Is 8n the one

I'm not much of mechanic either - as these good folks know all too well.

So, I researched the Ns a bit, decided an 8N was what I wanted. And bought the best one I could find. I paid more than some of the super bargan Ns out there, but I wanted one that came to me as reliable as possible. I've had to do a few things to her now and again, but I'm still $10k ahead and having much more fun.

Besides my old girl has soul that the new JD will never have. At least not in my lifetime.

Brent

I would rather take the $15,000+ that I save on a 'new' tractor of comparable size to the 8N, and do my own warranty work, or pay someone else to do it and still be way ahead...

:-)

you gotta make a choice

do you want to play mechanic once a month or write a check once a month?

if the first get an N series ford get a twenty five dollar manual and trust me that there is nothing your can screw up beyond repair unless you ignore the answers to the questions you post on this board or you really work hard at screwing it up

if the second plenty of dealers, finance companies and dealer mechanics waiting to take your money. also free coffee most of the time

if the choice is anywhere close try to imagine yourself driving a Kubota in the forth of July parade and think again

your mileage may vary

If your place is kinda raw, like mine, and everyplace could use a little adjustment (take down that hill a little, grade that field, too many foxtails, grade for an above ground pool, trench for power/water, move dirt here and there, move heavy stuff (rocks, logs, lumber rack, etc.), then you might want to consider an N in good condition.

Like the posts said below, you do have to be willing to tinker some. But then you get to know your tractor and its manics. Plus it's just fun to use.

If you buy an N please subscribe.

For what I needed to do, plow snow, cut grass, brush hawg, etc, the 2N has worked fine. Someday I might need to get a tractor with more hp, a loader, power steering and such. I now realize that the 2N will have held its value when that time comes to trade it in.

By the way, the last motor I worked on, before I got the 2N, was a go-kart when I was 12. So far I have been able to keep up with the repairs, thanks mostly to the guys on this board.

Tips on looking at the tractor. When you get to it, start it up. Does it start easily? let it warm up and test the throttle. Does it go from idle to full throttle smoothly? Look at the exhaust. Is it blueish or white (oil or coolant being burned). Let the engine run and watch the radiator - look at it, don't open it! Watch for leaks or steam. Try all the gears and check the steering. Steering should be tight. Look at the amp meter. If it reads negative while running or above 10 amps, be careful - might be an electrical problem. Ask if it is pos. ground 6volt or if it is a 12 volt conversion. Try the pto and hydraulics. Is there an ORC on the pto - you will want one. Does the lift go all the way up smoothly? Is there any noise from the Transmission? Can the lift support an implement? ANy squeeks or taps coming from the engine?

Once you give it a good look over, talk to the guys on this board with questions.

And good luck.

If you are looking at modern tractors in the price range of an N, you are looking at lawn tractors, not small farm tractors. You get a lot more tractor for the money. You can use implements that are sold cheap at farm sales.

For the mechanical side, I am no mechanic, but the 8N is simple enough for me to understand. I can SEE everything.

Parts are everywhere, and so are owners. The first implement I bought at an auction someone asked me what kinda of tractor I had. I said "8N".

His reply with a smile -- "Don't we all".

Be confident that 8N's hold their value so well that if you get it and don't like it, you can probably sell it quickly and make money on the deal.