Ford 8N

A Brief History

Production of the 8N tractor started in 1947. It followed it's predeccessors (the 9N and 2N) with an improved 4-speed transmission instead of a 3-speed plus an increase in drawbar and PTO horsepower. It also came with "position-control" which allowed the operator to set and hold the depth of an implement. There were many cosmetic changes as well, including running boards and a change in color from the battleship gray of the 9N and 2N to a lighter gray on the sheetmetal and a red body. It became affectionally known as a "red belly" Ford in some circles. In 1950 they changed the 8N design to include a Proofmeter and a side-mounted distributor. This tractor continued production until 1953. Approximately 524076 were produced and sold with an asking price of only $1400 (1952 price) - making it one of the most popular tractors of it's time.

The Ford 8N Today

Although quite a few of these tractors were produced, they are very collectible due to their extreme usefulness on small farms. Because of their low profile they can't be used to cultivate tall crops but they are up to just about any other farm chore - from pulling a bush-hog or mowing a large field with a belly mower. Replacement parts are readily available in large supply. The standard 3-point hitch allows it to be used with many of today's modern implements (keeping in mind that the implements must fall within the horsepower range of the tractor).

The Specs

Axle: Adjustable
Shipping Weight: 2410 pounds (with no liquid, varied with options)
Clutch: Single nine inch plate
Height Overall: 54.5
Length Overall: 115
Wheelbase: 70 inches
Cultivating Clearance: 21 inches
Engine: Own, model 8N, 4 cylinder, displacement 119.7
Rated rpm: 2000 (Belt)

Nebraska Tractor Test Results

TEST NO. 443

Model: Ford 8N

Ford Motor Co., Birmingham, Mich.

DATE TESTED: June 15 to June 27, 1950

Weighing 4043 pounds, the Ford 8N featured 10-28 rear and 4.00-19 front tires. Also included were forward speeds of 3.23, 4.16, 5.72 and 11.92 mph. Test B and F were made with carburetor set for 100% maximum belt horsepower and data from these tests were used in determining the horsepower to be developed in tests D and H, respectively. Tests C, D, E, G, H and J were made with an operating setting of the carburetor (selected by the manufacturer) of 97.5% of maximum belt horsepower. During Test H engine misfired occasionally at test course turns. Misfiring did not occur in subsequent test J.

Serial Numbers