On this page we have listed the various models of Ford tractors produced between 1939 and 1964. We will show unique features and list serial numbers and other identifying marks. We will attempt to list some, but certainly not all, of the noticeable changes made to each of the models throughout the years. By documenting these changes and features it will hopefully aid in correctly identifying the tractors and be a help to restorers who want their tractors to be “as original”.
Model 9N 1939 – 1942
The Ford model 9N tractor was introduced in mid-year 1939 as a joint venture after a handshake agreement between Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson. Commonly known as the Ford – Ferguson tractor, Harry Ferguson designed the 3 point hitch and hydraulic system while Ford’s engineers designed and built the tractor and made it all work together. The 9 was for the year, 1939, and N was Ford’s designation for tractor. The original price was 5.
| 9N-2N hood emblems | Early 1939 9N with aluminum grille |
The best way to identify a tractor is by the serial number. Serial numbers on the 9N-2N and 8N tractors are located on the left side of the engine block, just below the head and behind the oil filter.
9N-2N Serial number location
The numbers 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 of the serial number. You will only see the diamonds on 8N tractors with a serial number after 8N 433578. All earlier 9N-2N-8N models have the stars. All models made 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 followed by the number.
There are no 2N serial numbers; all 2N tractors retained the 9N serial numbers. The exception to the 9N or 8N format is the 9NAN and 8NAN prefix which identifies a kerosene burning tractor. These are common in Europe, but extremely rare in the US. There is also the 9NBN prefix for industrial tractors and the BNO25 and BNO40 prefix used on the MotoTug tractors.
The 9NAN and 8NAN distillate or kerosene burning tractors can be distinguished by the dual fuel tank and the Holley vaporizer setup that replaced the standard manifold and carburetor. The majority of these tractors were exported and survivors are rare in the US.
Paul Smith in New Zealand owns this 9NBN industrial tractor that formerly saw military duty. The industrial model tractors had a heavy steel frame and were designed for pulling only. They had no hydraulics. Surviving industrials are also a rare find.
It’s also not unheard of to find N tractors with an engine serial number that begins with A253-xx or a similar variant. These were stationary power unit engines or combine engines. Some will have “Ford Industrial Engine” tags attached. Since they were the same as the tractor engine, many have found their way into tractors as replacement engines over the years.
Note that the “font” used on the number stamps was a little unusual. The uppercase letter “I” was used as number “1”, and a lower case letter “b” was used a the number “6”. That same “b” was turned over to become the number “9”. 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.
