#159

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Please subscribe to our channel here: kzbin.info Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Just search for "Purple Collar Life" Check out our older videos for more information about our John Deere 2210, tractors, chainsaws, firewood, RV camping, rural living, and more!

[@kennethkuykendall3323]

Kenny

[@greggd2027]

This sure brings back memories. My grandpa had an 8N on his ranch. I was driving it by the time I was 9 or 10 years old. At that age I had even learned how to back a trailer up with it. The only thing he wouldn't let me do was to tow the disc harrow - he was afraid I'd fall off backwards and get chopped up in it. There were so many things we did with that tractor on the ranch. I think the craziest was using it to gas gophers. He had an exhaust flex hose - we would hook one end to the exhaust pipe, and bury the other end in an open gopher hole, crank up the throttle, pull the choke out, and watch the fumes come out of another hole several yards away. Then we'd cover up that hole and run it a few minutes. It worked believe it or not!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing a few of your memories with the 8N! We love hearing the stories about these old tractors. They were certainly a part of the family.

[@allenfarmer6491]

Me too! Only I was about 12yrs .......first tractor I learned on ...pulled the hay rope first, then graduated to pulling the manure wagon (after loading it)that is. Many fond memories of the FORD 8n

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@allenfarmer6491 There are so many great stories of these tractors being a part of people's lives and driving adventures. :)

[@C0PR4SHO]

That’s a not so humane way to deal with them I would not do that

[@thelittlehouseinthecountry7089]

Your 8N tractor content has been so useful to our household. Thank You for your hard work of sharing.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great to hear! Thank you for letting us know! Tell us a little about your 8N. We love to hear the stories.

[@thelittlehouseinthecountry7089]

@@PurpleCollarLife I will soon have a video with our experience with this amazing machine, for now I have a few tips on servicing the front loader it came with. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKDJl6WeYtSchJI

[@TJSteele63]

Great video. I just purchased a Ford 8N about two months ago. Started nicely at the sellers and took it home. Drove it off the trailer and it stalled never to start again. After redoing the entire wiring system, still nothing. Followed that by replacing the spark plugs, cables, points, distributor cap and coil, (older 6V system, horizontal distributor model), patched the gas tank and also had to replace the leaking radiator, i finally got it running. Hurray!!! I was doing the happy dance. Previous owner had a bucket installed on it and he warned me it didn't work. He was right, so that's the next project. I watched Rachels videos on the hydraulics and will get that going i'm sure, thanks for showing me how to troubl;eshoot it. Even after all this, i love this little gem...

[@PurpleCollarLife]

You’re absolutely right, there’s just something about these old tractors. Even when they’re not running perfectly, and force us to get our hands dirty fixing issues, they’re still loved. Thanks for watching! Keep us posted on your Ford tractor experiences.

[@airman20012001]

Same story, but I have no idea why it won't start, do you know what it ended up being? electrical, fuel?

[@TJSteele63]

I replaced just about everything electrical on that tractor. New rad also and a bunch of other things. Went from a 6 volt system to a 12 volt system. I think the problem with mine was the coil and i think i still have the 6 volt coil in there which will be a big problem on the points. From what i hear, it's stalled again and will not start. I also bought it for the bucket which i was never able to get working. What i'm thinking is that the previous owner might have had a PTO hydraulic pump to power that but it has been stripped before i purchased it. I taught it was just a little thing to repair when i bought it, but i seriously don't have time to work on it for a bit.

[@2006engine267]

Thank you. I just purchased a 1948 last night, picking it up Wednesday. Hoping for another 76 years of good use.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hope you enjoy it! There’s not a time that I get on the 8N that it doesn’t improve my day. :)

[@rand49er]

My grandpa had an 8N. I can't tell you how many hours I sat on that pretending I was driving it. I was 6 or 7 years old, and that was in the mid '50s.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I remember many hours sitting on this tractor pretending I was driving it as a young boy. Now I drive it for real - but it's still just as thrilling!

[@MikeL-vu7jo]

Old tractors especially those Ford N series I have always had an interest in Thanks .

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I've always been interested in these old Ford tractors also. They're so rich with history.

[@deirdre444]

Thank you. I've got my eye on a restored 1946 2N so this video helped a lot. Cheers.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great to hear!

[@deirdre444]

@@PurpleCollarLife Bought it yesterday for $2200, restored. Only thing is that the (included) 3pt. isn't attached and I'm not sure I have all the right bolts and things. Seems pretty common sense but do you have a video on the 3 pt? If not, would you please make one for all of us newbies? Thank you!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

This is a well done video that provided value for me I watched this video when it was new and I watched it again today because I’m going to be running a Ford 8N tractor

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching it again, Brock! Feel free to ask any questions you have about that 8N you have.

[@1stanleygirl]

We may be getting my dad's 8N soon...and I know nothing about tractors (those came along AFTER I was out of the house, unfortunately). This has helped me feel more confident about starting out with it. From a newbie, thank you very much for posting this!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks! You'll love the 8N. Feel free to send us any questions you have. Thanks for watching and commenting. We look forward to hearing from you in the future.

[@redmann31567]

Great video!!! Thank you!!! I have a very early produced 8N.... Late 1947. Cold or hot, pull the choke with half throttle and she will not let you down!!! 😁😊👍 🚜❤

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Right on! Great old machines.

