We have an old 1952 Ford Jubilee that use to be my grandfathers. My father doesn't have any experience with tractors, bush hogs, or anything mechanical. My grandfather on the other hand never threw anything out and always fixed everything. The tractor still works, though the bush hog has been neglected and it has rust holes in it, so I am thinking we will need a new one. All he really needs/wants to do is mow about 10 acres a few times a year. He was thinking about buying a Kubota, though he is questioning if that would be a good investment as he is only going to use it for a property a few times a year. I know carbs can requiring tuning, though they are much simpler than a fuel injected engine. The big question is this tractor going to be easy to maintain and are parts available for it? Also we would need a bush hog for it, any suggestions on where to start with that?
- Thread starter solarity
- Start date
Ford Jubilee's are good tractors but it is 65 years old and will require maintenance at the very
least, a person who is not mechanically inclined can certainly learn if interested. The thing about
tractors, and just about any type of equipment for that matter, is when you start using it for say
mowing, and it makes that job easy, you then find all sorts of other uses for it. The point I'm
making is that a newer tractor may not wind up sitting idle if it turns out your Father likes
operating it and if it saves him a lot of other maintenance work around his place.
least, a person who is not mechanically inclined can certainly learn if interested. The thing about
tractors, and just about any type of equipment for that matter, is when you start using it for say
mowing, and it makes that job easy, you then find all sorts of other uses for it. The point I'm
making is that a newer tractor may not wind up sitting idle if it turns out your Father likes
operating it and if it saves him a lot of other maintenance work around his place.
I started poking around the forum and reading other info. It looks like their are lots of parts for it and even a 12v conversion kit. Luckily my brother is very skilled with combustion engines. As my brother uses the property the most, I suggested my old man request that he maintains the tractor. I would help out, though I live 1400 miles away. I think the biggest issue they have had was the bush hog and the battery going dead from lack of use. To be honest I think the reason my dad wanted a new tractor was an excuse to buy a pickup. Now that he got a new pickup, he is reconsidering his options. Knowing my dad, I don't see him using a tractor a lot. Most of the 140 acres is a tree farm and he says here is only about 10 acres he wants to mow.
You are correct in one thing; there is nothing more used than a old used bush-hog. Many are downright dangerous, and if it has rust holes, I'd never use it. BTW, 10 acres is a hunk to mow if you have no experience. Do you know for sure what is lurking out there in the weeds? any SINK-HOLES you could drop a wheel off into? I found some on my place, and what a surprise!!!
old
Well-known Member
- Location
- Camdenton Missouri
#1 there is no such thing as a 1952 Ford Jubilee. If it is in fact a 1952 then it would be an 8N which has a flat head engine and a 4 speed transmission. If it is a Jubilee it will be a 1953 which has an over head valve engine and a 4 speed and live hyds which was a big improvement over the 8N.
As for a brush hog I have seen some in real bad shape but they still did the job. Either way it is a good idea you learn about the tractor and what it is before you try to do much because a tractor will NEVER forgive a simple mistake
As for a brush hog I have seen some in real bad shape but they still did the job. Either way it is a good idea you learn about the tractor and what it is before you try to do much because a tractor will NEVER forgive a simple mistake
I guess they were looking at the year it was built 1952 for the 53 model?
Being safe and finding the best fit for my old man is very important. I told him he should just hire it out, though he really wants a lawn to mow I guess. I know they can be dangerous i.e. flipping. The land is pretty flat, I don't know if there are any sink holes. We always called it the "bottom", as the land is bottomland. The land has been in the family so long that my ancestors bought it from the guy who bought it from the Mexicans, before Texas was a state.
First: decide if it is an 8-N or
Jubilee. Jubilee with live hydraulics
will be much easier to operate. Is
your bushhog structurally sound. A
few holes here and there can be
repaired by welding plates over the
area. Unit needs to be solid around
gear box and where the hutch attaches.
Most any bushhog can be repaired and
made safe to use : just a matter of
being cost effective.
Jubilee. Jubilee with live hydraulics
will be much easier to operate. Is
your bushhog structurally sound. A
few holes here and there can be
repaired by welding plates over the
area. Unit needs to be solid around
gear box and where the hutch attaches.
Most any bushhog can be repaired and
made safe to use : just a matter of
being cost effective.
No disrespect intended,just an observation. It sounds a little bit like you're just trying to justify buying a new tractor. If it works and he wants to keep using it,there isn't a thing in the world wrong with that. I have a 1951 Oliver 77 gas here that I use seven days a week,365 days a year to feed cattle. There would be no advantage what so ever to having a new one for that job.
It is a Jubilee, I can see my dad getting the date wrong. Also looking at online pictures it looks like the Jubilee. I will ask that he takes some pictures of the bush hog. I recall from my child hood that it was yellow with a lot of rust.
With regards to buying a new tractor, he initially wanted to buy a new tractor, which I thought was overkill. I just can't figure out what he would use a front loader for. Initially he said he wanted an A/C cab, as it is hot in Texas and he is older than the tractor.
He started to look at tow vehicles and has always wanted a pickup, though my mom has always hated them. He fell in love with a loaded F-150 that was a really good deal. Though that would have put it close to the payload cap for the truck with only two people in the F-150 and using an aluminum trailer. My mom gave him the okay and he purchased it as I bet he was worried she would change her mind.
His biggest concerns was about maintaining it and as the tractor seems to have a bit of a following here and I see there a lot of parts out there, I can't see any reason he shouldn't still use it.
Are bush hogs pretty generic and can they be swapped out?
