Hi everyone, new to the forum and looking for some info on tractors out there. A little back ground. I have a 1/2 mile all sand driveway that is a disaster when it rains or the snow melts (i live in MI). Over the next few years i will be purchasing tons and tons of clay/aggregate to fix the driveway but in the meantime i need a tractor with a back blade to smooth and fix it for now as a band-aid to the problem. My budget is $3000 or less and primarily have been seeing many Ford 2/8/9N's out there with a blade that fall in my budget on craigslist. The occasional Massey TO-35 or Allis-Chalmers but i know nothing about these old machines and am looking for some guidance. Which is known for their reliability? Which to stay away from? Again my ONLY use is to smooth/grade/crown my driveway. I will never be brushhogging, discing, etc. Most likely the thing will never be used in the cold months. I'd love diesel but pretty sure that is outside of my budget. Thoughts and suggestions? Thanks in advance!!
- Thread starter adammc224
- Start date
I'd suggest a Ford 600 800 series, a Ferguson or Massey Ferguson of the same vintage/power.
Easy to operate, parts availability, overall handiness. Never say never; you may want to
cut the grass that borders your drive and one of these will do that job too. Good Luck and
welcome to YT
Ben
Easy to operate, parts availability, overall handiness. Never say never; you may want to
cut the grass that borders your drive and one of these will do that job too. Good Luck and
welcome to YT
Ben
Brendon Warren
Well-known Member
I'd have to agree with centash. The number series are a lot more tractor than an N for not a lot more money.
Welcome to the forum! I happen to be a Ford fan and think
those old N's are great little tractors. Parts are everywhere
and they are relatively cheap. They have limits though.
The main detractor for what you're looking to do is the lack of
live hydraulics. What that means on the N's is that the PTO has
to be on and the clutch has to be out/engaged to lift the blade.
If you stop the tractor you have to put it in neutral and let the
clutch out to lift the blade then put it back in gear to move.
Not bad with a blade once you get used to it; worse with a
mower, but you said you weren't worried about mowing.
The 8N added position control over the 9N/2N. With that the
blade will stay where you put it. On the 9N/2N 3 pt is basically
up or down. It doesn't stay in the middle unless you add
position control with an add-on like the Zane Thang.
There were two major "versions" of the 8N also. The earlier
ones had a front mounted proprietary distributor like the 9N/2N
and the later ones had a side mounted distributor much like a
car or truck. Parts are available for both but the front mount
is a little trickier for people to get used to working on.
If you went one step up in the Ford line up to a Jubilee/NAA
you would get live hydraulics that will move anytime the
engine is running. 600 series even better.
Be very careful buying an Ford off Craigslist. Many times
the seller doesn't know what model they actually have. They
are just going by what they were told and it may not be right.
That's why you see adds advertising them as 9N/2N/8N/Jubilee
all in the same ad. To some folks they are all the same, when
in reality they're not even close.
What part of Michigan? I have all of the above tractors in Ionia
county. If you're close enough you're welcome to take a look
and see how they work so you'll know what your getting.
Mine are not for sale, so no need to worry about a salesman!
One last thought, $3000 is too high for an N with a blade.
$1500 to $1800 would be plenty to spend on one in good
working order with good tires. Tires are expensive!
You can find them cheaper than that if you're patient.
those old N's are great little tractors. Parts are everywhere
and they are relatively cheap. They have limits though.
The main detractor for what you're looking to do is the lack of
live hydraulics. What that means on the N's is that the PTO has
to be on and the clutch has to be out/engaged to lift the blade.
If you stop the tractor you have to put it in neutral and let the
clutch out to lift the blade then put it back in gear to move.
Not bad with a blade once you get used to it; worse with a
mower, but you said you weren't worried about mowing.
The 8N added position control over the 9N/2N. With that the
blade will stay where you put it. On the 9N/2N 3 pt is basically
up or down. It doesn't stay in the middle unless you add
position control with an add-on like the Zane Thang.
There were two major "versions" of the 8N also. The earlier
ones had a front mounted proprietary distributor like the 9N/2N
and the later ones had a side mounted distributor much like a
car or truck. Parts are available for both but the front mount
is a little trickier for people to get used to working on.
If you went one step up in the Ford line up to a Jubilee/NAA
you would get live hydraulics that will move anytime the
engine is running. 600 series even better.