[@marthathiel2419]

That was such an informative video for a new owner of an old 8N. Thank you

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Please check out our other Ford 8N tractor videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLJy7cj0ut2cBWTStoVA1G_lfQ8hnhUtLu

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Great video idea. Definitely a learning curve for people who have only used a new hydrostatic transmission tractor My dad had an old farmall that I brush hogged with a few times as a teenager

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing!

[@yvettablack1945]

Hello I'm a first time tractor owner, with no help on how I'm supposed to keep a tractor or anything. I bought a 1956 8N looks alittle ruff but does run, just getting it out for this summer. I saw this video n said I think I might learn a thing or two from here. Problem 1 it came with no manual n problem 2 I don't know what's what on this thing. Like a dip stick looks like water got into it. Is that to oil or transmission. Have a friendly ❤ n help a girl out. I want to learn n would really love to even find ways to make her pretty again, the tractor lol. Wantta be a farmer

[@AnthemBassMan]

Love the video! I cut my teeth on my Grandpa’s ‘52 8N and ‘46 Ferguson TO-20. He had a 197 acre farm here in eastern central, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Spent a lot of years hauling firewood from the bottom of the farm where part of the old Ohio-Erie Canal ran through. Lots of memories on that old piece of property.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing your story! Sounds like your Grandpa had the right equipment for the 197 acre Ohio farm. And you're right - these old machines certainly carry with them lots of memories. Thanks for watching and adding the comment.

[@dirtnbeer]

Just bought one of these. Was curious as to how everything worked. Thanks! Great little video.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great to hear!

[@ssconver]

@dirtnbeer curious, was it running? How much did you pay for it?

[@dirtnbeer]

@@ssconver The people I bought it from said it ran but it would not start. I bought it to just have something to tinker with. It runs now. I paid 1000 for it.

[@carolmccullah473]

THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO! I love my 8N! I have learned from trial and error so validation of what I have been doing AND learning a couple of new things!! My husband always did the brush hogging so when he passed, I had long distance tutorials from my dad via phone and visits. Unfortunately, he has now passed as well so these types of videos are extremely helpful. It is tough now when I have issues not having him to talk to to walk me through it!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

We really appreciate your comment! We always hope that our videos are both informative and entertaining (helpful)! Sorry to hear about your husband and your father, but glad to know that you’re still using the 8N and enjoying it!

[@jchlawncare5730]

Love mine as well

[@carolmccullah473]

@@PurpleCollarLife For the second time since I owned it, the coil was the problem and both times, I bought a new one and it was bad. I don't know why there is a problem with new coils but both times, because of my limited mechanical knowledge, I paid to have it repaired. Should it happen again, that will be one of the first things I try. :)

[@ssconver]

​@@carolmccullah473lately there have been a lot of scumbag mechanics who will buy a part and install it and then take the old part put it back in the box and try to return it to get their money back and get parts for free. If the person behind the counter at the parts store either forgets to check, or doesn't know what they are looking at, the old broken part gets restocked and sold to someone who gets to deal with the headache.

[@kennethbailey2616]

Great video. I farmed with an 8N in the 60s and I just bought a restored one and thought I could use a refresher. I farm with JDs these days along with a couple of Oliver 1555s and a Case IH. The Ford is gonna be my little fun tractor. I still have to go pick it up.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing! We do really like having the Ford 8N around. For a long time, we made hay and took care of the horses with it and the Cockshutt 540. Now the 8N is mostly used for clearing driveways, hauling firewood, and miscellaneous tasks as needed. I use my John Deere 2210 for front end loader tasks. Sounds like you have a nice collection!

[@ssconver]

I just inherited an old '42' red belly Ford. Pretty sure it's an 8N. Just curious was it running? How much did you pay?

[@davida.p.9911]

My grandfather had a Ferguson FO20, very similar to the Fords. Very reliable and simple tractor to operate. I have many fond memories of it. It still had its original 6 volt system, and you're right, it took a while to start up...lol. Thanks for sharing!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing

[@dejavu666wampas9]

Thanks so much. Ever since I grew up on the farm, even as a child, the Ford N tractor has been a favorite. I just liked the look of them. Low center of gravity compared to other tractors. I’ve never been able to operate one, though. I truly enjoyed this tutorial. We had an old 1932 Allis-Chalmers, with a crank start. No electric start. I learned early about where to put your thumb while cranking. Outstanding video.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad you liked it! The crank start machines can certainly be knuckle busters (or worse!). But there's nothing like these good old reliable tractors.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I love the old 8N. I have one to rebuild when time permits.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I'm looking forward to seeing it. Thanks for being on the live with us last night!

[@Grandassets]

Ran across your video searching 8N, in the past I have owned a few different tractors, in Georgia I was on over 300 acres ... you have to have more than one tractor for many reasons, now I am back in Upstate New York on a little less land a smaller one will do just fine, I just traded a 1971 Ford 3/4 ton 4x4 to a friend for an 8N thats been in his family I am sure its one owner, it has a spark coil issue but I am pretty good with equipment so that shouldnt be an issue for me, its an early model with the Dist up front, cant wait to get it this week, clean it up and change the oil LOL get it ready for winter snow plowing :) it will be a great tractor for my 15 year old to learn on too, he will learn to work on them and get the feel for using different tools with them, I think it will be fun! Easy to work on, tons of cheap parts cause its been around so lone and there are lots of them still in service!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great job scoring one of these nice old machines. I agree - a perfect tractor for your 15 year old to learn to work on. Congratulations! Keep us posted on how things go.