I'm not knocking it if it's his idea. I raked hay this morning with an older gas tractor without a cab,but I'm headed out in a few minutes to bale,and I'm sure glad I have one with an air conditioned cab to do that job in this heat and humidity.
It just doesn't always work to buy something new fangled for some old goat (like me) if it's not their (or my) idea. You hear stories of old tractors,50-60 years old,with fewer than a hundred hours on them being found in barns because old guys didn't want to use them.
I'm reminded too of an old neighbor we had right next door. His kids converted a bedroom in to a bathroom for him so he didn't have to go out to the outhouse. I don't know if he ever used to the day he died. It didn't matter how cold or dark it was,he'd go to the outhouse. Wouldn't go in the house.
I just didn't want to see somebody throw money down the drain,but if it's what he wants and he can afford it,let him have it. It's his money.
It just doesn't always work to buy something new fangled for some old goat (like me) if it's not their (or my) idea. You hear stories of old tractors,50-60 years old,with fewer than a hundred hours on them being found in barns because old guys didn't want to use them.
I'm reminded too of an old neighbor we had right next door. His kids converted a bedroom in to a bathroom for him so he didn't have to go out to the outhouse. I don't know if he ever used to the day he died. It didn't matter how cold or dark it was,he'd go to the outhouse. Wouldn't go in the house.
I just didn't want to see somebody throw money down the drain,but if it's what he wants and he can afford it,let him have it. It's his money.
I only advise him, I got him to go with a F-150 w/ a 3.5L EB, though instead of the HD payload package, he wanted a loaded Platinum, which dramatically reduced the payload of the pickup. So I told him he could only have 2 people in the crew cab, couldn't have anything gear or equipment in the bed, would have to make sure it was exactly at 10% tongue weight on hitch, and he would have to go with the much lighter/expensive aluminum trailer. He just signed for it last Tuesday.
Though as he is looking at the old Ford, instead of a new Kubota, that throws all those estimates out the Window. His new pickup would have no problem hauling that Ford on a steel flatbed. It would also be safer.
My father doesn't have nearly as much time as I do nor does he ever leverage great sources of information, like this forum. My parents raised me after all, so researching is the least I can do.
My dad doesn't suffer from Allergies, can't say the same for my mom and I.
I uploaded two pictures and they aren't showing up. If you put these links in your browser, you will see a pic of the tractor and of the bush hog.
http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/40102
http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/40103
Mo in NE Tx
Member
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Ford built the NAA in 1952 and 1953, only those built in 1953 were called Jubilee's since that was Henry 50th years of building tractors. They also built some 8N's in 1952. The only difference in the 1952 NAA and the 1953 model was the hood emblem to celebrate th 50 year mark.
old
Well-known Member
- Location
- Camdenton Missouri
8N built from 1948-1952. Then in 1953 ford came out with the Jubilee and in 1954 the NAA. Ya the Jubilee and NAA are so close to being the same but not the same in every way. I.E. the 2 have different emblems. Then in 1955 ford came out with the 600/800 series
old
Well-known Member
- Location
- Camdenton Missouri
Well a Jubilee will do that job with little to know problems. You will want to make sure it has an ORC on the PTO so as not the have the brush hog push it 10 feet forward when he pushes the clutch pedal down.
If he can drive a standard transmission pick up he can drive a Jubilee. Yes it would eb a good idea to find an owners manual for it just so he can read up on how to use it
If he can drive a standard transmission pick up he can drive a Jubilee. Yes it would eb a good idea to find an owners manual for it just so he can read up on how to use it
tracto-man
Member
Brush hog doesn't even look that bad to me. A brand new brush hog can be had at tractor supply co for around $800 or less.
Tractor looks pretty good too!
Tractor looks pretty good too!
John M
Well-known Member
- Location
- Nunyafn business
Jubilees weren't red, you sure its a Jubilee? It looks like a very good updated paint job, or a newer tractor.
I see they are all white and red, I wouldn't be suprised if he painted it.
Any idea where to find a service manual? I might just have my brother go over it. I am guessing tune up, grease any parts that are greasable, 12v conversion so we can jump it if needed, and oil change? Also any issues with E95 gas, I know up here in NY some stores sell higher grades that ethenol free. Any other suggestions, this forum is great!
old
Well-known Member
- Location
- Camdenton Missouri
Lights on most Ford where either dealer installed or install by the owner/. The NAA owners manual does not even say one single word in it about lights as in it did not come with lights from the factory
Old weldor
Member
1953 was the 50th anniversary of the ford motor co. They didn't start building tractors until later.
Ron Muhlenkamp
Member
I found that using Ethanol gas in my Fords (1955-60) caused the carb floats to hang up.
I now shut off the fuel and run the carb empty after each use. I had to put an in-line shutoff in the 800.
I now shut off the fuel and run the carb empty after each use. I had to put an in-line shutoff in the 800.
Old weldor
Member
1953 was the 50th anniversary of the ford motor co. They didn't start building tractors until later.
old
Well-known Member
- Location
- Camdenton Missouri
What do you mean they Ford did not start making tractor till later. The 9N was made by Ford starting in 1939 and the 2N was made by Ford starting in 1942 etc etc
I can't see where that bush hog is in such bad shape. I should post a picture of one I have. If that is one
of the old heavy-duty gearboxes you might want to hang on to it, and do patching as needed. Some of the
newer rotary cutters have light gear boxes and light blades and will barely clip your lawn.
of the old heavy-duty gearboxes you might want to hang on to it, and do patching as needed. Some of the
newer rotary cutters have light gear boxes and light blades and will barely clip your lawn.
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