Be very careful buying an Ford off Craigslist. Many times
the seller doesn't know what model they actually have. They
are just going by what they were told and it may not be right.
That's why you see adds advertising them as 9N/2N/8N/Jubilee
all in the same ad. To some folks they are all the same, when
in reality they're not even close.
What part of Michigan? I have all of the above tractors in Ionia
county. If you're close enough you're welcome to take a look
and see how they work so you'll know what your getting.
Mine are not for sale, so no need to worry about a salesman!
One last thought, $3000 is too high for an N with a blade.
$1500 to $1800 would be plenty to spend on one in good
working order with good tires. Tires are expensive!
You can find them cheaper than that if you're patient.
Hobo,NC
Well-known Member
- Location
- Sanford, NC
$3000 Ford 2/8/9N's are 54 to 70 year old tractors. Most will need $1500 in parts and a ton of labor to make them dependable. I would not buy a 2/9N with a front mount distributor unless it was at scrap price. Its EZ to invest 3 to 4500 in a N that's only worth 1500 to 2K.
I would be looking for a Ford 3000 with 8sp trans with power steering. in the 3 to 5K range...
I would be looking for a Ford 3000 with 8sp trans with power steering. in the 3 to 5K range...
A lot of nice features started appearing on tractors in the mid 1950s through 1965.
Live hydraulics, live pto, power steering. 5-8 forward gears.
Even of you don't understand what those mean or don't plan to use them today, they are very good features to have, and I would research what
they are and how much nicer a tractor is with them.
The Ford n series is popular because "grandpa had one" and everyone remembers them as the first tractor to have a 3pt hitch, sized to replace
a team of horses. They tend to be a little overpriced for what they actually are tho, you can buy a tractor with better features from my list for less
money sometimes.
If you are going to invest in a tractor, having a loader on it makes it a "Swiss army knife useful" type of a thing. This might put you over your
budget, but if you can you won't ever regret getting a loader on your tractor. Very handy for moving dirt piles for example, and digging out
trouble spots to refill, etc. then used to move all sorts of bulky things around the place.
Paul
Live hydraulics, live pto, power steering. 5-8 forward gears.
Even of you don't understand what those mean or don't plan to use them today, they are very good features to have, and I would research what
they are and how much nicer a tractor is with them.
The Ford n series is popular because "grandpa had one" and everyone remembers them as the first tractor to have a 3pt hitch, sized to replace
a team of horses. They tend to be a little overpriced for what they actually are tho, you can buy a tractor with better features from my list for less
money sometimes.
If you are going to invest in a tractor, having a loader on it makes it a "Swiss army knife useful" type of a thing. This might put you over your
budget, but if you can you won't ever regret getting a loader on your tractor. Very handy for moving dirt piles for example, and digging out
trouble spots to refill, etc. then used to move all sorts of bulky things around the place.
Paul
RobCons
Well-known Member
- Location
- Central Alabama
Like Royse I am also a Ford fan. I have a 641 which is in the 601 series. In Central Alabama a tractor like mine typically sells for $2500 - $3200 with some sort of implement. I do tractor work for hire with it including driveway work. The tractor does great with a box blade for this. As others have said never say never. Once you get a tractor you will find uses for it. Cutting grass/brush, driveway work, dragging fallen trees around, dragging vehicles around, digging holes, etc. When looking for a tractor be sure to check out the tires. A new set of tires can cost what an old tractor is worth almost.
Zachary Hoyt
Well-known Member
A Massey 35 or 50 is a great tractor for what you want to do, so are the number series fords. The 35 is still being manufactured overseas under another name.
Zach
Zach
Well thank you for all the quick responses!! Where to start....great info on the Ford's. Thats precisly what i was looking for cause at
a glance i cant tell a difference between the 2, 8 and 9 N. From the sounds of it i will rule out the 2 and 9N, i think the Jubilee or
NAA would be great however i dont see them as often although they are out there and within my budget. There is a to-35 i have seen that
peeked my interest as well. Glad to hear those seem like a good choice. I live in Kalamazoo (for whomever that was that asked). So i
suppose i have narrowed the field to a 8N, Jubilee, NAA, Massey 35 or 50 correct? I certaintly wouldnt turn down a tractor with a
bucket as im sure i would find a use but is not a requirement. Thanks again!!
a glance i cant tell a difference between the 2, 8 and 9 N. From the sounds of it i will rule out the 2 and 9N, i think the Jubilee or
NAA would be great however i dont see them as often although they are out there and within my budget. There is a to-35 i have seen that
peeked my interest as well. Glad to hear those seem like a good choice. I live in Kalamazoo (for whomever that was that asked). So i
suppose i have narrowed the field to a 8N, Jubilee, NAA, Massey 35 or 50 correct? I certaintly wouldnt turn down a tractor with a
bucket as im sure i would find a use but is not a requirement. Thanks again!!
