8N Stability?

I "lived with" an 8N from late 1949 to 1984. I and my bro did all sorts of odd jobs around the neighborhood over all those years. You absolutely cannot go wrong with a Ford N series mosheene!

Yes, they come up short on power for many people. If so, that is a purchaser's mistake- not understanding their needs. It was advertised and sold as a 20 HP tractor.

Back flips and roll overs with the Ford N series come off as near impossible. Anybody that claims one of them musta been into some kinda suicidal mode, or only had three warm brain cells. A back flip simply don't work because of the three point mounted equipment.

Or some moron pulling hitched above the axels center line. All that talk comes off as clues to an insurance scam, or suicide, with me.

"Wheelies", yes I experienced 'em many times. Keep in mind that back flip stops when the rear mounted implement hits the ground.

On the other hand... I got a neighbor pushing up sod now, because his Farmall M back flipped him into the manure spreader he was pulling up a hill. What a way to go! Yuck!

The Ford N series equipment is better than gold as an investment, and even better for actual use. The near 70 year old design is beyond criticism and the stuff just keeps on running, more so than the Energizer Bunny.

If you get a chance, grab an N series tractor. It'll out live all of us.

Grins, IHank

i'd get the N.

The 8N, IMHO, is far superior for any, and all, tasks to the Farmall A.

The Farmall A is a collectors item and should be viewed that way. I know some that 'work', but very few.

The Ford 8N (or any N) is a worker! It is also very collectable because of it's inherent simplicity, versatility, beauty and grace.
I have never heard of an 'N' going over backwards that was not the fault of an inatentive or inexperienced operator.

Parts for the 'N's are readily available, and comparativly inexpensive.

I could go on, but I won't...

Paul II

PS I am a 7th generation Vermonter. Would I lie to you :-)

I am about 10 miles south of Burlington. My Mother's family has been in this town since 1880.
Dad's family are newbies to the Champlain Valley. They have only been this side of the mountains since 1900. Both sides are French and Indian and emmigrated from Canada in the early 1800's.

Paul II, In Vermont

I don't think I've ever heard a better description of the N series tractor!

Problem is, people do stupid things with the tractor, like skidding logs with a chain hooked to the top link attachment.

Use your head, observe standard tractor safety rules(do an internet search for "tractor safety" and see how many hits you get), don't cowboy the tractor and you'll be OK.

It'd be helpful to know what your plans are, and what kinds of implements you want to use.