Saved From The Crusher: 1940s Ford 9N Tractor
This tractor is a little tough to nail down the date for when it was made. The seller doesn’t show any numbers but they refer to it as a 1939 to 1942 Ford 9N. They have it listed here on eBay in Slovan, Pennsylvania and there are a few people who want it, which is nice. The current bid price is $1,585.
The seller is correct on the years, I think. I believe that it’s somewhere in that mix and I’m going with it being from 1941. There aren’t a lot of different photos or any detailed photos at all, just several photos that are similar to the ones shown here – all overall shots. Those are nice, though, and they do have a great video here on YouTube showing some very nice details. I believe that the 1941 9N was the first to use a grille with vertical spokes, but one of you may know for sure. I’m going by the TheAntiqueTractorBlog.com website for the differences between the N-series tractors.
Ford made the N-series of tractors from before we even thought about being in WWII, 1939, all the way right into the middle of the Korean war in 1952. Oddly enough, the 9N was the first model and it makes no sense until you realize that the “9” = 1939 and “N” stood for the Ford product, which for tractors was N. The Ford 9N was made mainly for small farms as an all-around tractor or row crops. You know, a tractor-tractor, like what you think of when you think of a tractor.
This was was “saved from the crusher” according to the seller and that would have been a shame to have that happen. But, just think of how many millions of cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, etc. have been crushed, many of them would be vehicles that we’d love to save today. Not everything can be saved, of course, but a dozen or two people are bidding on this one so hopefully it’ll be restored. This one is a head-scratcher, though. The later 8N tractors were white and red and you can clearly see red on this tractor. But, it has 9N or 2N wheels. Hmmm…
The engine on this one should be a 2.0L Ford four-cylinder with 16 horsepower at the drawbar and 23.5 hp at the belt. They say that it runs well – check out the video if you can. It clearly needs almost a full restoration and I hope it gets one. Are there any vintage tractor fans out there? Any thoughts on the exact year of this one?
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Comments
What a great find, and the author only scratched the surface with the importance of this post, I don’t think he’ll mind. Being the sentimental sap that I am, I can’t think of a more important machine for after the war. Before the war, many GI’s left family farms that still used horses. When they returned, IF they returned, this, for many, was their 1st motorized tractor. It revolutionized the farm. Farm tractors in the past were these dangerous, coal fired behemoths, that took a crew of stout men to run them, this was simple, anyone that could breathe could operate it, and unlike the horse, required no attention when it was shut off.. The farm I lived on for a spell, the guy I rented from, his grandfather bought an 8N brand new in 1948. It was still on the farm, had NEVER been worked on, and that included the motor freezing one winter. Biggest problem with these, is no live PTO, meaning, when you push in the clutch, the PTO stops as well, and that can be a big hassle, almost unsafe. Live PTO’s, a 2 stage clutch so the PTO keeps turning when shifting, in later models solved that.
I read this tractor cost $535 dollars new in 1942( almost $11 grand today), but as evidenced by my experience, after 80 years, I’d say they got their moneys worth. Great find, and no, they did not have alternators, but if you have any farm experience in your life, I’d almost bet it had an N series tractor in it.
One might argue the farmall regular was instrumental in mechanizing of farming. What the 9N brought to farming was a safer tractor. This was born out of the problem ford had with the fordson, which was the tractor flipping over on the operator when the plow hit an obstruction. Ferguson three point guaranteed that was not likely to happen.
Was going to say that a grey Fergie was the first one that I encountered as a driver, although my great-uncle had a Fordson Major and my pal on Mull a Fordson Dexta.
Low center of gravity helped over a Farmall or JD, though I did cherish my old B.
Bet? Nope, only Cornbinders on Gramps place.
What a blow hard. I’ve owed and rebuilt a few 9N’s 2N’s and currently have 4 8N’s along with a Jubilee….used my 8N with a mower just today. Great old tractor you can still get parts for and what’s that price it’s at now ?
The heading “Saved from the crusher” is all too true. Scrap is high again and just last week a guy scrapped an early unstyled John Deere a Farmall and a Case. The first two were on steel. They were complete. He was selling property and the project tractors had to go. He tried to sell them but everyone wanted to low ball him. The scrap man had the highest offer. Seems they were only worth their weight in scrap.
Kudos to the seller for seemingly trying to disclose all the negatives he knows about and stating that there could be more lurking once a guy starts working on the tractor. Here’s to honesty.
That being said, I think I’ve seen Ford N’s selling for less than $1600 around here (Wisconsin) which don’t SEEM to tires or any immediate service needed… unless a buyer would want to chase down every little drop of seeping oil, etc. I think I’ve seen them w/ loaders for $2400 or less, SUPPOSEDLY ready to get right to work. Of course, I can’t verify these claims because I didn’t look at the tractors in person.
I have a couple of relatives that have restored old tractors. Including a Ford 8N. It’s been out on many tractor rides so it’s out there being seen. Hope someone finds and restores this one to the same quality.
