I'm from southern West Virginia, Boone county anyway I'm glad I found your channel!!

I have a '50 8n that I bought and actively use on our small homestead. I would echo a lot of these thoughts as far as how cost effective and useful they are. Do not let the age scare you. These things were robust and built to last if taken care of. Parts are easy to get and with a rear scoop or carryall, you can accomplish many of the same things (with a sore neck) as you can with an FEL. In the winter, I use a rear blade to clean out our S. Wisc. drive. And I would note that an FEL can work on an N, but the front end is not up to a lot of abuse and there is no power steering, making the added weight a challenge. A lot of people have them, but there are better tractors that came out just a few years later with stronger front end (and the live hydraulics) that do a better job. When I went shopping for an 8n, I specifically went looking for a '50 or newer. As mentioned below, earlier steering boxes can be a challenge. The later ones are better. The earlier versions have what is called a front mount distributor that is a little awkward to get at for maintenance. Later ones, such as mine, has a more traditional side mount. In both cases, removal makes point installation easier, but the side mount was an improvement. Watch for leaking rear seals. It can be an indication of a failing hub creating too much play. A broken wheel stud is another. Rear rims, if the tires were filled with calcium, may be rusty. There are aftermarket rims out there, and often, the originals can be repaired. Often times, price is not associated with the age. This later model tractor will not command a premium on the market. Also, do not let the paint scare you. Just because someone took the time to paint it does not mean they knew the business end of a wrench. In fact, I have really learned to appreciate an original tractor in its "work clothes". Some actually clear coat original paint to preserve it. I am the son of a mechanic and I raced sports cars for about 30 years. These things are so simple to work on, they are a joy. If I ever do pop for a more modern tractor, I suspect I will still keep this around for certain tasks. Probably the most handy thing I have on the homestead. My 2 cents.

Grew up driving one of these! A '49... that thing & the old man taught me everything I know...

Love my Ford 3000 with front loader. Mine is gas powered, always runs.

That's good Troy, my very first tractor was a 1941 9N which was before the infamous 8N. It was given to me and it was a basket cake. I put a new distributor, new carbuerator, plugs,wires, and 3 gallons of gas and had it running in no time. What a sweet little machine. 👍👍👍👍

When looking at any Tractor, especially with a manual transmission, Make sure that the clutch and all gears work. You don't want to fine out that one of the gears don't work. If possible you might take someone with you that knows tractors.

Never used a 8n but have used a 2n word of advice for possible buyers, MAKE SURE IT HAS AN OVER RUNNING CLUTCH! If it don't, then put one on before you even attempt to mow with it.

Thanks for your advice. Love catching up on your videos. Sending appreciation from Alabama for all your efforts I have witnessed so far.

Make sure the steering gearbox is sound when buying an N tractor. You can rebuild the engine cheaper than the steering gearbox!

I’ve driven 8Ns and a Ford 600. Afew years back my dad bought a Massey 35 Gasser for $3500. We love it. They are twice the tractor of an 8N. 2 stage clutch and a hi-lo range transmission. Give you 2 reverse gears and 6 forward. Borrow money from anyone or sell something but if you have a chance, but one of the 35s instead. We make hay up to 4 miles from the hobby farm so the 12 mph road gear is nice. Great video tho!

8N's are awesome! I see them on craigslist here in the Detroit area for around $1000 all of the time. Parts are everywhere,and nothing more than basic hand tools to work on them

You can do an electronic ignition conversion and easily convert to 12 volts. Done it 3 times. Also get a 51-52 improved steering (lash adjustable) and a 52 will have dual rear axle seals. Brakes arent great, had loader on ALL of my 8Ns.

I think the 800 series would be a better starter Ford tractor due to live PTO power.

Great video. Keep em coming.

Amazing before watching this I had already been looking at 8N’s! Great video and info thanks

Massey Ferguson 135 with the Perkins diesel engine. Best tractor ever 😉

I learned to drive on a 51 8N my grandpa bought I new the year I was born, it still looks and operates like new,,,great old tractor in it's 5th generation of operation........

Being a total noob to tractors. Thank you for explaining what the Ford 8N is good for.

8n are perfect small homestead tractor ive got a 1948 model and use it all the time and parts are plentiful.

I have a 1955 Massy Ferguson which is nearly the same tractor as a 8N they share a lot of the same parts. A tractor without implements is not of much use. Converting to 12 volt is simple a 12 volt car alternator coil and battery is all you need the starter will do just fine. I built a front end loader for my tractor and it has saved my back many times.