[@MW-nOttawa]

My friend just gave me one of these - it was on a property he bought. Thanks for showing me the basics on how I might get it started and moving!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's excellent that you have a friend who was able to give you one. Keep us posted how it goes. Does it run right now?

[@javiergutierrez7136]

Cómo se ajustan los frenos de un 9n Saludos desde sur tamps.mex.

[@benjamincresswell3713]

My Grandfather got a 1947 8N from the Ford Proving Ground in Dearborn, Michigan. It was an experimental tractor, given to my Grandfather as a gift (probably tabulated as part of his compensation, knowing H. Ford) for his part in the lawsuit between Ford and Ferguson. Actually it looks just like a 48, but there is a star next to the engine number stamped on the block. I was told by Dad and Uncles that was because it was a year early. That tractor went to a family farm and spent 10 or 12 years there. I had 2 cousins who put it thru it's paces many times during their growing years. Dad brought it home when I was probably 6 or 7 years old, in the very early 60's. By the time Dad got it, it was really run down. It had handled a 99 acre farm and raised 2 boys on that farm. But, now it was retiring to a 5 acre parcel 25 miles north of Detroit. My Dad and older brother were pretty abusive of that tractor, and when I finally got on it the engine had so much blow by it looked like a steam engine. I put a sleeve kit into it and brought it back to life. So, I did all the chores on the 5 acres, mowing with a 72" Mott Flail Mower, plowing and disking 2 gardens and pushing snow in the winter. There are a couple of things I will relate that make it a LOT MORE TRACTOR than one might think. Especially if you only go by the owners manual. First, if you run a piece of wire to the throttle shaft on the carburetor you can override the governor quite easily. That will give you full authority over engine RPM, so you can explode it if you aren't careful. But top speed can easily go from 12mph to 25mph like nobodies business. Also Too, on mine I can pull the throttle lever up and pass the speed limiting finger beyond the top speed stop. Once above the stop, the sky is the limit for the RPM again. Once I figured that out, I didn't use the wire. I didn't want Dad to ever find out I was using a wire to over rev the engine, so that was a great find. That tractor had individual wheel brakes and I was always pushing on both pedals to try and get them both to pull. Like the Shell Gasoline Commercial showed using the parking/ emergency brake to engage both rear brakes on a rear drive vehicle to give the tire with no traction some resistance and make the other tire go. I'd rock my foot Left and Right to get that to work. But honestly, once I got tire chains for it that pretty much became a lost art. But I didn't get tire chains for probably more than 5 years of operating it. I found that I could pull something impossibly big if I hooked the chain up to the 3rd point pin at the top of the main body. It gets very tricky, because the tractor front end will rise immediately, but that's not all: I found that if I pulled the front wheels up off the ground, and I still couldn't break the thing I was trying to pull loose, I could bring the front wheels up off the ground about 2 full feet, then push the clutch in but befor the tires hit the ground, let it back out again. If timed just right, all the weight was on the rear tires and the momentum of the front falling to the ground could be harnessed and create a sort of catapult action and if it was ever going to budge the thing I was trying to tow, that would do it. The alternative was to jerk the thing as hard as traction and distance to get a running start would allow. Dancing the tractor on it's rear wheels is probably the most dangerous thing you can do with it. I have known of 3 people who were crushed to death from flipping the tractor over backward. I myself never lost control of our 8N, and I never rolled it sideways either like the tricycle front guys did. The 8N was a very popular tractor, I believe I read where there were 1/2 million 8N's sold. There were 2 other ones on my own dead end street in the suburbs 25 miles North of Detroit. ben/ michigan [e-mail]

[@vovviel3049]

You are a gifted teacher.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thank you very much. That's so kind.

[@reka2591]

Thanks for the well put together tutorial. My uncle has one of these and his instructions were less comprehensive.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching and leaving the positive comment! We always hope our videos are informative and somewhat entertaining. Enjoy that old Ford tractor. There is nothing else like these old machines.

[@kennethbailey2616]

I love my 8N. Converted it to 12v. I used one as a boy in the late 50s and most of the 60s.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

The old Ford tractors (9N, 2N, 8N, Jubilee, NAA, 600 series, 800 series) certainly did a lot of work for families and farms from the 1940's through today. They're great machines. Thanks for watching. The 12V conversion is certainly a great upgrade!

[@austinwillingham7208]

Thanks for this in depth video!! This saved me a lot of guess work while working on an old 8n

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad it helped! These old Ford tractors are amazing. Which version (year) of the 8N did you get? One like ours with the front distributor, or one with the side-mount distributor?

[@rovertv7902]

Thanks for the tutorial! Always wanted an 8n just for fun. Although my current small Wheel Horse does what I need. At least if I decide to look at an 8n for sale I'll know how to run it!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting! You should certainly consider getting one. They're a lot of fun and a great piece of history.

