Son of Fordson

Tractors are cool too. In this video Steve examines a very early Ford 9N tractor spotted less than 100 feet from a main road. How did the tractor’s unique “Ferguson Formula” save the lives of many farmers? Watch and see!

[@kennyrichard2971]

That’s Cool some thing about Steve’s voice and style that makes you listen to him and it’s very relaxing

[@anderleof]

Relaxing????? He is exhausting to listen to.

[@oldman-zr2ru]

I love his information and videos but he is terrible to listen to. I don't know if he has asthma or a blockage in his nasal cavity but all of his videos sound like he has smoked for the last 50 years and he's about to take his last breath.

[@nealsidor1323]

There are a alot of these old Ford tractors all over Indiana. Many still running. Ford not only brought mechanized transportation to the masses, ol' Henry brought mechanized farming to family farms all over the globe with this little gem... Love these warm weather crawls during the cold Midwest winter, thanks Steve.

[@fredsimmons6188]

The Jubilee (or NAA series) was introduced in 1953 for Ford's Golden Jubilee celebrating Ford's 50th anniversary. I have a 56 NAA.

[@lucky-rowe2623]

I drank my first cold beer on one of these when I was about 14 years old in rural Idaho.

[@micknatco8037]

The Ford 9n was introduced in 1939, the 2 n in 1942, the 8 n in 1948, the Jubilee in 1953. The 3 point does not have any down force only up.

[@QuanticChaos1000]

100% correct!

[@Ray56z]

It provided down force but not as he described. I did learn the name of the V8 conversion company, never knew that.

[@micknatco8037]

@@Ray56z the downforce provided by the weight of the implement attached.

[@don66hotrod94]

Sorry Steve, a few corrections. It is a 9N model. The Ferguson draft control system puts downward pressure on the back tires for more traction, allowing a small lightweight tractor to pull more load than otherwise. The Jubilee model came out in 1953 (1903-1953) celebrating 50 years of Ford Motor Company. It was the oddly designed Fordson that was infamous for tipping over backwards and famous for not wanting to start, due to poor ignition. The Fordson was very competitive when first introduced but by the last year of production (1938) it was hopelessly outdated. The 9N, 2N, and 8N sold like hotcakes to small farmers, along with a complete line of proprietary implements designed especially for the Ferguson Draft Control System. Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson split up in 1947 and Harry started building his own Ferguson line (very similar to the Ford design) for about 8 years before merging with Massey-Harris to form Massey-Ferguson.

[@Ray56z]

Yep, the 8N was from '48 -'52. G'pa bought 2 of the '52 models. They were bought as lot tractors, also for hay, those type of things, and planting. I did learn 1 thing here, the name of the V8 conversion he had on the one he claimed as his-they were a his/her set. No one touched her Ford, if you turned the key you'd better be servicing it. She used his during planting season though, think she pulled a 9 or 11 section spike harrow. Looked pretty silly along side our other equipment but she did what she did and no one dared question it.

[@daveblodgett9371]

Glad I wasn't the only one that noticed this. Steve is an automotive walking encyclopedia and I won't fault him for not knowing everything. Also the funk conversation could be either a Ford flathead 6 cylinder or the flathead V8.

[@bannedfromtheshow8188]

I noticed this as well. Steve is great and I love his videos, but I believe the 9N was 1939, the 8N was 1948, the 2N was 1952 and the Jubilee was 1953 to celebrate 50 years of FoMoCo.

[@ClaremontClassicGarage]

Its actually a 2N. The tin dash gives it away and the cast radius rods narrow it a bit further to 42 or 43. How about the intact CM Hall headlights!!!!!!

[@danw6014]

Very poor cold weather starting. I knew guys who would soak corn cobs in a little kerosene and light a fire under the engine to warm it up before wearing themselves out trying to crank it over. Maybe were the word cranky came from. Haha.

[@danw6014]

The three point actually dropped by gravity. But as the pull got harder the system would "feel" this and lift the implement slightly to add weight to the rear tires. N9s came out in 1939. N2s came out in 1942. And N8s in 1948. Funk also had an overhead valve inline six Ford engine conversion but as you can imagine, it added length with the extra two cylinders. Most all tractors had something for a seat. Since you mentioned John Deere, they advertised that the operators platform had enough room for the operator to sit or stand, which made it a little nicer for cultivating corn or operating a mounted corn picker which faded into history in the early 1970s. We had a 1950 TO-20 Ferguson we use to scape barn yard. They were reliable little tractors but in my opinion they were useless without a three point implement. If you had to pull a hay wagon or gravity wagon of ear corn up hill they couldn't find traction. Dearborn made the implements for the Ford tractors.