Can't till unless you have the Sherman version. 8N is built for fast use. Hauling a wagon or plowing all day. Need lots more from my tractor.

I really needed a loader, so I went with the Ford Workmaster. It is everything the 8N was but a little more powerful and had a good loader.

Smooth delivery as allways.

For small gardening and small acreage upkeep, consider a Gravely 2 wheel tractor. They were made for over 50 years with the same basic design. Parts and implements are available. Much cheaper to acquire and keep running than a traditional 4 wheel tractor.

Thanks for answering my question in a video! I truly like your style of videos. Your research and forethought really shows in the information you go over. On a side note, am pretty sure some of the early 8N tractors had the 2/9N 3spd transmission. Can get these tractors all day long in my area for $1900 or less. Will pay a pot more if the tractor has a fresh restoration. A friend converted his to 12-volt and it has cured the difficult starting issues in the cold weather.

Been using 8N's since 1964 (actually only on my second one, a '49') at my 180 acre off grid property. Sure would love a bucket and more horsepower but these things always work. Use it for mowing and dragging logs out of the woods for firewood.

100% agree. Tractor works perfectly in almost any situation can be repaired in the field. The horsepower is deceptive as to what the machine can accomplish

Everybody seems to forget about the 1953 naa. And the 1954 Golden Jubilee A little bit bigger tractor overhead valve engine and live PTO 33 hp I think!

Appreciate the good advice.

I'm a diehard Farmall guy, but I will definitely say that the Ford N series are great tractors for the small hobby farmer, homesteader, or just someone who has land. they are quite versatile and pretty easy to work on. personally I prefer old Farmall Letter series, but that's just me. I plan on doing a similar video at some point myself.

found one for my father in law, he was supposed to give me first crack when he sold the cabin, didn't. Have Dad's old Ford Major, it's getting some mice needed attention soon. Lived with an 8n for over a decade (mowing and snow removal), underpowered, no traction (too light)!

When I saw the title of this video my first thought was 8N, what else. I see them all around NEPA for $1500 - $3000 fully functional. Sometimes as little as $1000 if beat up pretty badly or no longer needed. Also the International low boy was a close second in my book. A few bucks more but basically in the same range. A little less abundant but still pretty easy to find. Some didn't have rear PTO and some only had a rear lift, not 3 point so you need to find the one you need. Also if you have 5 acres or less the old power kings were good. 2418 is a good one if you don't need a rear PTO. Most still had 3 point hitch and it's not too hard to find one with a factory loader bucket.

in us in would go for an mf 135 and here in europe(i am from Austria) i would go for an steyr some of the Little ones from 80 series or + series

Alot of good advice! It's a shame that to alot of people It's more about looks!!! I call it looking cool on your stool!!!) I have to agree with one or more of the commentors. The MF135 gas or diesel were and still are great starter tractor. And parts are readily available; plus they have a two stage clutch ! 👍

My dad has an old Ford with a bucket on it. Looks like the one you are talking about and the bucket looks very much added to it in someone's garage.

Another great similar size tractor would be the Massey ferguson 35 with a diesel engine they seem to run 3k to 12k in my area

I bought my 51 8n with a front loader like the one you showed. Same loader exactly. Running and operating 2 years ago for $1000 was a good tractor . Prob a 20 year old restoration. . But it was very finicky. Constantly having little inconvenient issues . But heck it was a 51. It served its purpose and I sold it for a large prof

I'd also vote for the MF135 Perkins. It came in both gas or diesel, and there you can just look at your homesteads fuel options. If everything else is gas, why complicate things? If you have a ready supply of diesel or a tank that you use to run a generator too it's not bad. Won't cost too much more than an 8n either and will have plenty more power and options.

I am on my 5th beater Tractor .1st one was a 8-N , then Fordson Dexta ...bought 3 of them & they were a real work horses..... last one I got was a Ford 3000 but I broke the steering box last month , all tractors were from craigslist & under $2500

I started out with a 46 Ford 2N I bought not running from an auction for $280. Had her running within a weekend with an aftermarket carb and 12V conversion kit. Runs like a top! Then bought a 58 Ford 841 Powermaster Diesel locked up for $200. It came with a 6 foot brush hog. Got the engine freed up and got it running without an issue. Then bought a non running 52 Ford 8N with a Davis loader for $1000 just for the loader. Swapped the loader over to the Powermaster. Recently got the 8N running but it’s pretty wore out. It’ll definitely get an engine rebuild soon!

Ford 800 or 600 series! Less seal problems more power. Power steering and many loader options.