[@jonsey3645]

Thank goodness I found you! I bought an 8N last month and ordered the manuals from Steiner but you are the best resource I have found. Thanks.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad you found the video! We love our 8N. Do you know what year yours is? Is it an older one like ours (distributor at front of engine just behind fan), or a newer one (distributor on side of engine)? Hopefully our video helps you get going. They are amazing machines. Keep us posted!

[@AkDadStuff]

Heyhey Chad That old tractor looks great. I remember when I was back in your neck of the woods having lots of those tractors around. I used to use one to pull hay wagons in the fields. Great memories. Thanks

[@PurpleCollarLife]

You're right, Mike. 20 years ago, I'd see them all over the place. They're starting to get more rare now (in running condition). Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ritterjon]

💥 Funny how every motor has a different starting sequence. Great looking tractor. *Keep on tractoring!*

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks 👍

[@jeramiakins6232]

Thanks for the video. Just bought an 8n and brushhog to use to mow around the farm

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Have fun! Did you see our brush hog videos? kzbin.info/www/bejne/opLGYqiQpZdobsU kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2mvlISYm9qYibs

[@ajaxkittie7254]

Thanks for the video, i just won a 1950 8n from a raffle and I'm picking it up Wednesday 😊

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Congratulations! That is an awesome prize!! We have an entire playlist about these Ford 8N tractors. Here's that link: kzbin.info/aero/PLJy7cj0ut2cBWTStoVA1G_lfQ8hnhUtLu And here's the most popular video in the group - about that mystery lever under the seat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnOzoZ9_a7Ohqsk

[@jchlawncare5730]

I bought a Ford 8N 2 years ago. Paid 1250 dollars for it. I use it to haul firewood and to pull my wood splitter around my wood lot. Best investment I ever made

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great buy! They still go for around $2500-$5000 around here for one that runs reliably. They’re certainly great machines.

[@jchlawncare5730]

@@PurpleCollarLife the previous owner let it sit for a year and when I went to buy it he put some starter fluid to it and took off. Beings I cut and sell firewood it works great for hauling wood out of the woods because I get get the trailer and tractor in tight spaces in the woods

[@jchlawncare5730]

Going to be posting a video soon doing a start up video

[@robertwhite429]

I have one now. This was a big help dude! God bless yall

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful. Make sure you check out our other Ford tractor videos. Here's a playlist link: kzbin.info/aero/PLJy7cj0ut2cBWTStoVA1G_lfQ8hnhUtLu

[@Cor_bandz]

Thank you, I want to learn how to drive papa's old 8N and it helps since I'm getting it soon

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's great!

[@rpatterson1]

My Dad had an 8N. I spent many a summer day up on it working fields. Wish I could ride it again but the old gal is long gone.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

We’ve heard from so many people that used 8Ns (and 9N or 2N, or Jubilee tractors, etc.) and have fond memories. Many people have commented that those tractors were how they learned to drive! Great machines.

[@CLamb385]

My b3030 burned down recently and I’ve been looking at one of these to replace it for a budget friendly option. Thanks for the detailed video. Now I feel like I can go get one and not be completely lost. 😂

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad it was helpful! Sorry to hear about the b3030. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@bugger1649]

Your video was great to watch I own a 9n love using it when I can, my tractor has its own personality when starting it I gotta pull out the choke cold start just little then push in the choke lever kinda a fast

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks 👍. It's so funny how they each have their own quarks.

[@wherenorthbegins7831]

Hi PC Life! I found your channel after I saw you commented on one of the videos on my channel. Love the 8N video, brings me back to being a kid. My dad had one of those when I was growing up and it was the first tractor I ever drove. Nice work!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for the sub! We do love that 8N. It's amazing how many people have had similar statements to yours - that the 8N was the first tractor (or maybe even the first piece of any equipment) that they ever drove. Great machines for sure.

[@Johnysoutherner]

Looking at buying a 1949 red belly, would be my first personal tractor as we continue to build our homestead. I'm not entirely new to tractors, played on an ol' 8n when I was a kid but, I really needed this video so with that said thank you so much.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting! You'll love having an 8N on the homestead! Keep us posted.

[@Alexi-j9s]

Thorough and logical tutorial. Thank you.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad you enjoyed it! Please Consider helping our channel grow by clicking that subscribe button and watching our future videos.

[@wavekube4343]

Very nice video, your voice is clear and easy to understand, the information concise, the video shots well thought out, and well placed, nice music, good job. i would like to see a video about the barn that the tractor is stored in. How it was built , who built it and when, what the history of uses have been where the lumber was acquired from, with a video tour of course.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thank you very much! Maybe we'll do a video on that barn sometime this spring or summer. Thanks for the idea.

[@funnrun3399]

My Father has a 48 8n ford nicely restored runs great he rakes hay with the little ford that nickname has been on it since it arrived probably because my grandfather Jimmy had a Fordson major and both tractors are different in size its a family heirloom purchased in 1956 in Toronto from a rich family

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Very cool!

[@neurospicywitch80]

Great video, and beautiful tractor! The starting and operating procedure you went through for your 8N is pretty much the same as on my 1953 Ford NAA/Jubilee, the main difference being that the Jubilee has live hydraulics, so no need to have the PTO engaged. Other than that, it operates mostly the same. I’m in the process of installing all the lights on mine (didn’t have them when I bought it), and getting it ready to plow some snow here in southern WI. Liked and subscribed! ☺️

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks 👍 I've always appreciated that the Jubilee upgraded to live hydraulics. Enjoy that snow! We're still waiting for some here in the "snow belt" of Pennsylvania.