[@danielkingery2894]

The amazing thing on these old tractors is how inexpensive it is to rehab one. The parts are readily available for the tinkerer to keep one going or fix one up.

[@Milkmans_Son]

And of course my first thought was parts must be impossible to get. The story of my life.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@Milkmans_Son walk in to most tractor supply stores and find stuff. Haha what a concept. I know I've seen those glass bowl with a screen fuel filter assemblies back in the parts section Even mufflers and stuff. And if I'm not mistaken maybe even a carb kit or 2. Those ol Ford's are so simple and common, I'm no expert but I've been around a few over the years and I dig em

[@passionfortheword9817]

I'm not an expert but thats either a 2N or 9N, its not an 8N. 8Ns had a small bolt pattern on the wheels. Love the channel.

[@mobrien7211]

Came looking for this comment before I posted 😆

[@annamckinney6622]

These are great little tractors, many are still in use today. They even export these to developing countries for their farming since they are gas (no diesel) powered, easy to work on and last forever.

[@philippetays4263]

wow what a guy not only does he know his cars and railroads but tractors too, thanks steve

[@Ray56z]

Thanks for stopping and doing this piece on this 9N-'39 through '41, 2N was '42 through '47, 8N '48 through '52. First year of series production was the digit. The 8N were all 4-speed or Shermans. I never knew the name of the V8 conversion company though. Grandfather had one on a '52 8N.

[@brycehill6678]

Awesome Henry also makes a kit for flatheads or small blocks, or you can do some fabricating to do a big block. I'm running a 390 with 3 2bbl carbs on my 50 8n.

[@Ray56z]

@@brycehill6678 It and the one he bought G'ma for lot tractors are both gone now. We were putting 350's in Farmall H tractors, did 4. I kept trying to get G'ma to let me put a 351W in hers after we forced them to retire and move to town-nope. They sat under a pole shed until she died, he sold hers, then when he died an Aunt sold his-wouldn't let any family members buy it, not even her son. Stepfather had a '51 with the Sherman trans, thought I was getting it but step sisters seemed to be good at making things disappear a couple of days after he died.

[@helveticaman204]

The Funk Aircraft Company originally produced the conversion kits to either straight six or v-8 your 8N tractor. Very rare tractors compared to the literally hundreds of thousands of 9N/2N/8N tractors produced.

[@mountaincat2001]

You can also find the date on the rear axle trumpets

[@chuckwhitson654]

Dad has a '52 8n, and it purrs along like brand new. Steve forgot to mention the thumb breaking ability of these if you don't grip the steering wheel right. Still an awesome little machine. He (dad)bushhogs, scrapes and can plow and disk if he wants. He's had health issues and it hadn't been started in a year and a half, cleaned and regapped the points turned on the gas petcock and it fired up immediately. You'll not buy a tractor today that'll last 70yrs. Guarantee you that

[@mikerichards4352]

Hi Steve, one thing I’d like to add is that every part on those old tractors is still readily available from the dealer or an older collector.

[@davenilson7063]

I love old tractors, and any videos discussing them

[@oldrlh]

Great shows mate. Cheers from Australia.

[@davidhofman4341]

I grew up with a 1947. The tractor had one bad flaw. The gas fill was next to the unprotected battery. Several farmers in central Pa. were burnt when putting gas it the tractor. The one we had in the mid 50's to mid 60's was one of them. There is a after market cover for the battery. Our tractor had an after market overdrive called Step-up. It made the tractor go a lot faster. For that reason my Dad kept the wheels turned out. We had no fear. We would slide it around corners in the stone lane and make it rear up on the rear wheels when pulling a disc.

[@JamesPiteo]

If you are ever visiting Dearborn, MI, a few miles from Ford's world's headquarters, you will go by Fordson High School. A still very nice looking old high school.

[@galerae947]

I have a 1948 8n with a box scraper that I use for cleaning my corrals. Great little tractor.

[@thomasdeir6212]

I could watch this guy all day long! Amazing.

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

My brother had this tractors bigger brother the ford 4000 from 58.. it was a great tractor, and had the Dearborn loader on it as well.. he also had a 50 Ferguson which was my favorite classic tractor he’s had. But his ol workhorse that never fails is his 47 John Deere B

[@cwie2968]

Your hands on videos are great. Thanks Steve

[@jeffclark2725]

There is a lot of history to those old tractor companies

[@raymondpetrovits2336]

I love the eclectic topics Steve highlights. I found an abandoned Golden Jubilee and was able to make a deal with the owner to get it off his property. $8000.00 dollars later I have a fully restored 1953 tractor that is probably worth half of that. It’s never about the time or the money rather the end result. I love that little Ford. Thanks Steve. I also own a 1967 GTX so both keep me plenty busy.

