Posted by Chris Fair on March 27, 1998 at 12:37:36:
In Reply to: 8n vs 9n posted by stan on March 21, 1998 at 10:35:03:
: What are the advantages/disadvantages. looking to use boxblade and probably brush-hog. whats a good price in eastern va.? Whichever i get i would like to restore. know of an 8n bought for 2300 and a 9n thats forsale for 2700. both in about the same condition. this has me confused. thanks for any help.
Stan, I bought an 8N in the Fredericksburg VA area about a year ago for $2300 and it was a really good deal. If you get lucky, you can find one at auction for as low as $2100 around here (but not very often lately). I have seen 8Ns for upwards of $3000 at local tractor dealers and the tractors were not in great shape. The other folks were right about the 8N over the 9N. The 8N also has a 2-position control on the 3-point hitch that allows you to optimize the system for either ground-engaging equipment like a plow or blade or to hold a fixed position for things like brush-hogs. I use my 8N to keep up with 8 acres of pastures and a half mile of gravel road. It is not only a good piece of equipment, the parts are easy to come by at local Ford/New Holland dealers, and they are just fun to use. My wife and I often rush to get home from the office to try to get to the tractor first. A piece of 50-year old farm equipment that starts on the first try on a 15 degree morning and then works well all day in 95 degree heat must have been designed right. Easy to run, easy to work on, fun to use and a LOT CHEAPER than almost any new tractor that can match the HP. I helped my neighbor bushhog areas he couldn't (or wouldn't) take a new Kubota 4-wheel drive diesel tractor. A warning - 8Ns are addictive. Pretty soon you will be watching auctions for more goodies for your tractor and thinking about how much fun it would be to make it look showroom new. This can be easier if you get your wife hooked too! Good Luck! Chris