[@shensuohao]

I got a Jubilee a year or so ago, can’t get it fired up

[@jakinlfiles9869]

This was well done and helpful. I have a 9n I am trying to get running and it was nice to see a similar model in action. Thanks.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad you liked it! Keep us posted. How long have you had the 9N? How long since it was last running?

[@jakinlfiles9869]

@@PurpleCollarLife Well, we got it a few years back from someone who had been working on it. I believe he had it working but don't remember for sure. But, the tractor needed a new PTO oil seal and bearing. And I think something is wrong with the radiator. But we got busy and never got time to fix it. So now I've got some time and kind of need it working for the farm. So I'm hoping to get it going soon!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@jakinlfiles9869 that’s awesome! Keep us posted. We love hearing about these old tractor projects.

[@jakinlfiles9869]

@@PurpleCollarLife I'll try to do that! Do you have a suggested place to order parts for a 9n? I have found some online but just wondering if you know of some that might be better. Thanks

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@jakinlfiles9869 Steiner tractors or Dan and Rachel Gingell

[@barking.dog.productions1777]

I'm loving this video - I have an 8N 9N tractor and I wasn't sure what all of the levers did. I bought a new 6 volt battery and it didn't even turn over but it will if I jump directly to the starter, hopefully! 🤣 Just trying to get this thing running... it has sat out in the weather sooooo loooong - haha I bought it not running, but supposedly freshly rebuilt - if not I have been an auto mechanic for years so I will sort it out eventually

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great to hear! You're going to love working on that tractor, and then using it once you get it running. They're fairly simple machines. And with your mechanical experience, I'm sure you'll have no trouble. Keep us posted! I enjoy reading the comments about what people are doing with their classic Ford tractors!

[@nathancudzilo7739]

Absolutely awesome, nice video just picked up a 1949 , Love the Buffalo Bills hoodie

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@cipherthedemonlord8057]

Great video working on one of these I found in an abandoned house.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Very cool! Let us know how it goes. Is it the 8N model?

[@cipherthedemonlord8057]

@@PurpleCollarLife Yes all there motor is stuck so sprayed penetrating oil down the cylinders and drained the oil. Poured some diesel in to breakup any sludge.

[@trentvoc4229]

Hey 8N'er. I have watched your 8n vids a lot ot times but today I see your wearing a Bills sweatshirt. I'm in Bills country. The other day I shopped at the Wegs in Corning because it was on my way home from work and they had a huge Bills merch aisle going on. the prices were way to high for me but not all Wegs stock the way they are. Was just a cool early sign of season coming up. for everyone else, it's a local Bills thing!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's awesome! We live in that area that's the grey line between being a Bills fan and being a Steeler's fan (just south of Erie, PA). I've been a Bills fan since elementary school. My high school years were the Bills classes of Kelly, Reed, Thomas, Smith, Cornelius Bennett, Tasker, etc. I work closer to Pittsburgh - so I'm honestly the only Bills fan in the office full of Steeler's fans. :) Don't get me wrong - the Steelers are usually my 2nd or 3rd favorite team. But #1 is always the Bills. Go Buffalo!!

[@randycole9008]

Thank you for the Video. Very helpful. Now I'm good with using the 3 pt. levers to raise and lower.

[@scottford5561]

Newbie says thanks. VERY helpful stuff!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad to help!

[@robpottenger9002]

Great video! Looking forward to getting started with my 1952 Model!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

You're going to have a lot of fun! The other 8N that started new on the family land here is a 1952. It currently is across the road at the neighbor's house.

[@robpottenger9002]

@@PurpleCollarLife What is the normal HP for the 52 8N? Thanks

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@robpottenger9002 I usually figure around 23-27 hp - depending on if you’re talking about drawbar HP or PTO HP.

[@hartleyhomesteadmichigan6041]

Nice tractor! I have my Dad’s ‘49 9n. I converted it over to 12 volt and gave it an electronic ignition.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Isn't the 12V conversion amazing?! Starts faster and easier, lights are brighter, and ignition is more reliable. How was the electronic ignition conversion? Pretty simple?

[@hartleyhomesteadmichigan6041]

@@PurpleCollarLife yes pretty much remove the points and condenser and pop in the electronic ignition. Don’t have to worry about timing.

[@javiergutierrez7136]

Tengo un 9n que mi padre(+) compro,y lo conservo. Cómo puedo cambiar a encendido electrónico. No fácil consigo platinos originales acá,en tamps.MX.

[@bcdieselsofficial]

I have one of these, and I make videos on it once in a while. Still runs like a champ!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

They're amazing machines. Thanks for watching and commenting. We plan on having this 8N forever.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Checked out your channel. That's a beautiful 8N you have.

[@bcdieselsofficial]

@@PurpleCollarLife no problem! I plan on having my 8N forever as well! My father badmouths it, as it is a knee banger, but it is not as rough as the 7140 I have to drive in the field. He yells at me for badmouthing that tractor.

[@bcdieselsofficial]

@@PurpleCollarLife thank you!