[@nualanet]

I love the interesting finds he comes up with... and right here in Massachusetts too!

[@SpeedandChromeTV]

Love vintage tractors.

[@70stunes71]

I grew up driving a standard steering Fordson major diesel. The little English Ford was the only tractor we had on 260 Acres. It literally got beat to death doing every single job there was.

[@coolbreeze5561]

Here in Michigan we have a antique tractor club. They put on a show every year in Saginaw county. Very cool

[@kentkirkpatrick7953]

Like the ending bit. Fits well after some good knowledge!

[@justincase2281]

I used to operate an 8N back in the 80s on a golf course. I think it was a 50s model. Couldn't kill it, and when other vehicles got stuck in the mud, that trusty 8N would go to the rescue. I wanted to buy it as the Golf course I was working on closed at the end of that season. I talked to the greens keeper but a guy bought it as part of a package of equipment he wanted for another club. Damn!! Oh well. That was a good old tractor.

[@jstrano1978]

Absolutely amazing content Steve! I’m watching everything you put out and love every minute of it!

[@stevelopez4187]

I like the way he presents the vehicle he’s talking about. It’s true his tone makes you want to listen to what he has to say plus I respect his knowledge. Big Fan.

[@knifetrain3118]

Always wanted one of these and have it restored.

[@paulmangus6737]

Close enough! Great find and presentation

[@CraneofBoulogne]

That is actually a 9N, which came out in `39. They dropped the 9N in `42 and introduced the 2N, and then in `48 they started building and selling the 8N. The 8N has those smaller wheel hubs you spoke of, and several other differences too. Those 9N tractors have the clutch on the right instead of the left, which is the more common way of doing it. The NAA model tractor came out in `53, and it was called "The Jubilee." The Jubilee did in fact have a push-rod engine but the rest of the tractor was 8N from the flywheel back mechanically; the front sheet metal on The Jubilee was modernized to suit the taller engine. In `55 they introduced the 500, 600, 700 and 800 series. Not sure all those came out at once but the 600 and 800 were surely sold then. These new tractors had vastly improved drive, PTO and hydraulic lift systems and they were very robust when compared to the N series tractors. They called the 800s Powermaster tractors, the 600s were called Workmaster tractors. The 500 series was an offset row crop type tractor, something like a Farmall. The one you featured here is surely a 9N and not a 8N, but your video is still great with a lot of info for old tractor guys like me to enjoy. Thank you for posting it!

[@jerrycomo2736]

Saw you up on stage at Barrett Jackson-Palm Beach today. Everyone should go to a major car auction at least once. Exciting. 68 Camaro with a 502 CID up-close was my favorite. Muscle cars lined up in the staging lanes, the sounds, sensations, etc. It was great.

[@bnghjtyu767]

Yep some misinformation on the draft control unit of those tractors. The insinuation and statement of the three-point hitch putting down pressure on the implement is incorrect, the draft control was to sense heavy pulling which would result in wheelspin so to prevent that the sensing mechanism would lift the draft arms putting more weight on the rear tires of the tractor to prevent spinning it was a throttling system. I always enjoy his videos and going to the field and seeing this Ford and talking about it was neat.

[@terrysamsa860]

Steve, you need to do more research on these tractors. That is not an 8n . If it is truly a 39 or 40 it is a 9n. From 42 to 47 the designation was 2n. 2n's had steel wheels due to the war effort initially but went back to rubber shortly there after. 8n's started in 48 and were redesigned with a 4 speed, both brake pedals on the right among other things. There was a fallout with Ferguson so 48 and newer was pure Ford design. BUT, everybody calls them all 8n's and usually its not worth arguing with them because that's what grandpa said they were..............I digress. Love your stuff but you are wrong on this one.

[@Bigben-pz8bx]

You are correct. I didn’t know about the steel wheels on 2n. Did you know 2n’s were one color due to war production they didn’t use two different colors.

[@nopl8s448]

Good stuff, Steve !! The train and tractor posts, even though they're not strictly auto related, are just as welcome and entertaining !!

