Ford 9 N
Built: 1939–1942 · Series: N-Baureihe
More machines from model year 1939
Ford N range – 9N, 2N and 8N from Dearborn: the tractor with Ferguson three-point hydraulics, four-cylinder petrol engine with 17 to 19 kW
Ford of Dearborn, Michigan, launched the 9N in 1939 as the first tractor with the three-point hydraulic linkage developed by Harry Ferguson, a design that still shapes farm machinery today. This page covers the three versions 2N, 8N and 9N: the 9N as the original model, the wartime-simplified 2N, and the 8N introduced after Ford and Ferguson parted ways in 1947, with its own gearbox.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists 3 versions here with 17.3 to 19.1 kW (23.5 to 25.9 hp) from a four-cylinder engine of 1,691 to 1,952 cc displacement. Kerb weight ranges from 1,061 to 1,231 kg, length is a constant 2,921 mm, width ranges from 1,321 to 1,645 mm, height from 1,384 to 1,385 mm, at a rated speed of 2,000 rpm. The engines ran on either petrol or the lower-taxed tractor vaporising oil, with one version also capable of running on diesel.
The Ford N range made affordable three-point hydraulics available to the mass market and contributed significantly to the mechanisation of small and medium-sized farms in the United States and, through exports, in Europe too. The legal dispute between Henry Ford II and Harry Ferguson after their marketing partnership ended is one of the best-known chapters in tractor history and ultimately led to the independent Massey Ferguson brand.
When buying a used 9N, 2N or 8N, check the condition of the carburettor and ignition system, wear on the characteristic Ferguson hydraulics and lift arms, the condition of the clutch and gearbox, and corrosion on bodywork. Thanks to its widespread distribution in North America, parts supply for this range remains comparatively good today through specialist vintage-tractor dealers.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Ford N-Baureihe
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | Benzin/Petroleumcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 23.9 hp (17.6 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,000 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 4correct |
| Displacement | 1,952 cm³correct |
| Bore | 80.77 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 95.25 mmcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,921 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,321 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,384 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 1,778 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 533 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,061 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 3 V/1 Rcorrect |
| Forward gears | 3correct |
| Reverse gears | 1correct |
| Front tyres | 4.00-19correct |
| Rear tyres | 10-28correct |
| Top speed | 19 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Fuel tank capacity | 37.9 lcorrect |
|---|
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|---|
| Units built | 99,002correct |
Other data
| Linkage category | Cat Icorrect |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 16.6 kW/t (18 kW / 1.1 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 10% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Ford 9 N have?
The Ford 9 N delivers 23.9 hp.
How much does the Ford 9 N weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,061 kg.
What engine does the Ford 9 N have?
4 cylinders, 1,952 cm³ displacement, Benzin/Petroleum.
How fast does the Ford 9 N go?
Top speed is 19 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Ford 9 N?
2,921 mm × 1,321 mm × 1,384 mm.
When was the Ford 9 N built?
Production years: 1939–1942.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
We do not sell machines. We ask the dealers who carry this model and come back with price and lead time.
Request a quote →
We ask the suppliers and come back with price and lead time.
Request spare parts →
This page carries 27 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
Missing a figure you were looking for? Report it →
Know this machine better? Have a photo, a manual, or know that a figure is wrong? Add it to the register →
Other models in this series
Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.