Choosing a Vintage Tractor: Case vs. Ford 9n

I'm narrowing a search for a used tractor and have a J.I. Case SC and Ford 9N in the running.

My main purpose is brush-hogging, mowing and general farm work like back blading, and perhaps plowing/cultivating. I'm somewhat of a tractor novice, although I've been using a Ford 2N for the last season or so, (Brush hogging only).

Any advice on any significant differences?

I appreciate any feedback or resources you can suggest. Thanks in advance.

Skip them both and buy a Ford with live PTO, 860 or 861.

Listen to 960.

as a 'greenhorn',you probabably need something newer thsn the case or 9n. Go with the 800 Ford,or equivalent

The 2N is newer than the 9N almost the same tractor.

Ford manufactured the 9N, then 2N, then 8N. Neither has live hydraulics nor live pto..You're regressing from 2N to 9N.

Keith & Shawn(Gold Medal Winner)

Thanks all - keep the feedback coming.

Regarding the 2N to 9N regression, the 2N has been on loan, but is going away, so I'm simply on the hunt for a tractor to replace it and dealing with what the used market has to offer.

Both are good tractors! The N is significantly handier and maneuverable than the SC, and as stated neither will have LPTO. The models that people mentioned are excellent also, but will cost you a tad more in most cases.
It sounds to me like those are the two that you have found that fit your budget and for the chores you mentioned I would go with the N; in most instances much easier to work on, parts easier to find, and 3 pt hitch (unless it"s a late SC with Eagle Hitch this is a BIG advantage. Other than holding back heavier loads on hills, or getting into heavier things like baling with a wagon attached, the N will do most things the SC will and do them a little handier (good chance the SC has a hand clutch too).
As far as tilling, an N with properly adjusted 1 or 2 bottom 3pt plow will plow like crazy all day, add in a 3pt disc and 3pt drag and you"re in business! With an Over Running Clutch for saftey, the LPTO issue is ALMOST moot when hogging, and a good N will run a 5" hog all day no problem.
My Father does most of the true work with out tractors (I do more pullin" and playin") he has the choice of JD B,A,70,and 420...IH Super C, Super H, and Super M, Ford 2N and 8N...and ( times out of 10 you"ll find him doin" his work on the 2N, and it"s always his choice on plow day.
Bottom line is that alot of guys never give Ns a chance simply because they have never had the opportunity to use one...they are one good tractor! Pete

I've heard some talk regarding some of these tractors being prone to tipping over. I have some reasonably hilly property that I'll be working on.

Are either of these styles more prone to tipping than another? Are there precautions you should or shouldn't take? (loading tires, etc.)

Thanks again -

When in doubt, don't do it. ROPS at a minimum. Drive straight up and down hill, and get a pony, cow, or couple sheep. No amount of mowing (playing) is worth leaving your family to bury you or wipe your @$$ the rest of your life.
I had a come to Jesus with my little tractor last year and have since been real careful.

Good Luck,



Dave

If your budget allows go newer yet. We had a later model Ford 2000. It had lpto,4x2 tranny,3 cyl.gas engine and a little more snort then the N series Fords. Also live hydraulics.

steve

NO.

A Jubilee will give you live PTO for about the same money as the N...cooler hood too

If you have to have a ford. Find something with live pto, live high pressure/high volume hydraulics, factory 12V electrics, real brakes and a chassis that can accept a rops.

Very helpful suggestions everyone, thanks a lot!

Here's the update -

The 9N, which I was fairly excited about, has been sold. Perhaps it's good, as I'm certainly trying to absorb info which is pointing me towards the 50's models and hopefully towards Live PTO/Live Hydraulics.

However, those seem to be in short supply in the market or in my price range.

Update on the Case is that it does have foot clutch and Eagle Claw hitch. However, I'm leaning away from the tricycle model tractors, thinking 4 wheels on the ground is a better bet on my rolling property. It's not extremely severe, but it's worth being careful.

In summary, there are some 8N's that have my attention, but I'm going to give the live-pto more consideration and do another round of searching.

Thanks again for the help.

Question: Is my logic of looking for 4 wheeled tractors vs. the trikes, for rolling terrain sound? Also, due to the suggestions, I now realize the later tractors will allow for ROPS, which I am also taking into consideration.

(quoted from post at 15:45:29 03/19/10) NO.

Click to expand...

No to which?

Jubilee DOES NOT have live PTO, hydrolics yes PTO NO.