Looks like i messed up my inital reply...
Well thank you for all the quick responses!! Where to start....great info on the Ford's. Thats precisly what i was looking for cause at a glance i cant tell a difference between the 2, 8 and 9 N. From the sounds of it i will rule out the 2 and 9N, i think the Jubilee or NAA would be great however i dont see them as often although they are out there and within my budget. There is a to-35 i have seen that peeked my interest as well. Glad to hear those seem like a good choice. I live in Kalamazoo (for whomever that was that asked). So i suppose i have narrowed the field to a 8N, Jubilee, NAA, Massey 35 or 50 correct? I certaintly wouldnt turn down a tractor with a bucket as im sure i would find a use but is not a requirement. Thanks again!!
Well thank you for all the quick responses!! Where to start....great info on the Ford's. Thats precisly what i was looking for cause at a glance i cant tell a difference between the 2, 8 and 9 N. From the sounds of it i will rule out the 2 and 9N, i think the Jubilee or NAA would be great however i dont see them as often although they are out there and within my budget. There is a to-35 i have seen that peeked my interest as well. Glad to hear those seem like a good choice. I live in Kalamazoo (for whomever that was that asked). So i suppose i have narrowed the field to a 8N, Jubilee, NAA, Massey 35 or 50 correct? I certaintly wouldnt turn down a tractor with a bucket as im sure i would find a use but is not a requirement. Thanks again!!
I've been around 2-8-9n fords since 1960. I buy 1 or 2 almost every month and haul them straight to the scrap yard. if you want something that has to be worked on almost every time you want it to run-- buy one of the darn things. If you want to get your work done and want a ford, buy a 2 or 3000. much better tractor and far more dependable. Check out the 2-8-9n forum and see how many people are complaining about getting the darn things to start. If I had to use 75 tips to start my tractor and keep it running, I would not own it. MF 35 far more dependable,D14 or D15 Ac with 3 point hitch far more dependable and desirable.
Determined
Well-known Member
While you are waiting for the right deal to come around you might want to check if your county does custom work.
What you will spend a day doing with a small tractor a good operator on a grader will do in an hour or less, and do a better job. Probably cost you $150 - $200 hr.
What you will spend a day doing with a small tractor a good operator on a grader will do in an hour or less, and do a better job. Probably cost you $150 - $200 hr.
Prices are somewhat regional but you should be able to find a decent 6/8** series tractor for less than $3,000.00, perhaps even a 2/3000 three cylinder. (Though, I would not recommend a 2/3000 three cylinder tractor with a (single range) four speed transmission due to ground speed.) These tractors are much more modern and versatile than the older 9/2/8N tractors and can often be found for around $1,000 more than n 8N in similar condition.
I doubt that you will find any reliable 4X4 compacts for $3,000 aside from grey market machines.
Dean
I doubt that you will find any reliable 4X4 compacts for $3,000 aside from grey market machines.
Dean
Where you are is in the Great Lakes Snow belt so where you sad it would not be used in winter I question that. What do you have for snow removeing that you would not be using the tractor? Unless you are in the commercial snow removing bussiness then you are going to need it for snow so plan on using it a lot for snow with both a back blade and front bucket designed for snow. For that you need live hydrolicks that is live for both at the same time. And front wheel drive so you do not get stuck. Probably 90% of your use will come in the cold winter months, not summer.
Ivan in Mich
Member
I don't know what part of Mich you are in but this website will give you an idea of prices here in mich. Go to Ginop Sales and
look under tractors at the used ones the have
look under tractors at the used ones the have
Some people can keep an N series Ford running forever with little work or money, some people can ruin a stick. There are limitations on them like the lack of live hydraulics and live PTO but you can learn to live with them if you choose. They do have a lot of parts available and there are implements to use for pretty cheap.