I miss the 1952 8N we had on the farm growing up. Even with the 6v electrics, that was the most reliable machine we had. The funny part is that some riding lawnmowers cost more than a lower price 8N!

I've got a restored farmall cub that has been in the family sincecit was bought new and a 20 series John deere with loader and belly mower i use for most things on our 8 1/2 acres. And as soon as i saw the title of your video and saw the question my first thought was ford 8n. Cheap, parts are readily available, easy to work on, 3 pt hitch (which is a super huge plus when looking at old tractors) and they are everywhere.

My first tractor was a 1949 8n I now have an international 444 which is like the 8n only with all the stuff the 8n never came with like low range and power steering and remotes and I got it for $3000 because they left the gas on and it was out of fuel so it wouldn't run

Just bought my uncles 1953 jubilee, runs great 12 v , electronic ignition, brand new tires one new rear wheel, rebuilt hydraulic pump new carburetor just needs paint but I like the Pantina All for 2750 I will be primarily using to brush hog . Had choice of jube or 8n for 2000 went for new tires and live pro for mowing

Nice video. I just got a Yanmar YM2420 for 800. Owner didnt know if it would turn over as its sat in a shed for a long time (847hrs). He happily grabbed a battery and we checked the engine by jumping the solenoid (key is missing sadly) turned over with excellent compression. Gonna spend a little in fresh fluids and filters but I'm looking forward to it. He said it wont shift into 1st and 2nd but 3 and 4 work fine. Also has a older international for the same price I may consider fixing at a later point, but for now that yanmar should do great for a 28hp

Have 1949 8N, Still working did some brush hogging today, needs a new clutch but has for many years, no plans to replace til it worn't hack the job! P.S. converted to 12v! made a big improvement. well worth the money.

Good video. My first tractor was a 8N I bought in 1978 for $1200. Then I bought a 18 hp Kabota, then my Father gave me a 1968 Massey Ferguson 35 with a Perkins diesel. So in about 5 years I was tractor rich. ( right now on eBay there are at least 20 8N’s ranging in price from $12,000 with a 304 v8 to ($1100 said 12volt & running). One of the +’s about the 8N is they are a sleeved engine and rebuild parts are cheap and easy to find. I don’t recommend a Bush Hogg/ mower any bigger than a 5 foot.

Let's just Asher's me that I will keep that old 1940s Farmall running and Inus for as long as it is willing to stay alive cheap to run parts are getting harder to find but she's never failed never thought about the Ford I know where to find a few of those I do live in the mountains

I have a homestead and own a 52 8n and it's a great workhorse bought it for 3k with a brushhog

Auer contraire. Ford made a factory loader for the 8N.I ran my uncles8n loader. It had a mechanical dump and wasn't perfect but wasnt too bad. Oh, good video. Thanks

Get yourself a Fordson Dexta. Cheaper then an 8N and you get a 32hp Perkins Deisel, live PTO with duel clutch. It's basically a metric Ford 3000 for a fraction of the price simply because most people have never heard of a Dexta.

I like my 48 8n. it's 21hp? but the tall tires offer a lot of torque. I don't use the pto and the 3point is eiter up or down now. I have hauled firewood with it for 20 years and its history is leveling the welcome center in Mackinaw City Michigan. I keep looking at a new tractor which would need to be 30-40hp to be comparible

Central NC. I found 10 in a one hour drive. 22 in a couple hours Some great shape and others look as they fell into the Grand Canyon. Beings the Right to repair issue left a "bad taste in my mouth" this seems the way to go!

'49 8N parked in the garden. Runs like a watch!

Very good contant.

8N's seem to be going for around $2,400 in good running condition in Oklahoma.

One other thing is to rebuild the engine there are new parts you can get everywhere and the engine is a sleeved engine

I 100% agree with you on the forehead and being the perfect Homestead tractor on a budget however I'm a Ford guy and last fall I struck gold when I found a Ford 340b Industrial loader tractor for sale on Marketplace for $4,000 I honestly think that I stole the tractor because I after using it for an entire year I'd say that it's worth a lot more than that that my friend is the perfect Homestead small farm tractor because I can do all my farm work with it fieldwork groundwork hey work everything plus loader work and it is so strong Unstoppable really if anybody can find an industrial tractor no matter what the brand I suggest I highly suggest that they do it

The 8n's lookalike the Fergusson produced by the Standard Motor Company in England would be more common in former British colonies. I have never seen a Ford 8N here in New Zealand

I love my 2020 Jinma 284 I have a little over 100 hours on it and it has been great you should check into them the Perkins 3 cylinder diesel is great and all the features you could want at a super price for a brand new tractor

The 3 reasons I hear people get surprised by when they purchase an N. Hitch only works with PTO spinning. Ground speed are all very fast even with aftermarket transmissions since most underdrive gear boxes slow the speed but also slow the hydraulic and PTO too fast for using rototillers etc. Which a lot of people love tillers. No power steering makes FEL horrid.

