Ford Tractor Old Model Evolution and Innovations

The Ford tractor old model evolution is a fascinating story. The first Ford tractor, the 9N, was introduced in 1939 and was a major innovation in farming technology.

The 9N was powered by a 22 horsepower engine and featured a three-point hitch system, which allowed for easier attachment of implements. It was a game-changer for farmers who could now till, plant, and harvest their crops more efficiently.

One of the key innovations of the 9N was its use of a hydraulic system, which enabled the tractor to lift and lower heavy loads with ease. This feature was a major improvement over earlier tractors, which relied on manual labor to lift and move heavy objects.

The 9N's hydraulic system was a major selling point, and it helped to establish Ford as a leader in the tractor market. As a result, the 9N became a popular choice among farmers, who appreciated its power, efficiency, and reliability.

Broaden your view: Hydraulic Tractor Loader

The Ford brand was first used on tractors in 1939 with the introduction of the 9N.

Fordson had already been a major player in the market for 20 years before the Ford brand was introduced.

The European Fordson brand and US Ford brand were consolidated in 1964 with the creation of a global tractor line.

This move marked a significant shift in the company's approach to manufacturing tractors.

Intriguing read: Agricultural Tractors Market

If you're new to classic tractors, the Ford 9N from 1939 is a great place to start. Introduced as the first Ford-branded tractor, it paved the way for the company's future success in the industry.

The Fordson brand had already been around for 20 years by the time the 9N was introduced, but it was the start of a new era for Ford's tractor line. The 9N was a major step forward in tractor design and technology.

The European Fordson brand and US Ford brand were consolidated in 1964, creating a global tractor line that would make Ford a major player in the industry. This move helped Ford to streamline its operations and focus on producing high-quality tractors.

If you're looking for a classic Ford tractor to restore or collect, keep an eye out for the Ford-New Holland line, which was introduced after Ford purchased New Holland in 1985. This line produced some of the most popular and sought-after tractors of the late 20th century.

Check this out: New Holland Tractor with Loader

The development of tractors was a crucial milestone in agricultural history. Ford's entry into the tractor market was a significant one, with the company's first tractor, the Fordson, released in 1917.

The Fordson was a major improvement over earlier tractors, featuring a more powerful engine and a more efficient design. It was also significantly cheaper than its competitors, making it a game-changer for small farmers.

Ford continued to innovate and improve its tractors, introducing the Ford 9N in 1939, which featured a more powerful engine and a three-point hitch system that allowed for easier attachment of implements. This design became a standard in the industry.

The Ford 9N was also the first tractor to be equipped with a hydraulic system, which provided more precise control over attachments. This was a major advantage over earlier tractors, which relied on mechanical systems.

The 1940s and 1950s saw the introduction of even more advanced Ford tractors, including the Ford 8N and the Ford 2000. These tractors featured improved engines, transmissions, and hydraulic systems, making them more efficient and productive than ever before.

Related reading: Ford Tractor Model Numbers

The Model 9N was the first tractor produced by Ford, and it's a rare find, especially with its original cast aluminum hood. The first 600-700 tractors had a cast aluminum hood, which is now highly sought after by collectors.

These early tractors were painted all gray, and the rarity of the aluminum hoods has caused many owners to polish them to a bright shine and leave them unpainted. The aluminum hoods were not only on the hood, but also on the horizontal spoked grille, steering column, dash assembly, and other parts.

The early 9N tractors also had an adjustable left side lift link, with a threaded and screwed-on bottom fork, and a screw-on pto cap cover made of cast iron.

Take a look at this: Agricultural Tractors

The Model 9N was produced from 1939 to 1942, and during this time, there were several key changes to the design. The first 600-700 tractors had a cast aluminum hood, which was then replaced by a steel hood.

Additional reading: Allis Chalmers Model B Tractor

The aluminum hood was a rare feature, and many owners chose to polish it to a bright shine and leave it unpainted to show off its unique look. The horizontal spoked grille, steering column, and dash assembly were also made of cast aluminum.

The first 25,000 tractors had a red ignition "on" light below the ammeter, which was later phased out. The transmission oil level dipstick was initially located in front of the fill plug, but was later moved to the right rear side cover on the differential housing.

Early 9N tractors also had an adjustable left side lift link, with a threaded and screwed-on bottom fork. This feature was unique to the early models and is now highly sought after by collectors.

The first 9N tractors had a larger capacity unpressurized radiator with a chromed cap, and the grease fittings were located on the front side of the spindle. Later models had the grease fittings moved to the rear side of the spindle.

The brake pedals were redesigned to have different right and left pedals, and the dash panel was changed from a one-piece cast aluminum to a one-piece cast iron design.

Consider reading: Front Loader Tractor Attachments

The Ford NAA, also known as the Golden Jubilee, replaced the N-series tractor in 1953. This new model featured live hydraulics and an all-new overhead valve engine.

One key difference between the NAA and the N series was its increased size, being four inches longer and four inches higher. The NAA was also 100 pounds heavier, weighing in at 2,840 pounds.

