Re: need advice on buying a 9N
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Posted by Chris in VA on October 13, 1998 at 09:52:07:
In Reply to: need advice on buying a 9N posted by diane on October 13, 1998 at 04:43:22:
: I'm new to tractors and looking to buy a 9N at an auction
: this weekend. It's a 1949 with hydraulic lift and owned by same
: person for 30 years. Overhauled 15 years ago, starts ok, needs
: paint. I'm planning to use it on my 4 acres for field mowing, a garden
: and possibly a small Christmas tree area. I think I would only use
: it 10-15 times a year. Is this a good tractor for someone new to them?
: Is it easy to maintain myself? Thanks for your advice. Diane,
As someone already noted, you may have a 9N, 2N or 8N. If the tractor has 4 forward gears, it is probably an 8N. On the engine block left side(as viewed from the driver's seat), to the right of the oil filter housing, is a raised area that should have a serial number stamped into it (it may be very hard to read). The serial number should start with either a "9N" (for both 9N and 2N models) or "8N" but since the engines for 9,2 and 8Ns are interchangeable, this is not always the final say. With any luck, you are really looking at a '49 8N,which has better hydraulics, steering and a little more power than the 9N/2N tractors. As to the work you want to do, any of the N's will do the job. I have a '47 8N and use it to maintain 8 acres of pasture (bushhogging), grade the driveway (1/2 mile gravel), dig fencepost hole, pull logs out of the woods and my wife regraded our back yard with it. Everyone will have a favorite tractor to recommend, and I think they all are trying to give you the best advice they can. Something else to consider is what kind of tractor dealers/parts places do you have nearby to you. Ford/New Holland has a pretty well developed dealer network and many N parts are carried at NAPA and other farm equipment dealers. The "bells and whistles" on the newer tractors are certainly nice, but do you really need them and can you afford them? Look around your area and see what kind of tractors are out working, talk to the locals and see what tractors they use and why. A good list of what to check for N tractors can be found on the N Board of Yesterday's Tractors web site (use the Archives search). If you can, try out different tractors. I was able to get some of my neighbors to let me try their tractors and learn from their experience. A hidden benefit of an older tractor is that it is probably easier to work on and you can use normal tools. My wife and I both use our 8N regularly and it has been perfect for our small horse farm. P.S. I paid $2300 for my tractor in Fredericksburg VA 18 months ago, but check your area for local prices.
Good Luck!
Chris Fair
Spotsylvania VA
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