Value of Ford 8N diesel tractor ???

Yeah I know, there is no such thing.

I got a phone call this morning from a city-guy that moved up here (to Central New York). He wants me to help him buy a older farm tractor and loader (probably a big mistake). He wants if for snow removal, getting firewood, etc.

Well, he found a "Ford 8N diesel" for sale and wanted me to check it out.

So, I called the seller. He tells me it is indeed an 8N diesel with a loader and an "up and down" shift four speed transmission. The "up and down" part sounded like a five speed to me. So, reluctantly, I drove 20 miles to go look at it.

Sure enough, he's even got a sign on it giving the bad info. Says he's owned it 20 years. Asking $3800 for it. I checked it over a bit. Seems maybe it's a 901 Powermaster with a 172 diesel? It does have a five speed and also power steering and a live PTO. Engine runs on all four but smokes quite a bit, even when fully warmed up. I'd like to buy this 8N if price substantially lower, but not for $3800. It smokes, some tires are bad, gauges don't work, etc.

Anybody know sure if this IS a 901? I couldn't read the ID numbers (didn't have my glasses with me. But, as I recall, only the 901 uses that hook medallion.

<a href="http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m162/jdemaris/?action=view&current=100_4689.jpg" target="_blank"> </a>

<a href="http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m162/jdemaris/?action=view&current=100_4691.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

<a href="http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m162/jdemaris/?action=view&current=100_4696.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

<a href="http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m162/jdemaris/?action=view&current=100_4702.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

<a href="http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m162/jdemaris/?action=view&current=100_4705.jpg" target="_blank"></a>

9=High clearance row crop type with 172 encing
0= Built in 1955-1958
1= Tricycle type with single front wheel.

Could have had a 4,5 or Select o Speed transmission.

D=Diesel

The medallion is in "like new" condition.

What you actually have there is a 861 diesel. $3800.00 really isn't all that bad. I would see if $3000.00 would buy it. By the pics, I think it is worth that. That 861 will work circles around an 8n with very little effort.

.
Identify old Dorfs site

The gearshift knob pic tells us it is a x5x or x6x 5-speed tranny.

I'd check out the front end a little bit, those 2 front wheels don't seem to be pointed in the same direction.

I love seeing these 'wrong' tractors. One of the fun things at this site, thanks.

--->Paul

Seriously,I saw a 2N diesel at a show a year ago. I didn't even notice anything odd for a minute there. Just looked like a nicely restored 2N. Then I saw the injector lines. The lady there in the tent said the motor was out of a Subaru I believe it was. Not positive about that since I don't even remember what I had for lunch. She said there were no modifications to the engine,that it could be put right back in the car as is. Said the only things they modified on the tractor were the air cleaner and gas tank.

That looks like an 801 series tractor model 861D. Either way it sounds like the guy who owns it doesn't have a clue as to what it is which is very sad to say the least

Just my opinion but a city guy, unless savy, probably won't know how to cope with winter starting a diesel, fuel gelling, etc.

Might be better to convince him to go with a gas tractor even if tune ups are required and gas gets old in the tank.

Guess it would depend upon the individual making the purchase.

Bob, that's great stuff! Ford was one of the last of the brands that I had yet to "decode", and now, someone else has done it for me! Thanks!

Definitely not a 900 series. Not a bad looking old goat to me.I would go up to $3,500 on it if it was close to me.

I agree and I already told him that several times. I don't think he ought to be getting any old tractor, but gas would be better then diesel. If he knew anything mechanically, or even had a family member or friend, I might feel differently.

I spoke to him about diesel engines, cold weather, fuel gelling, etc. He knew nothing about any of these issues.

I'm not sure this guy has even ever used a chainsaw, yet he's talking about cutting trees and heating with firewood.

there is a diesel Cub running around Ohio. Very clean job, fools most that look at it and don't know IH never made a diesel Cub
Ron

Wasn't there a diesel cub made in France? Did it share any parts with the American cub?

That's an 861D. Believe it or not, there are fools who will pay that much around me. All fixed up mechanically w/good loader figure about $7000 plus. I don't know if that holds true in upstate NY though. There are 8Ns with diesel engines and they are pretty well done. N'Complete was doing it.

Looks like a 861 diesel to me but there are ford guys on here who have forgotten more than I know. I would like to add that there is a pretty big time auctioneer around here that sells a whole bunch of iron every year. Any and every ford tractor that ain't blue is an 8N to him. I heard him say one time "looky here, we have a nice 8N with a narrow front end, don't see tham very often" as he started take'n bids on a 960. He even sold a little yellow 8N a few years ago that was a road department 4630!!

Dave

Good call paul. Looks like that front end had to grunt one too many times there.

Dave

I am not really a ford guy, but I have done a lot with a friend of mine to get a 1953 Jubilee back in shape. It came with a front end loader like the one in the picture and you couldn't hardly steer the tractor even without a load in the bucket. I know you said this one had power steering. Still it is too big of a loader for the front end of the tractor. The Jubilee had some front end problems due to the loader. The main axle pivot needed help, and the radius rods (wishbones) were bent slightly. A tractor like this is too light and the front end isn't made for big loads. A tube frame manure bucket would probably be OK, but not a big loader like this one in my opinion. The rear tires on the Jubille were loaded too to help hold the back end down, and that wasn't any too much weight either for that loader. My friend sold the loader, or more accurately nearly gave it away, because most guys know it is too heavy for the tractor. Maybe for sawdust or snow if you were carefull, but dirt or manure would be too much.

Well at least when he sells out and moves back to the city some country folk might get some bargains IF he hasn't abused things too badly. lol

That price wouldn't be entirely out of line for that tractor in these parts. IF - it didn't smoke.
Might clear up if you could take it out and run the snot out of it like a diesel ought to be run on occasion.
It would be an all round handy wood hauling, bush hogging, garden plowing, road grading tractor for sure.

first that aint a ford N series , its newer and muh larger, second the front end is bent, and no telling what else is going on, wors to the wise a loader on a early ford rowcrop tractor equals worn out front end

A simple adjustment will bring the front end back into alignment. But that is twice the bucket that little tractor can handle. Look at the wheels weights on the back and chains to boot.
Walt

What's that English model ? I worked on one for a neighbor once. It sure seemed like an 8N with a diesel engine to me ? But it did have a dual clutch. That is what he tore up.