The Ford 8N tractor, an iconic workhorse of its time, represents a cornerstone in agricultural machinery history. Renowned for its reliability and versatility, the 8N continues to hold a special place in the hearts of farmers and collectors alike.
The 1947-1952 Ford 8N Utility tractor stands as a testament to innovation and reliability in the agricultural world. With its introduction in July 1947, the 8N quickly became a favorite among farmers for its versatility and performance. Let’s dive into what makes this iconic tractor so remarkable.
Equipped with a 4-speed transmission, the 8N boasted improvements over its predecessors, the 9N and 2N models. This included increased PTO and drawbar horsepower, offering farmers enhanced power and efficiency in their operations. Notably, the addition of a ‘Position-control’ setting for the hydraulics revolutionized tractor functionality, providing greater flexibility in various soil conditions.
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 70 in (1770 mm) |
| Overall Length | 115 in (2920 mm) |
| Tractor Width | 64.75 in (1640 mm) |
| Front Tread | 48 – 76 in (1210 – 1930 mm) |
| Rear Tread | 48 – 76 in (1210 – 1930 mm) |
| Height | 54.5 in (1380 mm) |
| Ground Clearance (Front Axle) | 21 in (530 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 13 in (330 mm) |
| Front Tire Size | 4.00-19; 6.00-16 |
| Rear Tire Size | 10-28; 11.2-28 |
Weight
| Operating Weight | 2717 lb (1232 kg) |
| Ballasted Weight | 4043 lb (1833 kg) |
| Shipping Weight | 2410 lb (1093 kg) |
Engine Details
| Number Of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Make | Ford Motor Company |
| Engine Model | Ford 8N 2L Gasoline |
| Drawbar Performance (claimed) | 23.16 hp (17.3 kw) |
| Drawbar Performance (tested) | 21.95 hp (16.4 kw) |
| Max Belt Power (tested) | 25.49 hp (19.0 kw) |
| Power Measured @ | 2000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 92 lb ft (124.8 Nm) |
| Torque Measured @ | 1500 rpm |
| Displacement | 119.7 cu in (2 L) |
| Bore | 3.19 in (81 mm) |
| Stroke | 3.75 in (95 mm) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
Transmission
| Type | 4F x 1R Constant mesh | 12R x 3R Sherman Combination |
|---|---|---|
| Number Of Forward Gears | 4 | 12 |
| Number Of Reverse Gears | 1 | 3 |
| Max Forward Speed | 13.6 mph (21.9 km/h) | 23.1 mph (37.2 km/h) |
| Max Reverse Speed | 6.1 mph (9.8 km/h) | 10.3 mph (16.5 km/h) |
Mechanical
| Drive Type | 2WD |
| Steering Type | Mechanical |
| Brakes | Manual drum brakes |
| Operator Station | Open Operator Station |
Power Take-off (PTO)
| Type | Rear PTO, transmission |
| PTO (claimed) | 27.32 hp (20.4 kw) |
| PTO (tested) | 23.24 hp (17.3 kw) |
| Power Measured @ | 2000 rpm |
| Rear PTO Speed | 545 @ 1125 rpm |
Hydraulic System
| Pump Type | Internal piston pump |
| Pump Flow Capacity | 2.85 gpm (10.8 lpm) |
| Maximum System Pressure | 1700 psi (11700 kPa) |
| Tractor Rear Hitch Lift Capacity | 800 lb (362 kg) |
| Tractor Hitch Type | Category I |
Electrical
| Operating Voltage | 6 V |
| Alternator | 20 amps |
| Battery | 6 V, 80 Ah |
| Starter | 6 V |
Service Refill Capacities
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10 gal (37.9 L) |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 1.5 gal (5.7 L) |
| Cooling System Capacity | 3 gal (11.4 L) |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Hydraulic System Capacity | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
Ford 8N Serial Numbers
| 1947 | 1 |
| 1948 | 37908 |
| 1949 | 141370 |
| 1950 | 245637 |
| 1951 | 343198 |
| 1952 | 442035 |
| Final | 524076 |
Ford 8N Tractor Price
The price of a Ford 8N tractor can vary depending on several factors such as its condition, age, location, and any additional attachments or features included in the sale. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a well-used, older model to several thousand dollars for a restored or refurbished tractor in good working condition. Antique or collector’s models may command higher prices due to their rarity or historical significance.
What is a 1947 Ford 8N tractor worth? With a total production of 524,000 units and an original price of $1,404 in 1952, the Ford 8N left an indelible mark on the agricultural landscape. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its durability, performance, and timeless design.
It’s always a good idea to research current market prices and compare listings from reputable sellers or dealerships to get an accurate idea of what you can expect to pay for a Ford 8N tractor in your area. Additionally, factors like maintenance history, engine condition, and overall mechanical integrity can also influence the price of the tractor.
You can buy a Ford 8N tractor from various sources, including online marketplaces (websites like Craigslist, TractorHouse, and Equipment Trader often have listings for Ford 8N tractors from private sellers, dealerships, and collectors), auctions (agricultural equipment auctions, both online and in-person, can be another option for purchasing a Ford 8N tractor. Keep an eye on auction websites or local auction listings for upcoming sales – eBay, AuctionTime.com, ironPlanet.com), antique tractor shows (where you may find Ford 8N tractors on display or for sale by private collectors), check classified ads in local newspapers or agricultural publications for listings of Ford 8N tractors for sale by private sellers.
Before purchasing a Ford 8N tractor, be sure to thoroughly inspect the tractor, ask questions about its maintenance history and condition, and consider factors such as price, availability of spare parts, and transportation logistics.
Ford 8N Attachments
Here are some common attachments compatible with the Ford 8N tractor:
- Front-end Loader: Used for lifting and transporting materials, such as soil, gravel, or mulch. It enhances the tractor’s versatility for various loading tasks on the farm or construction site.
- Backhoe: Ideal for digging trenches, removing debris, and other excavation tasks. The backhoe attachment adds digging capabilities to the tractor, making it useful for landscaping and utility work.
- Mower Deck: Allows the tractor to mow grass and maintain lawns or fields efficiently. Different sizes and types of mower decks are available to suit different mowing needs and terrain conditions.
- Box Blade: Used for grading, leveling, and spreading materials like gravel or dirt. It can also be used for snow removal and landscaping tasks, making it a versatile attachment for maintaining surfaces.
- Post Hole Digger: Enables the tractor to dig holes for fence posts, signposts, or other installations quickly and accurately. It saves time and effort compared to manual digging methods.
- Brush Hog: Designed for clearing thick vegetation, brush, and small trees. It features a rotary cutter that can handle tough vegetation, making it ideal for maintaining overgrown areas and clearing brush.
- Hay Rake: Used for gathering and arranging hay or straw into windrows for baling or storage. It helps streamline the hay-making process, improving efficiency during harvest seasons.
- Plow: Available in various types, including moldboard plows, disc plows, and bottom plows. Plows are used for breaking up and turning soil, preparing fields for planting crops like corn, potatoes, or vegetables.
- Seeder/Planter: Used for sowing seeds and planting crops in rows. Seeders and planters come in different configurations to accommodate various crop types and planting practices.
- Fertilizer Spreader: Enables the even distribution of fertilizers, lime, or other soil amendments over a large area. It helps improve soil fertility and promotes healthy plant growth.
These are just a few examples of the many attachments available for the Ford 8N tractor, each designed to enhance its capabilities and adaptability to different agricultural and landscaping tasks.
In summary, the Ford 8N Utility tractor embodies the spirit of innovation and reliability, making it a cherished piece of agricultural history that continues to captivate enthusiasts and farmers alike.
