How to Find and Deciper Ford 8N Tractor Serial Numbers

A Ford 8N tractor serial number is the first step in procuring maintenance parts for the famous 8n tractor.

This tractor was an improved model from its predecessors, the 9N and then the 2N tractor models, and approximately half of a million (500,000) was manufactured between July 1947 to 1952.

The Ford 8N tractor serial number has been stamped onto the engine block, and most likely manually done by using separate embossing tools. This, the serial numbers are not entirely aligned, and sometimes can appear in a zigzag fashion, The 8N tractor serial number can be found on the left hand side (located while sitting on the tractor) of the engine block, next to the oil filter, and approximately half of an inch (1/2”) to one inch (1”) below the cylinder head. The 8n tractor serial number can be found to the right of the oil filter, looking at the engine standing on the left hand side of the tractor.

Given that these tractors were built in since 1947, this number can be obscured by rust or paint. A typical Ford 8N tractor serial number will look like 8N433589, with the model being 8N, and the serial number 433589. In practice however, both numbers are not separated. At the beginning and ending of the serial numbers, are placed diamond shaped or star shaped symbols, which signify the start and end of the serial number.

Thus, the given number above will look like *8N433589*. In addition to this 8N tractor serial number, there are other casting numbers on the axle and engine block that can aid in the identification of the machine. Out of these two numbers, the engine block embossed number would look something like A291. This can be deciphered as “A” representing January, 29, is the 29th day of the month, and the last number “1” signifies 1951 as the year of manufacture. Other beginning letters can be similarly deciphered, for example, “B” would refer to February.

As a general rule for Ford 8N Tractor Serial number, in1947 the first tractor serial number was 8N1. Beginning in 1978, this began with 8N37908, in 1949, 8N1411370, in 1950, 8N245637, in 1951, 8N343198, in 1952, 8N44235, and in 1953, 8N540030.

Production of this tractor ended in 1953, and Ford began the production of another model, the Ford NAA.

There are other distinguishing factors between these models between the year s1947 to 1953 that can be used as year of manufacture identification. One such example is the location of the distributor. The “N” series tractors had front mount distributors between the years 1939 to 195, and between the years 1950 to 1952, this was changed to a side mount distributor.

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