These tractors had a big advantage over their competing other makes back in the day. Most other tractors were drawbar tractors only while these had the tools mounted to the 3 point hitch and are very handy. I have a deep fondness for these and own three of them. They are small for a tractor and I use that to my advantage slipping through a thick woodlot.
Bulletproof with a little tlc from our friendly farmers. Would start in the harshest weather, and after sitting outside in any weather. These are bringing around 1500 up her in upstate NY. This ol girl needs some love and a nice brush paint job. Good luck and happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
Back in the day I remember you could buy three of these for a nickel, where do they get these sky high prices from?? Watch, I’ll bet some rich guy will snap it up and put an LS motor in it and lower it into uselessness just to impress his yuppie pals on Wall Street. Disgusting! Real men restore these rare beauties to perfection and use them as God intended… Daily Drivers!
Back in the day there was several kits available, I think they were made by either Funk or Sherman or maybe both. There was an under drive and an overdrive gear box to be mounted between the engine and the transmission. and there was also a kit to install a Ford Flathead V8 in them. Interesting little tractors
Ford 8N/9N are like gold; they’ll always have value. I preferred having the extra ‘road high’ gear on the 8N. Buy it, convert it to 12v and it’ll do its thing forever. Most are probably 12v by now.
What is a tractor doing in Barn Finds?
Oh, wait, tractors were kept in a barn. Never mind.
My neighbor had one of these back in the 60s. Also had chickens, all within the town limits. Never thought much about it at the time. Except when my friend’s dog would get into the chicken coop. Now that was funny.
9N had foot pegs 8N had running boards.
I had a couple of these. Looks like a’41 9N. Someone has converted it to 12v already (GM alternator 12v alternator sticking out).
They are easy to work on, and parts are plentiful. They were very popular on small hobby farms and country homes.
As much more capable modern compact tractors have become widely available, the demand has eased.
Prices for restored or decent “driver quality” examples have dropped such that they are typically a much better value than one like this.
The price of new tires is about $1,500 installed. This unit could easily take another $2,000 in parts (if no surprises), and you do most of the work. Fact is they can be found in decent shape for less these days.
The other reality is these ancient machines are very limited in power and capability. I sold my last one (a ’53 Jubillee) in May 2021, and replaced it with a new diesel Kubota. Its sorta like replacing a Model A pickup with a new F-150. If you want a tractor as a “hobby”, the Ford 8/9 Ns are cool.
This tractor is being sold by a guy named Matt, who has a YouTube channel called Diesel Creek, which is growing quite rapidly. He’s a straight shooter and his channel is a good one to follow if you like resurrecting old iron. No connection other than being a long-time subscriber.
The 9N and 2N (WWII production, introduced in 1942) had three speed transmissions, while the 8N had a four speed tranny. The distributor was mounted on the front of the engine on all three series, until mid 1950, when it moved to the side.
Unless this tractor comes with some equipment, like a rear blade, bush hog, etc., the bids seem high, considering the condition. Running 9Ns in SW Virginia, with decent tires, usually top out at $1500-$1800.
While I would love to have a 4 wheel drive Kubota, my 8N does 90% of the work that I need it to do on my acreage.
Came here just to mention the association with Diesel Creek. By coincidence I just saw the video last night.
The YouTuber association adds a new level of provenance and will bump the price a bit. Probably not representative of a typical 9n value
Andrew Camarata and Hickock45 are youtubers that also eBay stuff for fans and the revenue they generate is quite surprising. Kudos to Matt for the effort.
Back when I was a kid it seemed like every farmer around had an 8N Ford except my grandpa he went with a Farmall Super A, my dad has it now , refurbished and switched from the old 6 volt generator system to 12 volt, still starts, runs, and works.
Dad’s first tractor on his first farm was a 48. 8N. 80 acres. About half tillable. Second owner. Outhouse. Ma milked 10 cows by hand at first. Then got a Surge milker. Sold cream to the creamery. Fed milk back to cows and pigs. We ate good.
The number in the model designates the first year made. 9N. 1939. 2N 1942.
8N 1948. My dad’s was early. Built in 47. Only a few built then. I saw production figures. Serial number was stamped on the block. Only there. No where else. I still have it. And a angle blade, 2 discs, 3 plows. Cordwood saw. Snow blower. Rare front dozer. 2 sickle mowers. Digger. Cultivator. Etc. They made track kits for these also. Dad borrowed one from a neighbor. Steer with brakes.
Years ago I had a 1939 9N which appeared to have been one of the early demo units possibly from when they were first shown. Several things on it stood out including a different side plate on the differential which didn’t have a dipstick as well as several pieces on the engine that were chromed (which weren’t on the production models). Eventually sold it to a neighbor who has left it sitting unused for over ten years. My 4 wheel drive diesel with a front mount snow blower is far better at handling our 5-foot snow drifts up here in the mountains.
Of all the cars, lawnmowers and motorcycles I have, the only thing that starts and runs everyday is my 8N Ford tractor. So reliable….save them all.