I like my Ford 3600 for the application you have in mind but occasionally I have it occupied with a different implement and don't want to unhook, hook up the blade, unhook that after half an hour, and return to the implement that I originally had on it so I will hook the blade to my Ferguson TO30 and use that. It has to have the PTO engaged to have hydraulics but I have a nice cover over the shaft for safety. If I stop I have to move the transmission to neutral to lift the implement but I don't find that too limiting as I have learned to do the lifting while moving in most cases.
I like my Ford 3600 for the application you have in mind but occasionally I have it occupied with a different implement and don't want to unhook, hook up the blade, unhook that after half an hour, and return to the implement that I originally had on it so I will hook the blade to my Ferguson TO30 and use that. It has to have the PTO engaged to have hydraulics but I have a nice cover over the shaft for safety. If I stop I have to move the transmission to neutral to lift the implement but I don't find that too limiting as I have learned to do the lifting while moving in most cases.
I'd look for a 60's ford 600,800,2000,4000. Good tread, loader, 8' rock rake, grading bucket and chains. Should be able to find that if you're patient and maybe bump your budget up another $1000. I'd steer clear of an 8N. I own an 8n, 2000 and 800. The 800 is an industrial with a backhoe no 3pt.
Just get on CL in Michigan and search Oliver Tractors. There are several Super 55s and a few 550s on there. They have live PTO,live hydraulics,valve in head engine,beat the others you mention hands down going away.
I don't know where you are in Michigan,but there's a 1255 on there too,and there's been a 1365. Those are decent tractors too. They'll be diesels,but if the thermostart works on them,they'll start easier than most gas tractors.
I don't know where you are in Michigan,but there's a 1255 on there too,and there's been a 1365. Those are decent tractors too. They'll be diesels,but if the thermostart works on them,they'll start easier than most gas tractors.
John Deere D
Well-known Member
Often, a person makes the mistake of purchasing a TRACTOR with out taking a friend ,or some one with them to inspect the TRACTOR. Start the machine, and drive it in all gears.Test the HYDRAULICS. Test the LIVE PTO. With engine NOT RUNNING, step on CLUTCH PEDAL, have some one place their hand next to VIBRATION DAMPER/CRANKSHAFT pulley, and look for excessive movement of CRANKSHAFT. With engine running, remove ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP and check for engine blow by. The list goes on. If your budget is such that you are less than $5000.00 then the budget is what it is. I ended up purchasing a JD 520,three point hitch, remote hydraulics, power steering and six speed transmission. I also own a MF 35 3 cylinder Diesel, 6 speed transmission and DIFFERENTIAL LOCK. These two Tractors are great machines. There are other makes just as good or better. Case made a great 450,610B tractor.
Bob..
Bob..
Ultradog MN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Twin Cities
I like the little Fords.
But skip the N Series Fords and get at least
a 600 or 800 - or newer. They are just SO
much better tractors.
You should be able to get a decent one that
fits your $3K budget.
Whatever you do, get a tractor with FACTORY
3 point hitch.
But skip the N Series Fords and get at least
a 600 or 800 - or newer. They are just SO
much better tractors.
You should be able to get a decent one that
fits your $3K budget.
Whatever you do, get a tractor with FACTORY
3 point hitch.
Often, a person makes the mistake of purchasing a TRACTOR with out taking a friend ,or some one with them to inspect the TRACTOR.
I can attest to that. I've had two people move in to the neighborhood and want a tractor. I offered to help them find something decent. Both of them came home with absolute junk,early open flywheel John Deere A's. Their reasoning for buying them without anybody taking a look at them? "They're John Deeres,anybody can work on one". Both ended up sitting out in the weeds.
I can attest to that. I've had two people move in to the neighborhood and want a tractor. I offered to help them find something decent. Both of them came home with absolute junk,early open flywheel John Deere A's. Their reasoning for buying them without anybody taking a look at them? "They're John Deeres,anybody can work on one". Both ended up sitting out in the weeds.
