and honest- as those qualities shine through in his tractors....even fifty years later.