Geez, from the title, I thought valve stem as in cylinder head…. I think that I am spending too much time in the innards of my motorized toys.
I have found that buying NON-ETHANOL gas for using in seldom run carbureted engines really helps them stay running and adding a stabilizer is even better for longer periods of storage.To me the down side / concern really is will it get used enough not to have trouble keeping things fresh and not gumming up the carb…I am sort of more worried about it not getting much use and the continued problems with that scenario…probably not good for it to sit.
True - I use non-ethanol in everything but the pickup.I have found that buying NON-ETHANOL gas for using in seldom run carbureted engines really helps them stay running and adding a stabilizer is even better for longer periods of storage.
Was hard to find here for several years, but has been readily available for many years now. Hopefully it continues…..can't buy non-ethonol gas here in Ontario any more.....
You probably can buy it at your local airport fixed base operator, unless they refuse to pump it into your can.can't buy non-ethonol gas here in Ontario any more.....
Roll Overs are not always from mowing on a hillside. The fact that these old tractors have high center of gravity and gear-transmissions, live PTOs and no operator protections results in “overturns” and shredded body parts. Yes, generations have successfully used them, but that doesn’t mean they are good machines for modern use, and generations have been maimed and killed by them in what is termed “accidents”….because certainly no one does it on purpose.Contrary to what Geohorn said, NO tractor ,either the old ones without any features or the new ones fully loaded with the 'latest and greatest' safety features has ever killed anyone. It's the inept operators,the 'machoman' idiots, the 'I don't need to read no stinking book' guys that kill themselves. Everyone who cuts grass SIDEWAYS on a hill is playing 'Russian routlette', even though it's well KNOWN, you're not supposed to work a hill that way same as you're ALWAYS supposed to shut down the tractor, disengage the PTO before clearing the crap that's causing a problem.
Most of the older tractors have been safely used by millions of farmers for generations, working 100s of millions of acres with only a few blisters and sunburns.
I've had 30-35 tractors on and off for 3 decades, the ONLY one with ANY 'safety' features is the BX23S. It's quirky seat switch is a PITA sometimes and I've eliminated the too tall ROPS. The ROPS height is interesting as IF it was designed for the 'suburban garden tractor' group it SHOULD be able to drive into a garage without folding it down. Kinda wondering now how many ROPS are folded down while in use ?
As for maintaining something you don't need, I really didn't need 5 tractors and a combine on my 1/3rd acre but heck a guy has to have a hobby AND there's safety in having a 'backup' and a 'spare' tractor when #1 breaks down !!
Roll Overs are not always from mowing on a hillside. The fact that these old tractors have high center of gravity and gear-transmissions, live PTOs and no operator protections results in “overturns” and shredded body parts. Yes, generations have successfully used them, but that doesn’t mean they are good machines for modern use, and generations have been maimed and killed by them in what is termed “accidents”….because certainly no one does it on purpose.
Getting used to operating your modern tractor and then switching out to an old Ford (or other) can get you or a loved oe dead or permanently maimed from even a momentary lapse of attention.
Just sayin’….. think about if your really NEED this thing sitting on your property that YOU are responsible and liable for.
I used and maintaied my 9N for twenty years and it was very useful…but when I got a more modern Kubota…. I GAVE that fine-running N-Ford away.
according to the The Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health at the University of Iowa):
Then there are non-overrunning PTO propeller accidents.
- Tractor overturns are the leading cause of fatal injuries on U.S. farms, resulting in an average of about 130 deaths each year.
- One in 10 operators overturns a tractor in his or her lifetime.
- 80% of deaths caused by tractor overturns involve experienced operators.
- One in seven farmers involved in tractor overturns is permanently disabled.
- Seven of 10 farms will go out of business within five years following a tractor-related fatality.
And no seat belt is why the kid across the lake from me was wiped off the seat and run over by the shredder a few years ago.
Just sayi’n….. Do you really want this thing…?
Hey! I LIKE the N-Fords…. Don’t get me wrong …(or let me be too hard on the model)… it’s a Staple as far as tractors go.I am obviously NOT safe!
Apparently,..... I should always wear an army helmet, seat belt, and bullet proof vest when I ride my 8N Ford .
The 8N Ford, that I have owned and used for over 50 years!
I have found that buying NON-ETHANOL gas for using in seldom run carbureted engines really helps them stay running and adding a stabilizer is even better for longer periods of storage.
Flipping 8Ns is a loosing business model.My point was that IF the OP has the extra cash ($1500) laying around, buying the 8N is a good investment. It's a running tractor he could use now and probably resell in the future and make a profit. No different than buying a cheap muscle car,get tired of it, resell as 'they' are popular. 8Ns have a 'cult status' amongst tractors, same as Allis-Chalmers G do.
While he may no 'need' it, having a backup or dedicated tractor is a good thing. One of mine was only used ONE day of the year, to pickup/load ONE giant pumpkin. Did I 'need' it ,no ,heck not even MY pumpkin BUT it was a lot easier than using any of the three others I had at the time.
My impression is he's sitting on the fence, the pointy part. Can see pros and cons to the 8N purchase, wants a gentle nudge in the right direction ( buy it ). Better yet, ask the 'bank' aka wife, problem solved !!
Don't get me going on tires ! I've put one set of fronts on my A-C D-14,23 years ago...THREE sets on my BX23S in 4 years and ANOTHER pair come spring, so newer or 'Kubota' isn't always better.
Agreed, but it is certainly not the business that it once was.That all depends on who the businessman is !
You got it right George!Hey! I LIKE the N-Fords…. Don’t get me wrong …(or let me be too hard on the model)… it’s a Staple as far as tractors go.
I’m only thinking that the OP has two tractors and has bought a piece of land and the seller has no need for the little Ford and wants the new land owner to take it off his hands because he has no inclination to sell it himself…. and a guy with two tractors might just think about backing-off for a moment and think about “Needs” versus “Wants”…. when the “Wants” isn’t likely to improve the capability but carries a bit more concerns in the maintenance and operations dept’s.
I have, on occasion, thought how handy it would have been for the little 9N I had to still be sittin’ out here with a blade on the back so I’d not have to switch implements when i want to blade the road…. but I’m also remembering the new front rims I had just-bought because the old ones were rotted-out, and the new tires/tubes those new rims needed…and the new battery…. and the radiator i’d replaced the year before….. etc etc.
Anyway…. the much newer Kubota does the jobs much better…and I don’t have the maintenance of that Ford any longer…..
If the man wants a third tractor to maintain and it’s idiosyncrasies … go for it!
Just like EDC? You walk around with a pair and a spare? I'm going to start calling you Josey Wales.I am bringing this thread back up as I settled with the owner of the machine this thread started with today. We came to an agreement during our visit in the middle from his asking price and my starting price. We settled at 2200 and that includes a pretty decent land pride rear butter which I’ve seen both working in use very recently.
I’ll use it for pulling a wagon and puttering around…I believe I am better off puttering on that than on my MX with emissions.
Now I have a pair and a spare. Just like EDC…except tractors.
Good catch. I edited for ya.hmm...
a pretty decent land pride rear butter
Ya gotta love AI and spelchek
still though I like that you bought it !! !