The Ford 8N tractor entered production in July 1947 as a key member of the N series of utility tractors. A total of 524,000 units were produced. Additionally, equipped with a Ford 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline or distillate engine and offered with either a 4-speed or 12-speed transmission. A notable variant of the tractor is the 8NAN, which has a distillate engine. This classic tractor was popular for its versatility and performance.
The tractor was discontinued in 1952, but it remains a reliable partner for many farms and collectors now. If you own one, these key specifications and common troubleshooting tips may be of help, ensuring your tractor continues to run smoothly.
Ford 8N Tractor Specifications
For ease of reference, we’ve gathered all the technical specifications below.
Engine (Gasoline)
| Configuration | gasoline, 4-cylinder 8-valve, liquid-cooled |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 119.7 ci/2.0 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.188×3.75 inches/81 x 95 mm |
| Compression | 6:1/6.7:1*After s/n 85000 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Torque | 92 lb-ft/124.8 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Coolant capacity | 12 qts/11.4 L |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches/0.635 mm |
| Point gap | 0.015 inches/0.381 mm(front-mount)
0.025 inches/0.635 mm (side-mount) |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.011 inches/0.279 mm *Cold |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.015 inches/0.381 mm *Cold |
| Oil capacity | 6 qts/5.7 L |
Engine Details (Distillate)
| Configuration | Distillate/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled: The distillate engine was used on the 8NAN variant. |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 119.7 ci/2.0 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.188×3.75 inches/81 x 95 mm |
| Compression | 4.75:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Coolant capacity | 12 qts/11.4 L |
| Oil capacity | 6 qts/5.7 L |
Power
| Drawbar (claimed) | 23.16 hp/17.3 kW |
|---|---|
| PTO (claimed) | 27.32 hp/20.4 kW |
| Drawbar (tested) | 21.95 hp/16.4 kW |
| PTO (tested) | 23.24 hp/17.3 kW |
| Belt (tested) | 25.77 hp/19.2 kW |
Constant Mesh Transmission
| Transmission | Constant Mesh |
|---|---|
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse (4-speed) |
| Oil capacity | 20 qts/18.9 L |
| 32oF [0oC] | Ford M4864B |
| Description | The tractor must be stopped, and the clutch used to shift between gears. |
Sherman Combination Transmission
| Transmission | Sherman Combination Transmission |
|---|---|
| Gears | 12 forward and 3 reverse (12-speed) |
| Description | The Sherman Step-Up and Step-Down Combination transmission provided two additional ranges, one higher and one lower, through the use of an auxiliary gearbox. The Step-Down was geared down by 1.513 to 1. The Step-Up was geared up by 1 to 1.495. |
| Wheelbase | 70 inches/177 cm |
|---|---|
| Length | 115 inches/292 cm |
| Width | 64.75 inches/164 cm |
| Height | 54.5 inches/138 cm |
| Ground clearance | 13 inches/33 cm |
| Clearance (front axle) | 21 inches/53 cm |
| Front tread | 48/52/56/60/64/68/72/76 inches121/132/142/152/162/172/182/193 cm |
| Rear tread | 48/52/56/60/64/68/72/76 inches/121/132/142/152/162/172/182/193 cm |
Tires
| Ag front | 4.00-19/6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 10-28/11.2-28 |
Weight
| Shipping | 2,410 lbs/1093 kg |
|---|---|
| Operating | 2,717 lbs/1232 kg |
| Ballasted | 4,043 lbs/1833 kg |
Mechanical
| Chassis | 4×2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Steering | mechanical |
| Brakes | manual drum |
| Cab | Open operator station |
| Transmissions | 4-speed/12-speed |
Capacity
| Fuel | 10 gal/37.9 L |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic system | 5 gal/18.9 L |
Hydraulics
| Capacity | 5 gal/18.9 L |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 1700 psi/117.2 bar |
| Pump flow | 2.85 gpm/10.8 lpm |
Tractor Hitch
| Rear Type | I |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 800 lbs/362 kg |
Power Take-Off (PTO)
| Rear PTO | transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear RPM | 545 (1.125) |
Electrical
| Ground | positive |
|---|---|
| Charging system | generator |
| Charging amps | 20 |
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Battery AH | 80 |
Source: https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/2/2/223-ford-8n.html
Common Issues & Fixes of Ford 8n Tractor
The Ford 8N is a fantastic old Ford tractor. In other words, nearly all its problems are due to wear and tear from long-term use. The good news is, it has a simple design, so you can quickly locate issues and fix them.
