One of the most legendary tractors of all time is the Ford N-series, which consists of 3 related models: the 9N, 2N and 8N. Ford N-series tractors were built to be affordable tractors used by family farmers. Better yet, they were durable workhorses that proved themselves in the field. That’s a characteristic that lives to this day. While many Ford 9N, 2N and 8N tractors now serve as collectors’ models for festivals and parades, other Ford N-series tractors are still working the fields.
The naming of these tractors often generates curiosity. The Ford 9N was the first in the series, followed by the 2N and 8N in that order. It brings up the question of why the numbers don’t go in sequential numeric order. It all has to do with Ford’s naming convention in those days. For starters, Ford used the letter N as its designation for tractors. It would pair that letter with the last number of the year in which the model was brought to market. The 9N was introduced in 1939, with the 2N hitting the market in 1942 and the 8N in 1948.
Ford 9N tractors
The 9N series was borne out of a partnership with Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson. What set the tractor apart from its competition was a three-point hitch system developed by Ferguson. The hitch system made the job of farmers much easier when working with implements. The deal to use Ferguson’s innovative system was sealed with a handshake between Ford and Ferguson, an informal style of agreement that most likely led to regrets. Ford decided to break the deal a few years later, and that prompted Ferguson to sue, eventually resulting in a settlement for patent infringement. Ford and Ferguson parted ways, bringing Ferguson into a partnership that resulted in the formation of the Massey Ferguson tractor company.
Ford 2N tractors
The 2N replaced the 9N in 1942. Ford’s motivation to replace the 9N with a new model was at least partly to evade World War II pricing regulations of existing products. The price of the 9N was locked in due to wartime price controls. But being a new model without any prior pricing history, Ford could set a new higher price for the 2N. The design of the 2N was also influenced by wartime needs. Some 2N models had steel wheels and an ignition system that required hand cranking. That’s because tires and batteries were both in short supply and reserved for the war effort.
Ford 8N tractors
The 8N was the most popular and biggest seller of the N-Series. This model included many design improvements that enhanced functionality and performance over prior models. Enhancements included a new 4-speed transmission and more power take off (PTO) horsepower. The appearance of the 8N was upgraded too with a two-color look, which gave the tractor more eye appeal. The Ford 8N also had the benefit of arriving after World War II. Service members returned home, optimism ran high and the economy was strong. Sales numbers of 8Ns broke records, which dwarfed both the 9N and 2N models sales numbers. Production of the Ford 8N continued until 1952, after which the N-series was retired for Ford’s new Golden Jubilee model.
The N-Series by the numbers
The site Tractor Data lists the following statistics for Ford N-Series tractors: Ford 9N 99,002 tractors manufactured from 1939 to 1942 with an original price of $585 in 1939, Ford 2N manufactured from 1942 to 1947 with an original price of $1,120 and Ford 8N 524,000 tractors manufactured from 1947 to 1952 with an original price of $1,404 in 1952.
Keeping the history of the Ford N-Series alive
Many Ford N-series tractors have survived to the present day, which can be credited to durable construction and enthusiasts who keep their Ford N-series tractors well maintained. Aftermarket replacement parts suppliers still sell starters, water pumps, radiators, carburetors, seats, wheel bearing kits, gaskets, hydraulic pump assemblies, emblems and many more Ford N-Series replacement parts. Because of the strong interest in Ford 9N, 2N and 8N tractors, these legendary machines keep laying down tracks in fields and impressing new generations of tractor enthusiasts.
Photo credit: Dustin Hendrix
Return to the Buying Guide main page.
