8N vs 9N

[Big Dog]

I’ve operated a 9N, never a 8N. I’m hearing the 8N is the way to go for the 4 speed and PTO positioning. I’m looking for either to use solely for a 5’ bush hog. Input requested or a recommended frugal alternative. There’s a lot of Fords out there reasonable ……

 

[FrancSevin]

I ama 9N fan. They are simple machines and easy to keep running in the field.
The 8N is more popular and parts are easy to find. It also comes standard at 12 volts unlike the 9N which is six.
Most 9'stoday are converted to12. Mine is.

I believe the engine of the 9N is slightly larger. 20HP vrs18. But it is low compression.

Operationally, I cannot see a difference except for the live PTO on the 8N disengages with the clutch. When you stop with the Brush hog engaged, the spinning blades will push you forward. There is a coupling available that prevents this, but it is a dangerous feature.

I am a fan of the 9N but frankly, you would be happier with the 8N as it is "technically" more modern. Both are decent machines for the purposes you have intended.

 

[Doc]

I started out with an 8N. Loved that little machine. I think they came after the 9N. Mine was a 1952 model. I bought it for brush hogging but after it about pushed me over a hill two times and I had issues with the battery (6 volt positive ground). I either had to convert to 12 v negative ground or ....save up my pennies and buy a newer tractor. I sold it and bought a Kubota.

edit to add:
I should say part of my issues with it pushing me over the hill was operator inexperience. It was my first tractor ever.
Yesterdays Tractors Forum was a great source for info on these babies.

 

[Melensdad]

NAA if you can find it, several advantages over an 8N, but an Oliver Super 66 would be even better, and those are diesel. My Super 66 (sold many years ago), was restored to parade condition and also a true workhouse. Way better than any of the Ford models mentioned so far.

 

[Big Dog]

I started out with an 8N. Loved that little machine. I think they came after the 9N. Mine was a 1952 model. I bought it for brush hogging but after it about pushed me over a hill two times and I had issues with the battery (6 volt positive ground). I either had to convert to 12 v negative ground or ....save up my pennies and buy a newer tractor. I sold it and bought a Kubota.

edit to add:
I should say part of my issues with it pushing me over the hill was operator inexperience. It was my first tractor ever.
Yesterdays Tractors Forum was a great source for info on these babies.

I could use my Kioti but it already gets implement swaps regularly including backhoe. I’m just gonna set up a bush hog machine and be done.

 

[Big Dog]

NAA if you can find it, several advantages over an 8N

WTH is that?

 

[Melensdad]

NAA was an improved variant

 

[Melensdad]

I could use my Kioti but it already gets implement swaps regularly including backhoe. I’m just gonna set up a bush hog machine and be done.

Bush hog machine screams for a LIVE PTO

The the Oliver 66 or the Ford NAA

 

[Big Dog]

Bush hog machine screams for a LIVE PTO

The the Oliver 66 or the Ford NAA

I said frugal Bob!! 🤣🤣

Bush hog machine screams for a LIVE PTO

The the Oliver 66 or the Ford NAA

 

[Melensdad]

I said frugal Bob!! 🤣🤣

Last time I checked, which I admit was long ago, all were priced similarly.

Perhaps times have changed and people now understand that not every 1950-s era machine is created equally? Some are clearly better!

 

[Big Dog]

Last time I checked, which I admit was long ago, all were priced similarly.

Perhaps times have changed and people now understand that not every 1950-s era machine is created equally? Some are clearly better!

2 - 2.5 times to equal condition

 

[bczoom]

You didn't mention your budget.
I did a CL search for ford. In the results, there's an 8N, 9N and Jubilee, all around the $2000-2500 mark. Pretty close to you as well.

pittsburgh farm & garden "ford" - craigslist

pittsburgh farm & garden "ford" - craigslist

pittsburgh.craigslist.org

 

[tommu56]

I agree with the live pto if you are only mowing or bailing its the way to go so you can slow down but keep pto running at the correct pto speed.