Central PA, 18 Ford 8n tractors 1,000 dollars to 2,500 dollars restored.

We used to have one

All well said Troy. I couldn't agree more on the old Fords. Somewhat 'limited' in capabilities when compared to the newer ones BUT, Every part is still available, 'accessories/upgrades' are unlimited, simple to operate and maintain, and they are a dirt cheap introduction. I don't exaggerate when I say I've owned and/or repaired 100's of them in the 18 years. God Bless...~Eli.

Sorry, I had to rewind the video because I was too busy laughing at you saying "if it rolls over and we die... we get over it! " Thank you for the research!

Sounds like good advice. Hard for me to get past that acronym Fix Or Repair Daily FORD.

My neighbor has two 8Ns and they both run great. My john Deere 2040 1976 is driving me crazy with hydraulic lines squinting oil, leaking oil, screaming and screeching.. just got it fixed last week, climb on it tonight to have it ready to disk in the morning, Jerking, screaming 😱 oh yeah there was hydraulic oil blowing out everywhere. I can't find any old Olivers or Minneapolis Molines, so I guess il get a mule..

Here's another good question. In the modern era, do trip-bucket loaders have a place on the modern homestead, especially when just starting out?

kubota is the afordable tractor with different options and different payment options plus comes 4WD and 2WD options

8N are everything you said but the bad is they don’t have a low enough gear for mowing or plowing, I’ve owned many of through the years. I would go with a Ford workmaster up to 3000 for basic needs. For large gardening a Farmall 140 is my choice. I own Massey-Ferguson 40 with a loader, Ford 555-C Backhoe, and a Ford 3000 for my 150 acre farm upkeep. I truck patch with a Kubota L225 that’s my two cents lol

4 cylinder perkins

My vote would have been a 135 massey. Another great video

165 massy

Massey Ferguson 35 with the 3cyl Perkins

1600 w/ front bucket custom. Probably seized. But still, point made.

$1,400 runs and drives with 12v conversion near me. Wished you would've given a suggestion for a loader capable tractor though.

Bought our 8n for $1,200 last fall. Runs great. Looks a little rough but it works great. Plowed with it all last winter, fired up instantly every time. Excavated a sloped area for a hoop house with it and a back blade. It’s paid for itself a few times over already. Planning to run it for awhile on our new 12 acre farm for field work. Have fun a lot of new tractors and yes I would love to have a bucket.... but our goal is to build out our farmstead without going into debt and be thrifty with equipment. See how long I can last before justifying a 5-10k tractor with a bucket😆

I could never be without a tractor my first one was a Massey Ferguson 2610 then a Mahindra 3016 loved both and now I got a RK55 loader backhoe I need a tractor for what all I do , I say any tractor is way better than nothing lol but if you have a homestead you need a tractor

Ford made a nice loader. Works quite well.

If you going to home sted do not get th 2n,8n or the 9n before 1953 the golden jubilee is the one you want it cam out in 1953 with live hydraulics and live pto it had a two stage clutch in it push it halfway down tractor will stop and pto will keep turning push all the way down everything will stop.

What do you recommend would be a cheap diesel 4x4 tractor with 3 point hitch and PTO?

1720 Compact Ford New Holland. 4 wheel drive. find a used one. It will pull a Ford 8n over.

The 8 n's are great. Go a couple of years newer and have live hydraulics. Then around '59 gets you live PTO, factory low range, power steering, and a front end that can handle a loader. I prefer the Massey Ferguson. Better engineering.

sure the 8N is a great many life long low hp tractor, but to me a tractor on a homestead with out a loader is like having a 6hp snow blower for your 1400 foot long drive way 22 feet wide and many 4 and 5 foot snow storms, your still stuck doing the back braking daily work by hand

Ha Ha Tractor house has a total custom one for $25,000 with a V8 conversion, Sherman trans, front wheel assist conversion, and V snow plow. Looks cool though.

Massey Ferguson 35x gold belly

I am fat old and lazy and my mud wheel sucks LOL I have found some here in kenna wv for about $800.00 some work needed just like a use car GOD BLESS

I have been driving, working around my new John Deere tractor because a sensor went out on it, John Deere says I can't fix it myself I have to bring it in. cost 1,OOO bucks. driving around it on my 8n.