The Golden Jubilee was a significant improvement over its predecessor, setting the stage for the 600 series and later numbered model tractors that followed.

For more insights, see: New Holland Tractor New Model

The Model 2N was a stripped-down version of the tractor, built without electrical components and rubber tires due to wartime material shortages.

It was introduced in 1942 and was essentially a 9N tractor without the extra features, but with a slightly higher price tag because it was considered a new model.

The 2N had steel wheels and magneto ignitions, and had to be started with a hand crank because it had no battery or starter.

The grille was changed to have four slots in the center bar, a change that would stick until the introduction of the 8N.

The Model 2N was produced from 1942 to 1947, a time of wartime material shortages that forced Ford to simplify their tractors.

Ford tractors built during this period were made without electrical components and rubber tires, and some believe the company took advantage of this situation by introducing the 2N as a new model.

The 2N had steel wheels and magneto ignitions, which meant it had to be started with the hand crank because it had no battery or starter.

The choke knob was moved up next to the grille in front, allowing the operator to work the choke while cranking the engine.

This was the last change to the grille until the introduction of the 8N, and it featured four slots in the center bar.

The steering wheel was changed to a hard rubber outside with 3 uncovered steel spokes in the center, a design that would be used on all Ford tractors through 1964.

The Model 2N had a production run from 1939 to 1964, which is a pretty long time.

The Ford Tractors produced during this period were made with various models, each with unique features and changes.

One way to identify the Model 2N is by looking at its serial numbers.

The serial numbers and other identifying marks can help you determine the model and year of your tractor.

Ford attempted to list some of the noticeable changes made to each model throughout the years, which can be a big help in restoring your tractor to its original state.

The changes and features documented in the Ford Tractor Model Identification and Changes page can aid in correctly identifying the tractors.

Recommended read: John Deere Lawn Tractor Model Numbers Explained

The Model 8N is a significant upgrade from its predecessors, with a 4-speed transmission and increased PTO and drawbar horsepower. Official production of the 8N tractor began in July 1947.

The 8N features a 'Position-control' setting for the hydraulics, which allows for more flexibility in varying soil conditions. This change was made to improve the tractor's performance and evade Harry Ferguson's patent on the hydraulic system.

The 8N was equipped with running boards and was painted lighter gray on the sheetmetal and red on the body. It was the first Ford tractor to feature a clutch on the left side and independent brakes on the right.

The Model 8N was officially produced from July 1947 to 1952. It was equipped with a 4-speed transmission and had a noticeable increase in both PTO and drawbar horsepower compared to its predecessors, the 9N and 2N.

The 8N had a 'Position-control' setting for the hydraulics, which allowed for more flexibility in varying soil conditions and helped evade Harry Ferguson's patent on the hydraulic system. This setting bypassed the draft control and allowed the implement to remain at a consistent position relative to the Touch Control lever.

The 8N was the first Ford tractor to feature a clutch on the left side and independent brakes on the right. It also retained the wide-spaced front wheel design of the 9N and 2N.

In 1950, the 8N design changed to feature a side-mounted distributor and a Proofmeter located on the lower right portion of the dash. The Proofmeter combined speedometer, tachometer, and hour meter functions.

The 8N was equipped with running boards and was painted lighter gray on the sheetmetal and red on the body.

In 1960, Ford introduced the Thousand series tractors as Industrial models, with serial numbers ranging from 105943 to 131426.

These tractors were painted red and "buff" and featured industrial tread rear tires and a heavier fixed width front axle.

The Thousand series Industrial models were basically modified "01" series models with a different seat.

The light industrial models were the 2030 and 4030, while the 4040 was the heavy industrial model.

The 4040 was basically the same as the earlier 1801 industrial tractors.

The Model 600, 700, and 800 series tractors were introduced in late '54 for the '55 model year. These tractors were a significant upgrade from the previous models.

The 600 series was basically the 134 cubic inch NAA with a few updates. The hydraulic lift was improved and the rear axles were redesigned as one piece to eliminate the separate axle and hub used on the 8N and NAA.

The 800 series had a 172 cubic inch engine which provided a lot more power. It's hood was raised 2 inches to allow for a larger gas tank and the rear differential and housing was larger and stronger than the one on the 600 series.

The 700 series was the row crop tricycle version of the 600 series and the 900 series was the row crop tricycle version of the 800. A wide front end option was available for the row crop tractors.

Two transmission options were available, a standard 4 speed and a 5 speed that could be had with or without the two stage clutch live pto option.

For more insights, see: Case Row Crop Tractor

The Ford brand was first used on tractors in 1939 with the introduction of the 9N.

Ford was a major manufacturer of farm tractors for much of the 20th Century.

The European Fordson brand and US Ford brand were consolidated in 1964 with the creation of a global tractor line.

Ford purchased New Holland in 1985, creating the Ford-New Holland line.

Ford's farm equipment group was sold to Fiat in 1990, which began phasing out the Ford name.