Introduction
Ford 8N Utility Tractor
The Ford 8N is a utility tractor produced by Ford in Highland Park, Michigan, between 1947 and 1952. With 524,000 units manufactured, it remains one of the most recognizable machines in agricultural history, serving as a versatile platform for various farming operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 119.7 cubic inch (2.0 L) 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. It operates at a rated speed of 2000 RPM and produces approximately 30 horsepower. The engine utilizes a firing order of 1-2-4-3, with a compression ratio of 4.75:1.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The standard transmission is a constant mesh design featuring four forward gears and one reverse gear, requiring the tractor to be stopped and the clutch engaged for shifting. An optional Sherman Combination Transmission was available, providing an auxiliary gearbox that expands the configuration to 12 forward and 3 reverse gears, including both step-up and step-down ratios.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system provides a pressure of 1700 psi (117.2 bar) with a pump flow of 2.85 gpm (10.8 lpm) and a total reservoir capacity of 5 gallons (18.9 L). It is equipped with a Category I rear hitch capable of lifting 800 lbs (362 kg). The rear PTO operates at a speed of 545 RPM.
Dimensions and Chassis
Built on a 70-inch wheelbase, the tractor has an overall length of 115 inches and a width of 64.75 inches. It features a ground clearance of 13 inches, with the front axle providing 21 inches of clearance. The front and rear treads are adjustable from 48 to 76 inches to accommodate different row widths.
Conclusion
The Ford 8N is a two-wheel-drive utility tractor designed for general agricultural tasks. Its straightforward mechanical steering, manual drum brakes, and open operator station reflect the standard engineering practices of its era. It is suited for small-to-medium scale farming and remains a significant model for collectors and historical equipment enthusiasts.
Videos
Ford 8N Manuals & Documentation
Download the manuals and documentation available for the Ford 8N: repair and workshop manuals, operator's handbooks, spare-parts catalogs and technical leaflets — free PDF files.
- Manuel de réparation du moteurPDF · 2.91 Mo
- Manuel de réparation du moteurPDF · 12.2 Mo
- Manuel de servicePDF · 6.463 Mo
- Manuel opérateurPDF · 24.9 Mo
Archive documentation provided for reference, hosted by Tractor-Info.
Production Information of Ford, 8N
- Original price was $1,404 in 1952
- Utility tractor
- Built in Highland Park, Michigan, USA
| Manufacturer | Ford |
|---|---|
| Total built | 524,000 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Ford, 8N
| Front tread | 48/52/56/60/64/68/72/76 inches [121/132/142/152/162/172/182/193 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 70 inches [177 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 13 inches [33 cm] |
| Height | 54.5 inches [138 cm] |
| Length | 115 inches [292 cm] |
| Rear tread | 48/52/56/60/64/68/72/76 inches [121/132/142/152/162/172/182/193 cm] |
| Clearance (front axle) | 21 inches [53 cm] |
| Width | 64.75 inches [164 cm] |
| Ag front | 4.00-19 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 11.2-28 |
| Ag front(optional) | 6.00-16 |
| Ag rear | 10-28 |
Engine Specifications of Ford, 8N
- Liquid-cooled
- The distillate engine was used on the 8NAN variant.
- Image courtesy of Javier Cardozo
- 4-cylinder
| Point gap | 0.015 inches (front-mount) [0.381 mm] |
|---|---|
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
| Compression | 4.75:1 |
| Compression(optional) | 0.025 inches (side-mount) [0.635 mm] |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.188x3.75 inches [81 x 95 mm] |
| Displacement | 119.7 ci [2.0 L] |
| Coolant capacity | 12 qts [11.4 L] |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.011 inches [0.279 mm] |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.015 inches [0.381 mm] |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Coolant capacity | 12 qts [11.4 L] |
Cold
Cold
Transmission Information of Ford, 8N
Transmission variants 1
- Tractor must be stopped and clutch used to shift between gears.
| Transmission | Constant mesh |
|---|---|
| 32oF [0oC]↑ | : Ford M4864A |
| Oil type | 32oF [0oC]↑ : Ford M4864A 32oF [0oC]↓ : Ford M4864B |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
| 32oF [0oC]↓ | : Ford M4864B |
| Oil capacity | 20 qts [18.9 L] |
Transmission variants 2
- 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.
| Transmission | Sherman Combination Transmission |
|---|---|
| Gears | 12 forward and 3 reverse |
- 4-speed
- 12-speed
Mechanical Specs of Ford, 8N
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual drum brakes
| Steering | Mechanical |
|---|
Power Information of Ford, 8N
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 545 (1.125) |
Hydraulics Specifications of Ford, 8N
| Capacity | 5 gal [18.9 L] |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 1700 psi [117.2 bar] |
| Pump flow | 2.85 gpm [10.8 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Ford, 8N
| Rear Type | I |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 800 lbs [362 kg] |
Electrical System of Ford, 8N
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 80 |
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Charging system | Generator |
| Charging amps | 20 |
Where it sits
With 30 hp[P] HP, the Ford 8N sits between 2N (26 HP) and NAA (33 HP) in Ford's range. Its power puts it in the 43th percentile of 1940s models in our database (263 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Ford 8N have?
The Ford 8N delivers 30 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Ford 8N produced?
The Ford 8N was produced in 1947-1952.
What engine does the Ford 8N have?
The Ford 8N is powered by a 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Ford 8N use?
The Ford 8N uses a Constant mesh transmission.
Is the Ford 8N 4WD?
The Ford 8N is available in 2WD.