[@haroldschrader3198]

This man's knowledge is endless !!!! What doesn't he know about anything with or without wheels!!!! I had the honor of meeting him and Baskerville in I believe it was Oklahoma City on the 2000 Power tour. We were in line to get some food and something to drink . It was a long line and we stood and talked for a good half n hour or so . They were so awesome to talk to and I've been a huge fan every since . Thank you Steve for making this Long Hauler feel like a part of Hot Rod Magazine

[@vrm86gt]

cool! thanks for sharing, Steve!

[@davebarron5939]

Neat find, amazing design history. Thanks Steve

[@danb2122]

And thank you Steve for all the great information and your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@tomshiba51]

I enjoy learning about anything in a concise, no nonsense manner, which you did in this video. Thank you.

[@wildbill5670]

Great video Stever. Thanks

[@danb2122]

I love how he really gets into the knowledge and how excited he gets. Amazing guy I learn quite a bit.

[@QuanticChaos1000]

He's so fun to listen to but he gets most of his facts wrong.

[@jasonz7788]

Thank you Steve great work Sir

[@garrettschweitzer7138]

Keep cranking these out Steve. Good stuff!

[@Sleeperdude]

We have a 2n we bought for $250 still works great

[@rosseganjr9402]

we have owned a 1952 8n since 1979 they are very good tractors! great find! keep up the great work!

[@dougackerman4182]

Neat piece Steve

[@danieltaylor945]

My favorite History teacher!

[@waveranger4974]

Awesome narrative, Steve

[@garyfishel9612]

Thanks Steve! My Uncle had one of these in the '60s. He taught me how to operate a backhoe with it. Great memory!

[@christopherpeterson1400]

You got something going here... love all your videos

[@doctube2020]

Steve, thanks for cranking out the content! Junkyard gold was one of my favorites on MTOD

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man very interesting! That one looks great still! I remember when I was a kid in the 70s in Puerto Rico, my dad had a red international Ferguson he used to use on the farm, my neighbor had ford county 4x4 no cabover but had the big tires on all four corner’s. I used to pretend I was driving it!😂ahhh those where some great memories! Great video Steve! And history!😎👍

[@KevinWindsor1971]

We had a 1950 8N that had the side mount distributor. The earlier front mount distributor with the bakelite cap and coil on top could be a chore changing out and setting the point gap.

[@robertgeary7520]

Great video I have two of them great little tractors

[@mountaincat2001]

Love the show steve

[@garrickwright7448]

You rock Steve, I grew up reading whatever I can find that you wrote. Thank for the memories and the knowledge.

[@MacFromUrbexCross]

Steve, you are a one take wonder. Love all your videos just continuing to spew info I never knew I needed with no bs or editing.

[@adamantturner5019]

Good video! Keep up the good work Steven!

[@asb2106]

Just broke the input shaft on my 8n. Love that tractor

[@jsherman385]

We had a 8n . Good little machine

[@Tom-pu1xh]

from a car guy who also has tractors thanks Steve! Loving this new channel! Already dropped my subscription to motortrend. Your teaching style is exactly what I enjoy. Thanks again!

[@WaybackTECH]

I am always impressed with how much knowledge about random stuff you have. Great passion AND memory for all things with an engine! Plastic or real!

[@knutbkristiansen]

Awesome episode

[@christopherprince3250]

I have seen a flat head V8 8N Ford Tractor, they had too much power too be practical but look awesome. Thanks for posting.

[@willhorting5317]

My dad's first tractor was a Ford 8N. He put a little front end loader on it, just so he could move dirt, sand, snow and manure on the farm. This was back in the late '60s, very early '70s.😎

[@truckladders4104]

Great video Steve Great coverage on an Industrial icon Its great your highlighting industrial equipment fro our past. They certainly were unique and built the world we have today Great work as usual Keep up the Industrial Resonance!

[@MLFranklin]

Love these old Ford tractors. A beautiful classic design.

[@tractordave9300]

Dam, that thing can come back to life easy.

[@redram5150]

The Fordson hitch was at the top of the axle. That’s why it had such a flipping problem. Other makers mounted it lower so the leverage force went downward at the front end.

[@darensamuels5208]

Many of us grew up driving these on the family farm. There were three generations - 2N, 9N and 8N. I forget the dates but they came out in that sequence. These are amazingly versatile, reliable and simple machines, and many are still in use as working tractors today. Ours was a 1952. Thanks for the video.

[@rockin86ranger]

9n came out in 1939, 2n came out in 1942, 8n came out in 1948

[@johnbarker5009]

An 8N was the very first thing I drove. Lots of good memories dating to when I was old enough to play in the shed but WAY too young to drive. My Dad saw a few of those V8 conversions when he was young.