I am not seeing these posts in chronological order so im getting thrown for a loop trying to keep them all straight haha. I live in Kalamazoo which is in southwest MI. I have a plow truck so snow clearing is not an issue. I suppose the tracotr would be a back up to that but is not really a concern. I will lookinto Olivers as i havent seen any yet. I have seen a few Jubilee's that peaked my interest and a Massey TO-35. Of course the newer the better as the designs and features are improved so a Ford 600, Jubilee etc are top of my list over a 8N or something. Thanks again and keep the info and suggestions coming! Sorry if i missed any questions!
SmokeEater2
Member
I wouldn't wish an 8N Ford on anyone that needs a tractor to work with. They are cute little rascals if you want to shine them up for a parade or wagon rides though.
The market for 8N's in my area has bottomed out and there are a bunch of "restored" 8N's for sale for 2K and under. They don't seem to be selling at those prices either.
Dad had an 8N when I was a kid and I was REALLY happy when he traded it in on a Jubilee. Much better tractor and if I ever come across a decent Jubilee I'd probably buy it if the price was reasonable.
The hundred series Ford's are a much better tractor imo, and they are not very expensive around here. An Allis Chalmers D series would be my personal pick if they are available in your area.
buickanddeere
Well-known Member
A snowblower beats pushing with a blade. The blower gets rid of the snow. The blade just piles the snow up making a "snow fence" which makes drifting worse.
SmokeEater2
Member
That's a really good point. I live in Arkansas where we don't get a lot of snow and a snap couple back blade on my Allis CA does a great job of clearing my long driveway.
You folks that are "blessed" with lots of snow would probably benefit from a blower more than a blade.
Blackhole49
Well-known Member
- Location
- White Lake MI
I would agree that a hundred series ford would be better than an 8n, however, I've had an 8n for 30 years and it will what you are describing without any problem and pull a 6' finish mower if you change your mind. I maintained my 3 acres and gravel driveway with a $1,400 8n for 15 years before I got my first Kubota and put in a cement drive. I still do 800' of a gravel drive and mow a 1 acre walking trail weekly for my neighbor with it.
Based off the info provided thus far the following 3 tractors are what I would be torn between if I were in the market at this moment (will be come spring time). Recommendations? I presume any of these would be good options for my intended use and would come down to if it comes with blade and price.
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/grd/5360771111.html
http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/grd/5328783435.html
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/grd/5407321722.html
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/grd/5360771111.html
http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/grd/5328783435.html
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/grd/5407321722.html
SmokeEater2
Member
If they have proof that the motor was rebuilt (receipts,etc,) I think the Oliver would be a good choice followed by the Ford 600.
Don't know a thing about the Massey tractors.
I've come across lots of tractors that are billed as rebuilt and few of them are. I'd want to see receipts for parts and proof of who did the work.
valley iron
Member
hello, also new to forum. i would try to find a tractor with live hydraulics. some tractors such as 8ns wont raise impliments with clutch pushed in, making it diffacult to grade unless you are moving.
They are all overpriced in my opinion. That's probably why they
have all been out there for quite a while. Months I think.
Good deals don't stay out there long.
Of those three I would lean toward the Oliver if the rebuild was a
quality job. But don't compare the S55 to an 8N. Apples and oranges.
By year, weight, HP etc it more closely compares to a 600 series.
The 660 with live PTO would be a close comparison for example.
That particular Ford (640) has a "lipstick on a pig" paint job.
Painted hoses, steering boots, etc. Not even the original colors.
Probably painted just to sell.
A five foot backblade won't cover your rear tires when angled.
A 6 foot works better for me.
There will likely be more options between now and spring.
have all been out there for quite a while. Months I think.
Good deals don't stay out there long.
Of those three I would lean toward the Oliver if the rebuild was a
quality job. But don't compare the S55 to an 8N. Apples and oranges.
By year, weight, HP etc it more closely compares to a 600 series.
The 660 with live PTO would be a close comparison for example.
That particular Ford (640) has a "lipstick on a pig" paint job.
Painted hoses, steering boots, etc. Not even the original colors.
Probably painted just to sell.
A five foot backblade won't cover your rear tires when angled.
A 6 foot works better for me.
There will likely be more options between now and spring.
So the following tractor is for sale nearby where i work. While it is over my budget would it be worth the additional money over an Oliver Super 55, Ford 860 or 600??? Is 7000 hours a lot on a machine? Any input would be helpful, thanks!
http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/grd/5412696994.html
http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/grd/5412696994.html
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