 

[Big Dog]

You didn't mention your budget.
I did a CL search for ford. In the results, there's an 8N, 9N and Jubilee, all around the $2000-2500 mark. Pretty close to you as well.

pittsburgh farm & garden "ford" - craigslist

pittsburgh farm & garden "ford" - craigslist

pittsburgh.craigslist.org

And I have them all bookmarked . Anything less than 5K would be nice but I find my self looking more at bigger diesels. Already have a diesel tank

 

[300 H and H]

Interesting conversation. I might add that a live PTO means the PTO has an independent clutch mechanism. You can turn off or on the PTO at anytime. Non live PTO means the PTO uses the ground drive clutch to operate it, there for if you stop so does the PTO.

Never was a Ford fan and there were not common here. The smallest tractor we have is an Oliver Super 88 diesel. For decades it served as the loader tractor for our livestock operation. Great older tractors.

 

[Big Dog]

This one is screaming at me ….. $6500

I have some questions into the holder, live PTO was optional on this model with the 8 speed.

TractorData.com Ford 3000 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

 

[bczoom]

A Ford 3000 is a great tractor.
That said, I won't buy something without 4-wheel-drive. I moved around 40 tons of dirt today, will be moving 40-80 tons of millings tomorrow. 2WD just wouldn't get it done. I tried.
Maybe look at something like a Ford 1720 or 1920.

 

[m1west]

Have been mowing and grading my place with a 1953 Ford Jubilee, first year of overhead valves. I have been using it since 2007 for mowing with a brush hog, when I first got it I excavated the building site where my shop now sits with a set of rippers and a box scraper. Took me all summer to make a 100x100 level pad that was 4' high on one side. I have bought a few batteries and changed the oil, but thats about it. its the energizer bunny.

 

[Big Dog]

A Ford 3000 is a great tractor.
That said, I won't buy something without 4-wheel-drive. I moved around 40 tons of dirt today, will be moving 40-80 tons of millings tomorrow. 2WD just wouldn't get it done. I tried.
Maybe look at something like a Ford 1720 or 1920.

I still have my Kioti

 

[300 H and H]

This one is screaming at me ….. $6500

I have some questions into the holder, live PTO was optional on this model with the 8 speed.

If it has the live PTO and is in good condition, I think it is an OK buy.
They have a differential lock I see in the specs you posted. A very big plus in my opinion.

 

[Mr Bell]

The one i have is a Ford 601 Workmaster, it is the NAA style with the ohv engine and way more power, the tractor itself is also a little bigger and has live hydraulics. I bought mine at auction for $1200. I would do it again tomorrow if i had the opportunity.

 

[bczoom]

@Big Dog
Here's a couple near you.
8N for $2400.

Ford 8n tractor - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

Nice running side distributor 8n good oil pressure good tires and rims nice sheet metal. Call .

pittsburgh.craigslist.org

9N for $1900

9n ford tractor - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

9n ford tractor restored new gas tank carburator manifold muffler alternator amp gauge and paint 1900 or best offer. no taxt messages.

pittsburgh.craigslist.org

Also saw this one but it may be a bit of a drive for you.

 

[bczoom]

Hey Greg,

Spotted this on CL. 9N & a brush hog for $1125. The brush hog alone is worth probably that much.

9N-&-King Kutter - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

The 9N--this will run,just needs someTLC-----have new spark plug wire and coil--it does have a new generator -new carb-----the hydraulic pump has been repaired and lots of parts put in this 9N by a...

pittsburgh.craigslist.org

 

[deand1]

The one i have is a Ford 601 Workmaster, it is the NAA style with the ohv engine and way more power, the tractor itself is also a little bigger and has live hydraulics. I bought mine at auction for $1200. I would do it again tomorrow if i had the opportunity.

I have restored 3 8N’s. The next Ford I restored was an 851. The 100 series Fords are head and shoulders above the N series.

 

[300 H and H]

I have restored 3 8N’s. The next Ford I restored was an 851. The 100 series Fords are head and shoulders above the N series.

Yes, they are. Real progress and modernization on the 100 series.