I've been trying to find a 8n in my area preferably one with a bush hog as it's difficult for me to move equipment when I don't have a trailer and have to borrow one... Have not found one but I did run across a Ford 3000 good tractor?

There's a 40's and (3) 1950's Deeres hanging out in a field and looking lonely across the street from me. When I'm ready I might go ask if they're available. They have a pair of stationary engines, too... but that would just be a toy :)

Great video, and great advice! My first self-bought tractor is the Farmall 340 on my channel, but my Grandfather’s Ferguson 30 is here, too. (The Ferguson looks a lot like the 8n. I forget the exact details as to how the Ferguson came about, other than it was a partnership between Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson.) I had a chance to buy another Ferguson, before I bought my farmall, but didn’t because “I’ve gotta have a row-crop tractor!” Kinda wish I had, because it was a really well taken care of tractor, but still happy with the tractor I’ve got. If you’re still here, I’ve got a question for you: I noticed on Facebook that you got a sawmill.. A sawmill is something I’ve been looking at getting, once I get some land squared away, but I’m still trying to decide if buying a mill of my own (looking at a Woodland Mills HM126, for reference) would be worth it, if I only have a few (roughly 5) wooded acres. Having said that, I do have friends who have expressed interest in eventually getting rid of some trees of their own. Maybe it could become something similar to urban logging? At any rate, you guys are there, and have some practical knowledge and experience, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Yes, they made a bazillion of them, and yes, every single part is available for them today...I've seen the suppliers at the farm machinery show. The advantages pretty much end there. Ford brakes stink, especially on the older style like the 8n. 9n and 2n were worse since the pedals weren't even on the same side and they had a foot clutch. Speed range is bouncy, bouncier, and bouncier, no high and low range, so no tiller and less options for anything else. Live hydraulics and live/continuous PTO are pretty sweet. Push in the clutch on an 8n and you lose your lift and PTO and without an overriding clutch on the pto, pushing in the clutch will still get you pushed over a fence or somewhere you don't want to go with a bush hog. Better make sure the heat shield is in there between the engine and the gas tank that is RIGHT OVER THE ENGINE or you'll blow up like my dad's friend. I wouldn't take ten 8n fords for one international B414 diesel like I have, and most parts are available for them, too, and they can be bought for a reasonable price. There are any number of Massey Ferguson 35s, all with live lift, and some with live PTO, and some even diesel, for reasonable sale. Parts are available for them, too, and they are way ahead of a ford 8n.

RTH, what's your opinion on skid steer over a tractor. I'm in Colorado and since moving on the property I've been using my Zero-turn mower pulling around a small trailer, but I have been wanting a used tractor as I don't have the funds for a new one right now, but most of the homesteads in my area use skid steers over tractors, because they claim they are more reliable and cheaper to come by due to how many more of them are sold. just curious what your opinion is on the subject. I did go look at a few, found a few between $6,500-10,000

Great Video Troy . I inherited my dad's farm and also a number of tractors one of them being 1948 8N good tractor. But it does need the 12volt conversion kit and a new carburator kit. The old girl is a keeper. Keep up the good work love the videos take care.

I completely agree with the 8N. Coming from Deere, these Fords are sooooo much easier to work on. And being such a low height, you don't need a ladder to work on them. I wasn't looking for any tractor in particular when I was looking(only a year ago), but I happened upon a 2N for $350. It had sat for 20-30 years in the woods. The seller showed me the engine turned over. I couldn't pass it up. After a new carb, a battery, new cables, and new fluids, it runs. I do wish I had the 4 speed like the 8N had, but I can manage without. The lack of draft control can be remedied by aftermarket addons. And yes, tires suck. I had to look for a year to find a used set, that cost me $600 for wheels and tires. You can get parts to get these N series running at Tractor Supply, at damn near every store. Despite what everyone says about the Chinese carburetors, I have had awesome luck with mine. It was tuned perfect out of the box, the tractor starts every time. Also, in CT, I am finding N series consistently for ~$1500. We just got some acreage in Maine, can't wait to start playing around up there!

Dead on, It is really fortunate to have so many 8n tractors out there!

i rented one for the weekend, and i got alot done for 200$ for 3 day weekend

what Sergio said.

Liked your title, but it could be something like: best tractor if you don't want to spend tens of thousands, and don't want it to break down in 2 years, and cost thousands more to fix. I have a 9n and a JD B for my little place. Not full-on farming, just glorified gardening.. learn to use them, and be ready to spend 10-50 bucks at the farm store if they get balky. You won't look as cool as your neighbors Kubota, you'll look cooler.