my wife and i are looking to purchace our first tractor. we recently bought a 12 acre homestead and are looking for a machine to help with the chores. grading the driveway once a year, mowing three small fields, digging postholes and skidding/hauling firewood are a few of the things we'd like to use our tractor for.
i have found two 8ns localy each have their own issues. there is a '48 8n that comes with a box scraper. its listed at $2300. its in good shape but has a charging issue. the generator is shot. the owner is running it off a 12v bat. when the bat runs out of charge the tractor starts to sputter and he charges the bat again. i'm guessing there could be some fried wiring if i poke around enough.
the second 8n is a '53. it comes with a blade. and is listed at $1500. it has a smoking motor.
the hydrolics and tires seam comprable on the two. i shopped around and found a generator but they are expencive. about the same as a rebuild kit for the motor. we'd like to just use the tractor and not be taking on a restoration project. i've read and been told the flat fours can smoke for years but for all i know this one has been smoking for years and could die tommorow. i have a compression testing gauge and could check the #s. i have know idea what they should be but its probably listed on this site somewhere.
anyway would anyone care to share their advice on which might be a better choice? cheaper with smoke and a blade, or more $ for no charging system and a box scraper?
i have found two 8ns localy each have their own issues. there is a '48 8n that comes with a box scraper. its listed at $2300. its in good shape but has a charging issue. the generator is shot. the owner is running it off a 12v bat. when the bat runs out of charge the tractor starts to sputter and he charges the bat again. i'm guessing there could be some fried wiring if i poke around enough.
the second 8n is a '53. it comes with a blade. and is listed at $1500. it has a smoking motor.
the hydrolics and tires seam comprable on the two. i shopped around and found a generator but they are expencive. about the same as a rebuild kit for the motor. we'd like to just use the tractor and not be taking on a restoration project. i've read and been told the flat fours can smoke for years but for all i know this one has been smoking for years and could die tommorow. i have a compression testing gauge and could check the #s. i have know idea what they should be but its probably listed on this site somewhere.
anyway would anyone care to share their advice on which might be a better choice? cheaper with smoke and a blade, or more $ for no charging system and a box scraper?