Check our full
ID/History page for more detailed changes by year and model that can help with your identification.
The easiest way to identify the year of your old Ford tractor is by the serial number. However,
sometimes the number is unreadable due to some damage or the engine/transmission has been swapped from
another tractor. Hybrids (8N tractors with 9N engines or 9N tractors with 8N engines, etc) are not uncommon. A lot of parts swapping has gone on over the last 50+ years and lots of these tractors are made up of parts from more than one unit. If that is the case, you will have to use other identifying clues
to get a ballpark year on your tractor.
You may need to brush away a lot of rust and dirt before you can read the numbers, since they are usually not stamped very deep (or very straight). Try different angles and light sources to make the number visible. There will always be either a star or a diamond at the beginning and at the end the serial number. You will only see the diamonds on
8N's with a serial number after 433578. All earlier 9N-2N-8N models have the stars. All models after the 8N will have the diamond markers. The format for the serial number on the 9N-2N-8N tractors is *8N12345*. All serial numbers will begin with either 9N or 8N. There are no 2N serial numbers, all 2N tractors retained the 9N serial numbers. The exception to this is the 9NAN and 8NAN prefix which identifies a kerosene burning tractor. These are common in Europe, but extremely rare in the US. Note that the "font" used on the number stamps was a little unusual. The number "1" resembles an uppercase "I", the number "6" resembles a lower case "b", etc. The NAA serial number was the last one to use the model prefix as part of the serial number. After the NAA tractor, the hundred series and up tractors have a model number stamped above a strictly numerical serial number. You will need both of those numbers to identify your tractor.
Some casting codes on engine blocks, transmission housings, rear axle housings, etc, can also help pinpoint a date of manufacture. A code such as G187 would mean the part was cast on or after July 18th, 1947. D252 would be April 25th, 1952. The hydraulic pump housing on the 8N is aluminum and has the actual casting date on it directly in front of the bottom drain plug. However, pumps have been changed over the years, so this date should only be considered to confirm other dating clues. Below are the serial number ranges and some of the features of the tractors in those ranges.
N series 1939 - 1952
Just a quick glance from a distance can tell you whether you're looking at a 9N-2N or an 8N Ford tractor. Note the difference in the wheel lug bolt patterns in the photos below.
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| 9N or 2N Ford Tractor | 8N Ford Tractor |
9N-2N-8N Serial number location
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| 1940-'47 9N-2N dash | '50-'52 8N dash with Proofmeter |
Model 9N 1939 - 1942
Model 2N 1942 - 1947
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| 9N-2N pre '44 "I"beam style radius rod | '44 2N-'52 8N oval tube radius rod |
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| 9N-2N 3 speed transmission | 8N 4 speed transmission |
Model 8N 1947 - 1952
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| '39-'50 front mount distributor | '50-'52 side mount distributor |
In late '52 Ford introduced the new NAA series tractor for '53 which marked the end of 8N production. 1953 was Ford's 50th anniversary so the new tractor was called the Golden Jubilee in celebration of that event. The NAA - Jubilee had a more powerful overhead valve engine, live hydraulics, and redesigned front sheet metal with the "cyclops" medallion in the center of the hood. It was slightly taller, longer, and heavier than the 8N.
Serial number location on the first 22,238 NAA models was on the left front of the
engine block just below the head as shown in the photo below.
Serial number location on later NAA models was on the left side of the transmission case
just below the flat above the starter bulge as shown in the photo below.
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| 1953 NAA Jubilee hood emblem | 1954 NAA hood emblem |
In late '54 Ford introduced the new expanded line up of the hundred series tractors for '55. First came the 600 and 800 series followed by the 700 and 900 series. 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. The model number identifies the tractor options within each series. For example, a model 640 tractor is a 600 series with a 4 speed transmission (non-live pto), hydraulics and a pto.
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| Hundred series utility tractor | Hundred series row crop tractor |
In late '57 Ford introduced another expanded line up for '58 renamed the "01" series. These included the 501 (offset) 601, 701, 801, and 901 series tractors. Several improvements were made and new options such as power steering appeared. Horsepower increased across the line and some color schemes were changed. The 134 cubic inch gas or 144 cubic inch diesel engined 501, 601, and 701 series became known as the Workmaster tractors and had an all red hood with gray only on the grille, fenders and wheels. They retained the earlier NAA-600 style grille. The 172 cubic inch gas or diesel engined 801 and 901 were known as the Powermaster tractors. Their paint scheme included a red hood center with gray sides and new "egg crate" style grille. All got a new medallion for the front of the hood and new styled rear fenders.
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| The 601 Workmaster series tractor | The 801 Powermaster series tractor |
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| The 5 speed transmission shifter | The Select-O-Speed transmission shifter |
| Used 1955 - 1964 | Introduced in 1959 used thru 1964 |
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| 1963-64 2000 series | 1963-64 4000 series |
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