You all got revved up

Topic: Just realized something obvious and overlooked

Just read this topic and cant believe how some of you guys got "revved up" and quite irate about the Ford 9N/2N tractors.

The fact is that Harry Ferguson invented the rear 3 point hitch with converging linkage & depth control in the early 1930"s. These basic principals are used Worldwide today [in varying forms by different tractor manufacturers].

His original Ferguson Model A tractor constructed by David Brown was not a comercial nor mechanical success. It took Fergusons joint venture with Ford to produce the Ford 9N/2N which was a great improvment and a great tractor in its day.

Ferguson went on to produce his own Ferguson 20 in England & USA which was even better - almost perfect. Over the years it was developed further under MF ownership into the excellent MF135 - and that statement is from me a Fordson Enthusiast.

No one manufacturer has ever produced the PERFECT TRACTOR nor will they. Look at the hundreds of models each manufacturer builds to-day - a vain attempt to make something for every farmer & farming operation.

History has been made by several tractor and implement manufacturers with unique and inovative designs, setting the standards for others to follow.

So why get "revved up" and start mud-slinging with "mines better than yours" - "purple are better than pink coloured tractors". We all buy what suits our farming operation and capital budget, often dictated to by local dealer service back up.

As someone said "its time for a group hug". None of us are right and none of us are wrong.

You're right, time for a chorus of "Kumbaya".

I grew up with an 8N, and it did everything my Dad needed it to do on our 150 acre, 45 cow dairy in the '50's. That said, I've owned about 50 tractors since then, and most were more competent than the N Ford (As I said, I grew up with that 8N- when dad finally sold it in about 1983, he gave me first chance at it- I declined). But the tractors I have owned are all newer than the N, and when you compare 1939 tractors, the 9N sure is a lot more "modern" than any of the rest.

So I guess it comes down to this- N Fords were miles ahead of the competition, until the mid- '50's, when others started to get live power- sure, there are better choices now, but N's still work for people who don't need modern features.

I've got a 1995 Lincoln, and a 1948 Hudson. The Hudson is more fun to drive once in awhile, but I sure wouldn't use it as my "daily driver". I suspect the "N against the world" folks have a similar claim.

My Dad and uncle tell about the 39 9N they used to have here in the 40's and early 50's.It was the only tractor they had on a 200 acre farm,not sure how many acres were clear than,maybe 150 worked?They say who ever got up at 4 went to the field,the other guy looked after the morning chores in the barns.After the chore guy ate his breakfast,he took over in the field till supper time.After the evening chore guy ate supper,he took over for the other guy till 10 pm.They worked it like that all spring,much of the summer spraying.I doubt they worked that many hours a day haying and grain time.They grew alot of potato's so they likely worked that late digging and the same for plowing.They claimed when the fall work was finished,the engine was worn out every year and had it rebuilt every winter.

the perfect tractor has been made!!! post for ESSEX TRI DIRECTIONAL

Yup! The good ole Essex Tri-Di,hands down!!! Hoss

KFD,

You must be one BORED #$%^@ to post all that DRIVEL!

A Ford "N" for better or worse, is a collector's item.

What'cha gonna do about it???

I posted the original thread becaue I couldn't believe that so many people were really bad mouthing what was state of the art in the 30's and 40's. The 3 pt. hitch is still state of the art. Nothing has came along in 70 years that is any better. Ferguson built his Black tractor in 1933 to demostrate his new hitching system. It had gears made by David Brown, a gear cutting company. Ferguson didn't have the capacity to build the tractors himself so contracted David Brown to build them. David Brown used some factory space at the gear cutting company to build the Ferguson Model A for Harry Ferguson. The tractors were based heavily on the black tractor. David Brown wanted to add improved features and Harry Ferguson complained of quality control problems. It got so bad in 1938 that Harry Ferguson went looking for another manufacturer and Henry Ford was very impressed with the Ferguson system. David Brown did build a tractor with improved features but it didn't have the Ferguson system. I wonder why they never sold? Dave

I don't want to rehash this topic but if N's are only a collector item, why are thousands of people still very happy using them? Also, if they were/are so bad, why would anyone want to collect them? Usually collector items are a very significant part of history. The N series tractors certainly are. Dave

Yep, you got that right, antique Massey fan.

I enjoy my late 8N, but even my lowly 424 IH (still in it's work clothes) makes the Ford look pretty PATHETIC as a "working tractor".

<img src = "http://www.gondtc.com/~blweltin/Bob/IH424.jpg">

Power steering, live hydraulics, and live PTO (not to mention DIESEL and almost TWICE the HP) makes the stuff that impresses you seem pretty PATHETIC, unless viewed from the point of it being an ANTIQUE. Just think what a MODERN tractor is, compared to my old Dorf or Binder, or a Messy Ferguson!

QUOTE FROM BOB

KFD,

You must be one BORED #$%^@ to post all that DRIVEL!

A Ford "N" for better or worse, is a collector"s item.

What"cha gonna do about it???

Bob - why the nasty personal attack on me?

I"ve said nothing against you.

Your IH is a good tractor from the 1960"s, I have used the British 434 version and rate them highly.
My whole point was that that style of tractor with the Ferguson system in the 1940"s & 50"s were the most advanced tractors anwhere in the World, and set the standard on which ALL tractors built since have been based. They changed tractor design for ever.
Everything else from that period was obsolete and outdated.

Ford Ns are a lot like Howard Cosell. Folks just love to hate them. But show me another 1939 tractor that will do this and I'll buy it.

Mr 135, they either are too ignorant to the fact or just can't afford better. I think they are good tractors for what they are, but why have the Model T when you can have the Cadillac? I don't get down on people that collect them, like to restore or just tinker on them, or appreciate the sentimental value. But don't go on about how good a tractor they are because they are horrible outclassed by just about everything currently made.

So what did they do in their spare time? LOL

We didn't do much fieldwork- mostly pasture, used N to scrape barn and spread manure, used loader to feed malt in the winter.

It always amazes me how so many, like your dad and uncle, were severely "under-tractored" back in the day. They probably could have got a big ole Case or Oliver for little money, got some bigger equipment, and not had to ride that thing 20 hours a day (and rebuild every winter).

When I worked for PCA in the early '80's, I had to repo a nearly new JD 2440 from a part-timer- he and wife split up, he skipped town, so we repo-ed. Instead of taking the tractor to town to sell, I just drove it about 2 miles down the road to a dairyman I knew, who was operating a 100 cow, 160 acre dairy with an IH 574. He put up a lot of hay, plus spreading manure, so I knew he was constantly changing implements.

He wasn't home, but his kid was, and I just handed him the key, told him we needed to store this for awhile, use it like you own it, oh, and by the way, "Its for sale." Two weeks later, the guy walks in to my office, and says, "OK, you win- how much? I never imagined how handy it would be to mow with one tractor, and bale with another."

Bob, No one gives a rats @$$ about your little pathetic red binder machine ! You have and still are the most perverted know it all on this forum ! No matter which board you are visiting your word is it... IHC is long gone never to be made again get over it already.

HEY, KF, NO offense intended! I own an 8N, a Binder 424 and quite an assortment of DEEREs.

Some are just MORE fun than the others!