[@banebbr]

Hi Steve, Remember its Tick season always check your self when you are coming out of the woods or on the side of the road. Love your videos. :)

[@tonymaglio9376]

Love it changing it up tractors even.

[@DanKirchner5150]

i just finished one of these so rusted out i used 3 full cans of bondo on it ,looks new now ,ready for its new owner to enjoy

[@MB_PRODUCTIONS]

Great to see a tractor video! I have a comparable 1955 Ferguson T0-35 which I still use to blow snow to this day. I think if the engine isnt seized on that unit with some plug wires and a battery it would probably run

[@randyauer7303]

Good stuff Steve tractors are cool

[@highwheelingdragon7136]

I have a 1948 Ferguson cordwood saw mounted on my 1940 9n. Great for keeping the cook stove stocked with a wood supply.

[@RyanGlenn810]

The Ford 9N is a hell of a little tractor. They will work all day long with oil poring out the side without skipping a beat. The hardest part of getting that one working again would be just getting the hood off.

[@eddiewood6239]

The last 8N was made in 1952, Ford's Fiftieth anniversary was in 1953 and Ford's Golden Gubilee Tractor was introduced. The 1953 inline six engine was the genesis of Fords much beloved inline six engines. Too, 8N had an optional "Sherman" transmission that allowed it to achieve 45mph speeds for those foolish enough to go that fast on an 8N.

[@BareRoseGarage]

I just got done servicing 5 of these N-Series Fords for the coming season, around here people still use these but mostly for mowing with brush-hawgs or sickle blades. There's an old saying about this little Fords that hold very true, "Too Fast to Plow & Too Slow to Drive". Funny thing about that Ferguson Hitch, Ferguson actually sued Ford over that and won. It's one of the 1st times that Henry Ford Sr bowed out in court giving Ferguson pretty much all he wanted for that. It went on to keep Ferguson rolling strong until the late 50's when they merged with Massey Harris becoming Masey Ferguson..... and that was one heck of a Tractor with the Perkins Diesel! Great Video Steve!

[@mc2whls]

A friend of mine mows grass with his 8N. Converted from 6 Volts to 12 Volts. Also, replaced the Generator with an Alternator. Much more reliable.

[@Ray56z]

Starter, distributor, plugs, lights, positive to negative ground, all switches-far better.

[@johnmcmullen456]

Did the same with my 1951 8N, but converted original generator to 12V for a much cleaner look.

[@thomasschaefer9312]

My grandfather had a tractor with the steel wheels. I used to play on it.

[@jimbukowski6397]

Still plenty 8’s and9’s in use today!

[@sombra6153]

I never knew the difference between an 8 and 9N, but to me, it’s the iconic little “Ford tractor” that was found just about anywhere in farm country across America and was just down-right handy. There are obviously newer, safer, better, and more versatile small tractors on the market filling the role, but you still see these little critters in use. I grew up a city kid with my heart in farm country thanks to grandparents who planted wheat and raised dairy cattle. Thanks for this video. It sparked some debate but I learned something. My other iconic tractor is the old Model D John Deere.

[@nastybastardatlive]

At classic car shows and county fairs in upstate new york there is often a section for restored tractors.

[@invagina1110]

Didn't know you were versed on tractors also. keep it coming.

[@justbuilditsh0p896]

I got a old Ford identical to that one always want to put the flathead v8 in it goog job on videos very informative and entertaining

[@MrR6guy]

NICE! More Steve mags educating on anything old and cool!!!! ww2 Aircraft would be cool also

[@runpny]

There is an 8N Funk conversion at the Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum.

[@richardtravis546]

The date of manufacture is on the housing of the rear axle on my 8n . I'm not sure if all of them have the date this way. Mine is a 1946. It has been in my family since 1957 I think. Great information on these tractors. Thanks.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

Spent my early childhood on the seat of one of those things and that was before we got the slip-gear to go on the PTO takeout. Without it a bush hog could get you in trouble quickly.

[@RC-cc4rv]

Get well Steve.

[@ddellwo]

If you had a piece of property what a kick it would be to have a nicely restored old tractor to put around on! I’ll take an early 50’s Farmall Cub with wide-spread front wheels if I’m allowed to choose…….!!!!

[@franko2k]

Harry Ferguson also built and sold an almost identical tractor. The guy across the street from me had one and I couldn't tell the difference.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Thanks for sharing this. This looks in better shape than my car 😄