[@thomastrybuskiewicz9024]

Go Bills from youngsville NC! I just got me an 8n and just trying to figure it out

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching! You're going to love your 8N. We have several videos about using ours (back blade, brush hog, pushing snow, etc.).

[@rynop8864]

Just bought my first 9n it's a 1940 fun great, great video. Go Bills!! Mafia here from western ny!!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hello fellow Bills fan! You're going to love that 9N.

[@JourneyNorthAK]

I've got plenty of time in rebuilding and working on and driving a 9n.. nice old tractors.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Very nice!

[@k6outdoors]

Such a neat old tractor, HST's have there place. sometimes there is just nothing better than some good old gears!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

You got that right!

[@Mrcrispy4014]

My grandpa got a 8n for his birthday from my grandma but he passed a year after I was born in 2008, it has sat for 8 years and I’ve decided that it needs to be put back to work and live its full life, all I gotta do is change the oil and replace the spark plugs and it’ll be time to see if she runs!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's awesome! Make sure you drain out any old fuel. Keep us posted. I love hearing about these old tractors that come back to life!

[@Mrcrispy4014]

@@PurpleCollarLife hey I have an update, fuel is good to go, I installed new spark plugs, but I have not changed the oil, I’m having trouble getting the plug to break loose the head of it keeps getting round every time I try to loosen it, I’ve tried WD40 and nothing is working :(

[@adventurerhoades]

Nice walk through. Amazing old work horse

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@born2soon]

I learned recently that you can pull up on the gearshift and swing it out of the way to get on board with big boots on. Henry Ford thought of everything! (Fresh Autolite plugs have me cruising at 28mph on the road.)

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I've heard of this only a couple times. I've personally never tried it. I've read that sometimes it can be nearly impossible to get back into place. Thanks for the tip on the Autolite plugs!

[@born2soon]

@@PurpleCollarLife I was told there is a roll pin that can move to one side and prevents it from snapping back in place. I suppose if you did it several times that might happen.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@born2soon Thanks!

[@carljensen5730]

You are right they are all different. I have to open the gas line 12 turns or no gas goes through.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Wow - 12 turns! That's a lot. I remember that on the 2N, I had to open that valve up a lot more than 2 turns. I think I opened it almost all the way. But eventually, I figured out that the little screen above the sediment bowl (the one up in the gas tank) was totally clogged. Once I cleaned that out, it only took a few turns to get enough gas flowing to the carbureator.

[@joedirt9600]

I bought myself a 1949 8n for my birthday this year..

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's a great birthday present! You'll love it. The 8N is such a reliable workhorse. It's also fun to drive and easy to learn.

[@zakbrown7859]

Doing a clutch and pressure plate and bearing in one in the next couple weeks wish me luck!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

You can do it! Keep us posted. Is it at the point where it's grinding gears when you try to put it in gear?

[@zakbrown7859]

@@PurpleCollarLife no but the throw out bearing when engaged sounds not to good , clutch takes a good 5 seconds to engage also, like the pressure plate or clutch is wore pretty good, she runs great though

[@tornadochasingsiege]

My dad has got a really really old ford 8N and i really really want to learn how to operate it and now i know

[@PurpleCollarLife]

So glad to hear the video was helpful! Is your 8N like ours, with the font-mount distributor in the front against the fan? Or is it the "newer" version of the 8N, with the side-mount distributor?

[@juanc8085]

Thank you for this turorial and got the same tractor just I try to make running this a good learn 👍🏼👍🏼

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@sargepent9815]

They also need a lead substitute in the fuel. The one I just rebuilt had damage to the valve seats from running regular gas at a guys hobby farm

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great point! We bring that up in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3PVdIafp9iFY6M

[@bradgoldsmith9373]

Great video.thank you for easy to follow,useful information.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad it was helpful! We always hope our videos are informative and entertaining.

[@knuckle47]

Thoroughly enjoyed learning how to operate the 8N. You got a new subscriber …thank you. How would a bucket operate if one was attached to the front?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for the sub! I've never had a loader on one of these old Ford tractors - so I'm not sure how they operate. I would guess that the PTO would have to be running to pump the hydraulic oil, and that there would be a lever that would direct that pressure to the cylinders for lifting the arms and tilting the bucket. Hopefully someone else on here can help out by responding to your comment. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Great antique tractor Sir 😉👍 Glass bowl filter are neat 👍😉 Great start introduction sequence Sir 👍😉 Great video Sir 👍😉 Cheers !!!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks 👍

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@PurpleCollarLife 😉👍

[@disgruntledmarmotcustomsan1530]

Just got an 8N today. Great video 👍

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Awesome! Thank you! You'll really like the 8N. Any idea what year you have?

[@TS-sx3rf]

There is a cap or cover that goes over the power take off but because we have the over running shaft on the tractor the cover won't fit. The over running shaft or clutch is needed for the brush hog or finish mower.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Good point - the over-run PTO extension makes the original safety cap not fit on the N series tractors. Those caps are very difficult to find on these older tractors. Most of them have lost the PTO cover cap somewhere along the last 70 years, or have been converted to the over-running PTO like this one.

[@photocontrol]

Nice Ford 8N! Great tutorial, congrats reaching 3K!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks! 👍

[@raefernandez4115]

Thanks for the video, very thorough

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment. WE appreciate it.

