861 for 8N Update!

BUT!!!! the two stage clutch did not work. It would move the tractor just fine, but I could not depress it enough to stop the PTO. It is definitely an 861 (numbers stamped above the serial number) so it should have this option. Local old Ford tractor guru said a new clutch would be $500 plut ~$1000 in labor at the shop.

ALSO!!! the tractor would not go in 3rd gear. It would slip out any time I tried to use it. I think I read in the archives that this is a common problem. Same tractor guy told me another $1500 repair job. While I like working on tractors I'm definitely not looking for something where I have to split the tractor right off the bat.

SO!!! It looks like the search continues. A number of you wrote in about finding a newer utility tractor and keeping my 8N. This would be my preferred option, but I don't think I can afford it, nor talk the wife into it. She was very supportive of the upgrade, but not too keen on having two tractors. Plus, everything around here seems to be much more expensive than $5500.

Thanks for the advice. If anyone knows a good tractor with loader in the Northwest somewhere please let me know. I'd be willing to travel to get one.

Thanks

Levon

I had the exact same prob on the 960 that I just bought, I could not depress the clutch in far enough to disengage the PTO and left empty handed. Fortunately before getting too far into my 90 min drive home I talked to my local tractor guru and learned the following...
If you look where the clutch actuating arm meets the connecting rod you will see a pin being held in one of two holes...If you pop out the cotter pin, and slide the larger pin onto the rear hole (thereby lifting the pedal about 1") you will now have your two stage clutch. Unless somebody is using the live pto the pin is usually in the forward hole since the rear hold gives you a longer way to push the pedal. I attached a pic of mine, since I turned around and bought the tractor. fyi mine also has troubles in 3rd gear, I knew this when I bought it, but for the price I paid there are plenty of other gears to use... and one day it will be fixed (for lots less than $1500)

130 on all 4? almost new factory spec. And if oil pressure is good as it should be with that, you don't need an engine rebuild for a LONG time.

So, you split the tractor, or have it done..ya fix the two stage, check the gearing in third, fix that and re-assemble. Might as well put a new plate, th/o bearing and springs in if necessary..

Now you have a very good motor, a rebuilt clutch, a transmisssion to spec and a 3PTH that don't leak.

Well, you can't beat that...especially if you talk it down a bit to cover the cost of the clutch.

Again, don't know that asking price...but if it was within reason, why not go the extra step and have a tractor that's way above average for maintenance work that will need to be done at some point in time anyhow. IMHO. tom

Just one more thought from my experience. Don't rush into buying something unless you absolutely have to have something today. That's how I wound up with a 9N. Was looking for an 8N but none were for sale at that particular time. Saw the 9N and figured how much different could it be from the 52 8N and the Jubilee I was familiar with - DUH. Within a few weeks several 8N's showed up in the classifieds and 6 months later my Grandfather sold the aforementioned Fords at auction!

Good luck,

Dan