1. Hard Starting or No Start
Symptoms: Slow/weak starter; starter works, but engine won’t fire.
Fixes:
- Clean battery posts, cable clamps, starter terminals, and ground strap.
- Use heavy-duty 0/00-gauge battery cables; check 6V battery charge/health.
- Long-term: Upgrade to a 12V electrical system.
- Clean fuel tank sediment bowl; service carburetor (clean jets/replace if worn).
2. Unstable Engine RPM
Symptom: RPMs fluctuate at steady throttle, a condition known as “hunting” or “surging.”
Fixes:
- Adjusting the length of the linkage rod that connects the carburetor and the governor.
- Rebuild the governor (replace worn internal parts) if the adjustment fails.
3. Hydraulic System Problems
Symptoms: The three-point hitch is weak or fails to lift at all; lift arms drift down.
Fixes:
- Check the fluid level at the large plug on the right side of the tractor’s center housing and top up.
- Clean the hydraulic pump’s intake screen.
- Replace worn hydraulic pump (if lift remains weak).
- Repair the lift cylinder (replace piston/seals) to fix drifting.
4. Safety Notes
While not mechanical “faults,” these are the most significant “problems” for a modern user.
- No Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) — risky on slopes.
- PTO stops with the clutch (can’t run equipment when stopped); use a safety shield.
- Mechanical rear brakes are often poor/uneven — need frequent adjustment.
Related Ford 8N Tractor Parts
The Ford 8N tractor entered production in July 1947 as a key member of the N series of utility tractors. A total of 524,000 units were produced. Equipped with a Ford 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline or distillate engine and offered with either a 4-speed or 12-speed transmission. A notable variant of the Ford 8N is the 8NAN, which has a distillate engine. This classic tractor was popular for its versatility and performance.
Though the tractor was discontinued in 1952, it remains a reliable partner for many farms and collectors now. If you own one, these key specifications and common troubleshooting tips may be of help, ensuring your tractor continues to run smoothly.
Conclusion
We hope this guide will help you quickly diagnose the problem and find the most effective solution. By knowing its design, being aware of common potential issues, and committing to a proactive maintenance plan with reliable parts. When it’s time to replace worn components, explore our catalog of Ford 8N tractor parts. Here, you can ensure your tractor remains a powerful workhorse for longer in service.
FAQs
What is the work capacity of a Ford 8N (e.g., acres per hour)?
The work capacity varies greatly depending on the implement used, soil conditions, gear selection, and operator skill. As a rough estimate, when using a two-bottom plow in average soil, an 8N can typically plow 1 to 2 acres per hour.
What’s the difference between a Ford 8N tractor and a Ford 9N tractor?
- The 8N is a significant upgrade over the 9N. The key improvements are:
- 4-Speed Transmission (vs. the 9N’s 3-speed)
- Position Control Hydraulics (allows holding implements at a set height)
- Improved Brakes (independent brakes on each rear wheel)
- Slightly More Horsepower
Is a Ford 8N a category 1 tractor? Can it run a brush hog?
Yes, the tractor has a standard Category 1 three-point hitch, compatible with all modern Category 1 implements. It can power a small brush hog (a 4-foot model is ideal, with 5-foot as the maximum). Most importantly, an Overrunning Coupler (ORC) must be installed on the PTO shaft. Without it, it’s extremely dangerous.
How do I identify my Ford 8N?
The most reliable way is by the serial number. It is usually located on the left side of the engine block, just behind the oil filter. If you can’t find it, take a picture of your parts supplier.