[@aplong1911]

I found this video very helpful, thank you for sharing!!😊

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Hound427]

Great video. Just was curious what the little short lever is tucked up under the right side of the seat, next to the draft lever. Just bought mine today and have no idea yet what that is. Thanks.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching! That small lever under the right of the seat (only on 8N tractors) is for a draft control - used mostly for using a bottom plow. I've never used it on ours. I think it's designed to allow the arms to "float" when plowing, so that if it starts to dig in too deep, or hits a rock or bump, it can raise up a little, and then return. I've read about some people trying to use it-figure it out. It looks like it's for ground-engaging equipment.

[@Hound427]

@@PurpleCollarLife Thank you.

[@WhoDaBoss-dc4or]

I want a close up look at those front weights !

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hello - I believe they're weights from an old nautilus-style weight set, bolted down through the front hitch with some supports. There might be a better view of them in one of these videos: Wash and wax 8n: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGiWaHR4rd9_ndE Brush hog in right-of-way: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4i4n5t_nZhnd6c Clearing the woods line: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWLEaaOGgrmWsKM Ford 8N story and review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2mvlISYm9qYibs Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MsPribbenow]

This man has a white cat! (Ha - recognize those little tufts of fur at the first of the video - I get that too). Good video. Borrowing a neighbor's 8N while my tractor is being serviced and used this to double check the gear shift pattern. Can't read it on his housing.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

You are right! There is a barn cat that keeps the mice away. :)

[@FromSteelToWood]

Great video! I guess my 1962 Case 430 (gasoline engine) goes into that old tractor category! Lol! It's true, each tractor has its personality. Mine will start like your 9N, even below zero temperatures. No choke to crank, 100% choke at start, then slowly removing choke (if very cold). Runs without choke in 10-20 seconds. Then my much newer (!) 1979 Bolens needs its choke proportional to the coldness! Will prefer to be choked for 1-2 minutes to warm up. Won't need to choke in summer. Another good parking brake is to leave the tractor in gear... until it's steep enough to crank the engine (don't ask me why I know that...). So beware of that method! Thanks!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Joe - thanks for sharing the personality of your tractors, and your starting experiences. I find it really interesting. The same thing with old vehicles. I had a 1983 Ford Bronco with the straight 6 engine (carbureted). That Bronco would start every time - as long as you pumped the gas exactly twice first. If you didn't pump it, held the gas pedal down at any %, or over pumped it - good luck! :)

[@randyperfecto7468]

Just bought one for 2 grand love it

[@PurpleCollarLife]

They're excellent work tools. Sounds like you found a nice deal on one! Enjoy and keep us posted what all you use it for. Sometimes I enjoy using our 8N for nothing more than a nice stroll through the woods on the old logging roads.

[@randyperfecto7468]

@@PurpleCollarLife will do sir

[@loggerjohn01]

They are a great little tractor!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

You got that right!

[@clifton4566]

My dad had one that's been sitting at the back of my yard since he passed away a little over a year and a half ago. I know he'd gotten it to start, but it still needed a good bit of work to actually use it. I'm real sentimental so I'd like to get it going again and at least finish off his project, but I have no idea where he left off and I have absolutely zero experience working on tractors.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I am sentimental about these old tractors too! Hopefully you can take a look at it and get it figured out - or find someone who can help.

[@HuserHelpers]

Your intro music reminds me of Old Crow. Great video, and keep up with the channel growth.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks! We're not familiar with Old Crow, but we did really like this music. Thanks on the compliments!

[@davelohr2637]

There's a lever under the right side of the seat, beside the drag lever, what is it used for? Thanks for the video, I learned something new with the parking brake!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching! That small lever under the right of the seat (only on 8N tractors) is for a draft control - used mostly for using a bottom plow. I've never used it on ours. I think it's designed to allow the arms to "float" when plowing, so that if it starts to dig in too deep, or hits a rock or bump, it can raise up a little, and then return. I've read about some people trying to use it-figure it out. It looks like it's for ground-engaging equipment.

[@overratedprogrammer]

I soooo want one of these. There's a local 9n for sale for $2500 but I really wanted an 8n for the 4 speed.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I had a 9N for about 5 years. It was a great old tractor. The 4 speed on the 8N is nice if you're on a dirt road or brief travel where you can go that fast. But for the most part - the 3 speed on my 9N was fine for my use. I wouldn't hold off just for that if you find a good 9N at a good price. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@overratedprogrammer]

@@PurpleCollarLife I heard people say it's not just the top speed, the first gear isn't slow enough for plowing? What do you think about $2500? I looked it over everything seems good. I think it's a little expensive for me. I might try to negotiate $2k

[@doylerabjohn3435]

Thanks, I have a 9n/2n with 8n engine. She needs some attention

[@PurpleCollarLife]

They do need attention from time to time. But once you get them in good running order, they're super reliable. They do like to be run regularly though. We make sure the 8N is used at least once a week, even if it's just for a trip up and down the driveway to get the mail.

