I parted with an old friend today...

[triguy46]

Sold my 1950 Ford 8N tractor. I bought it in 1982 and have used it all this time. It was time to move on, have other equipment that is more useful around the place and need a new hay mower. I'm trying hard not to be sentimental about a "thing," but am somewhat. I have a pic of the day it was delivered, our 2 year son in my lap sitting on it, both of us grinning. Long time ago. It was always reliable, and I always took care of it as we should do with the tools that let us be productive. I think the new owner will treat it well, will probably put it in showroom state, whereas I just used it.

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. Funny how you can get attached to a machine

but take solace in the fact the new owner will probably bring it back to it's best days.

I know the feeling when it comes old stuff like that.

:hi:

[tularetom]

2. I got you beat by 2 years

Still using my 1948 Case DI. It came with this place when I bought it in 1988 and I've rebuilt the engine about 5 years ago.

[Jackpine Radical]

3. Reminds me. I gotta get my '54 Case SC repaired.

The clutch is out.

I have a '99 John Deere diesel 790 4wd with FEL that I use for actual work, but I just haven't been able to let go of ol' Casey.

[virgogal]

4. Aah,you guys and your "toys". Just joshin' yah---that is one old tractor.

It was built the year I got out of high school so I guess I'm next :-)

[sharesunited]

5. Too bad someone can't put ME back in showroom state.

[NYC_SKP]

6. Sad. Plenty of these are still in service around here (CA Central Valley)

From the 40s.

Farmall M

[customerserviceguy]

7. Beautiful machine! n/t

[NYC_SKP]

8. I was always fascinated by their simplicity and construction and durability.

Especially their design, that there is no chassis to speak of.

The strength and mass of the rear end, the transmission and clutch housing and engine block together all constitute the frame.

If you know what I mean. Pretty clear in the picture below:

[postulater]

9. Made to work and made to last. Great combination!

Congrats on making it useful for so long.

[Historic NY]

10. Great piece of equipment....lots of them turn out for our local tractor pulls...

I wish I kept our old IH Farmall Cub, my uncle sold it to a friend who redid it and then passed it on to a collector.

[TxRider]

13. Old Farmall C for me

1949 model I believe...

I got it free not running about 20 years ago, unstuck the engine and have used it ever since.. ;)

[triguy46]

11. And now the rest of the story...

So I sold the Ford 8N tractor and a Ford 501 sickle mower a few weeks ago. So in the past few days I've added to the implement yard a 2000 New Holland 451 sickle mower w/9' cutter bar, and a New Holland 56 hay rake. Both in process of being de-rusted and painted. Mower is done, ran out of yellow for the hay rake. It may not be the best equipment, but it looks good!

[PhD]

12. I still have a manual plow from my great grandfather's farm

Quite an interesting piece of engineering.