A small lever on the right side under the seat switched the system between position and draft control. Position control, a much needed feature on the 3 point lift, was added to the hydraulic system. The new transmission was a 4 speed with all helical cut gears. Horsepower went up due to an increase in compression ratio from 6.1 to 6.5. The bolt circle of the wheel lug nuts was much smaller than the 9N's and 2N's. The paint colors were changed to a bright red with lighter gray sheet metal, which earned it the nickname 'redbelly'. Although it still looked basically the same as the 9N-2N, it had many improvements. Production of the 1948 (8N) model began in July 1947. It was all Ford designed, since Harry Ferguson had gone his own way and was no longer involved. The model 8N tractor was the result of the first major redesign since 1939. Below are the serial number ranges and some of the features of the tractors in that range. However, pumps have been changed over the years, so this date should only be considered to confirm other dating clues. 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. A code such as G187 would mean the part was cast on or after July 18th, 1947. Some casting codes on 9N-2N-8N engine blocks, transmission housings, and rear axle housings can also help pinpoint a date of manufacture. You will need both of those numbers to identify your tractor.

After the NAA tractor, the hundred series and up tractors have a model number stamped above a strictly numerical serial number. The NAA serial number was the last one to use the model prefix as part of the serial number. That same 'b' was turned over to become the number '9'. The uppercase letter 'I' was used as number '1', and a lower case letter 'b' was used a the number '6'. Note that the 'font' used on the number stamps was a little unusual. Since they were the same as the tractor engine, many have found their way into tractors as replacement engines over the years. Some will have 'Ford Industrial Engine' tags attached. These were stationary power unit engines or combine engines. It's also not unheard of to find N tractors with an engine serial number that begins with A253-xx or a similar variant. Surviving industrials are also a rare find. The industrial model tractors had a heavy steel frame and were designed for pulling only. Paul Smith in New Zealand owns this 9NBN industrial tractor that formerly saw military duty.

Ford Tractor Serial Number C5nn