[@doylerabjohn3435]

@@PurpleCollarLife Thanks

[@scottsatterthwaite4073]

The older Ford tractors (are supposed to) have a screw-on PTO guard/cap that should be in place unless you have a driven implement attached.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hi Scott - that's true. And we do have the screw on PTO cap for the tractor. However, with the overrunning PTO extension on (for running the brush hog, a finish mower etc.), that screw on PTO cap doesn't fit anymore. Thanks for watching!

[@bennyrussell5551]

Ours didn't

[@annagibson3054]

HAY thanks but I need some help. My 8N run, but I forgot how to put the Battery back in after the winter over.

[@WoodchuckNorris.8o]

Is the left right brake pedal so you can brake on the spinning tire if you're stuck?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Originally I believe it was so that you could make tighter turns when working between rows farming. But I believe many people use it as you describe. I use it for that purpose when plowing snow. I do it here when I'm stuck in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4m4gZhtfKeYqtE

[@dewservices]

I heard some people complain that the 1st gear is still too fast to do some work. Is there a low gear/high gear or is there just the one setting as shown?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I've heard that too. Personally, I've not had anything I was doing that 1st gear was too fast for. Some of these older Fords have a Sherman Transmission add-on that gives a second range. But I don't know that it decreases the 1st gear speed. I think it just adds a high range to all the existing gears.

[@hmtrimworks7148]

@11:48 there’s a little lever directly underneath the seat on the tractor housing (not the draft control)… it’s a cast iron lever… what does that do?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That small lever under the right of the seat (only on 8N tractors) is for a draft control/position control - used mostly for using a bottom plow. I've never used it on ours. I think it's designed to allow the arms to "float" when plowing, so that if it starts to dig in too deep, or hits a rock or bump, it can raise up a little, and then return. I've read about some people trying to use it-figure it out. It looks like it's for ground-engaging equipment.

[@daveholt248]

Could you explain what the short lever under the seat is for?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hi Dave - I get this question a lot. That small lever under the right of the seat (only on 8N tractors) is for a draft control - used mostly for using a bottom plow. I've never used it on ours. I think it's designed to allow the arms to "float" when plowing, so that if it starts to dig in too deep, or hits a rock or bump, it can raise up a little, and then return. I've read about some people trying to use it-figure it out. It looks like it's for ground-engaging equipment.

[@michaelbishop6831]

We inherited an 8N, with Wagner loader. I’ll look for videos on the loader operation.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I’ve never used one of the Wagner loaders. But I’ve seen plenty of old 8N, 2N, 9N, and even Jubilee machines that run those loaders. Let us know how it goes! Congrats on the 8N.

[@michaelbishop6831]

@@PurpleCollarLife the tractor has sat next to the barn for years. No telling what it will take to get it running but it will be a labor of love. My recently deceased father in law bought it in 1972 and used it often.

[@fredsmith1274]

I'm new to the 8n; you didn't say anything about the small lever on the right side of the trans just below the seat. I look for your answer.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hello. You're going to love working with the 8N. We've made several videos of things we do with ours - grading the driveway, brush hogging are two examples. That small lever under the right of the seat (only on 8N tractors) is for a draft control/position control - used mostly for using a bottom plow. I've never used it on ours. I think it's designed to allow the arms to "float" when plowing, so that if it starts to dig in too deep, or hits a rock or bump, it can raise up a little, and then return. I've read about some people trying to use it-figure it out. It looks like it's for ground-engaging equipment.

[@jakelencher817]

so i kinda ended up with an 8n in pretty good condition with a property, havent had the chance to mess with it yet but its gonna be fun i bet.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Jake - Congrats on the property, and the Ford 8N tractor. You'll have fun with it, I'm sure. Keep us posted on it. Does it start up and run right now, or does it need some work?

[@jakelencher817]

@@PurpleCollarLife i assume it probably needs work but the only time i saw it was when we went to look at the property, so i dont know if it starts or anything, there is also an old farmall f12 i think, but its real rusty, i will try to restore that but it may be done for.

[@DeWayneLucas-z9i]

Thanks for the great vid! The 8N is hard to beat for chores on a small farm. I love mine. Two things: 1. I have never seen anyone address what the lever under your seat on the right side is for??? It is on the transmission on the opposite side from the PTO. You didn't touch it or talk about it. Mine doesn't seem to do anything. 2. Mine is older with a 3 speed transmission. It is a late 40's model but still running strong. In first gear, it runs to fast for mowing or bush hogging when it's a little damp. Is there anyway to slow it down??? You can't do it with the throttle. Thanks again!

[@brockdelorenzo7505]

I do not own one, but I remember seeing a video where somebody told me it was the break.

[@brandonjanuhowskimusic2787]

That's how my grandpa taught me how to drive. It was on a 1948 Ford 8N.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Awesome! I learned how to drive on a Cub Cadet tractor, then upgraded to a farm tractor. :)

[@loggerjohn01]

They are a great little tractor

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@richardreese5377]

I’m working on restoring an 8N that was sitting for years . Engine was seized . Got it running and currently painting it . 3 point hitch lifts sporadically. Transmission oil is full . Any clues why ?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for fixing up one of these great old tractors! I had that problem with my 2N. I couldn't figure it out. A mechanic had to fix it for me. I think there was some type of linkage back in the transmission, and when you rotate the lever up for the lift, sometimes it doesn't catch correctly. It's under the seat somewhere, in the area full of fluid. Sorry I don't know the exact details of it, but I do recall that happening.