I love these things
I found an 8n in field for 10 years. Tires flat, points plugs, wires battery etc
Fired up runs awesome
Tires needed air. I love these things.
Worth every penny!!!!!!!
$3,050 now, ends tonight.
Brings back memories of my Grandpa’s tractor! Thanks Barn Finds! Haven’t laid eyes on one in 30+ years. About the price, inflation applies to tractors, too lol!
We have a 9N on our little hobby farm here in SD. Bought fully restored with new tires and 12v conversion for less than $2K. Hope the new owner of this one has some deep pockets.
The best line in any write-up, ever: “You know, a tractor-tractor, like what you think of when you think of a tractor.” Well done, sir.
Glad to see this old boy will be saved Crusher!? WHAT? Tractors are AWESOME! We have three oldies – so far – Allis Chalmers CA, Ford 8N, Massey Harris 50..they all start every time and still do everything they were designed for and more. Cool to look at, easy to work on and you can USE them! Git out there and git you a tractor! (Thanks Keith, you were right)
my family bought one new in 48…still working on the same farm
I was maybe 8 years old, so 1970, and my pawpaw had one of these and took me for rides every weekend when we visited, and a lot of rides when we stayed in the summertime.
You can step away from Factory Colors
I have a 1945 model, this looks just like it, 3 speed, overdrive, 2n 9n wheels.
I will be using mine tomorrow, I have to pull a huge sick century plant out of the ground at the Capstone Films ‘Old Desert Studio’. I rebuilt mine while living in Iowa, around 1976. Thousands of them back there, I found a very low hour combine engine, but still installed sleeves and pistons in it. Mine is still 6 volt. so it cranks very slow, but still starts right up after sitting for a year.
In Australia know as the Grey Fergy . I have one restored the sell for around $3500 to $4000 A . Many of them sold in late 40 tys early 50 tys . In 1956 the Murray River had a Great Flood highest on record . At the town of Wenworth levy banks were built to save the town . The Grey Fergy was used to cart said on top of the levy because of its narrow and light build . The locals said if it wasn,t for the Grey Fergy the town and fruit property,s would have been flooded , So they built a Monument with a Grey Fergy on top . Maybe if you Google Grey Fergy Wentworth you should find it . Most probley the only Monument for a Tractor in the World
Bruce, the Ferguson TE20 had a Vanguard motor.
One was used for Antarctic exploration; it resides in Christchurch NZ museum. It has rubber tracks, cabin, etc.
There is a Ford, similar to the feature tractor, that is powered by a Ford SV V8, on (was?) exhibit in a tractor paradise in Kingston SE, South Australia.
In Australia know as the Grey Fergy . I have one restored the sell for around $3500 to $4000 A . Many of them sold in late 40 tys early 50 tys . In 1956 the Murray River had a Great Flood highest on record . At the town of Wenworth levy banks were built to save the town . The Grey Fergy was used to cart sand on top of the levy because of its narrow and light build . The locals said if it wasn,t for the Grey Fergy the town and fruit property,s would have been flooded , So they built a Monument with a Grey Fergy on top . Maybe if you Google Grey Fergy Wentworth you should find it . Most probley the only Monument for a Tractor in the World
If you google 8n flat head v8 you can see some pretty lumpy conversions.
What neat little tractors.
I think the b8 was a dealer installed option.
juss saw the openin pic & 1st few lines of write up.
These don’t go to the crusher w/the unitized axel/transmis/motor. One heavy hunka iron can B seen in 3rd to last pic. I dont think the crusher could chip that up, neither the spinning knives style. Probably a seller’s ploy to bring out the emotions of 1/2 merica. Most any1 round a ranch or farm has these (what I learned to drive on). Ours is relegated to bring in the fire wood only, set up permanently w/the wide front like this one. !st used for field work we still have the tricycle frnt, but size helps it skid thru the trees w/trip log on the chain. A real bull, even in mud season.
Agreed, very rare to see these go to the crusher. The parts are too hard to get. Most will sit out back the barn or garage. Very easy to work on, the way are pieced together.
Back in the late 70’s, a guy had a couple of 8N tractors, one with bad engine, the other with bad tranny. Asked me if I’d make a good one out of two in exchange for keeping the remains. As an early 20’s gearhead, I readily agreed as I’d never laid hands on a farm tractor. After all was said and done I had grand plans to repair the remains. Until one day a guy drove by and offered me $1500 knowing both engine and trans were bad. I shed a tear as it went down the road, but was able to buy some goodies for my ’65 Skylark.
Aside from having to replace a part in a Massey tractor that would break when the PTO got overloaded, never have worked on another tractor. Sigh!
Broke my heart to read of the tractors going to the crusher. If the seller had taken time to advertise, more $ would have been realized than the recycler offered IMO. Glad to see this sold, though surprised at the sale price, frankly. And I agree with several commenters here: These old tractors are reliable, easy to work on, inexpensive to acquire and maintain. I had a 1953 John Deere, 6 volt system, started quickly even on the coldest Michigan winter days, both front and back blades and a belly mower.
Auction update: this one sold for $3,050.