Ford places the part number in various locations, depending on the engine. Maybe a thickness measurement or other detail. Here's a slightly later '39 9N owned by Sandy Stewart that has the steel hood. Tony Jacobs is a lot better at explaining this than I am because he knows the production dates better; but here goes. I bought an early Ford because of the relative consistency of design and parts availability. Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters.
Horsepower went up due to an increase in compression ratio from 6. At serial 429792 the tractor hydraulic pump base was changed from aluminum to cast iron. From all Ford litature only the industrial version was built before Aug 1962 and they were built as soon as late 1960. Can't find any literature here to back that up, though. This photo shows a model 850 800 series with serial 93706 1956. The hood had a screened air intake on the right rear side and the Ford script was embossed into the hood sides. The upper rear lift arms were beefed up with a more rectangular cross section shape for increased strength, another change that was already in effect on the new Jubilee.
These were found only on the first 25000 or so tractors. All earlier 8N models have the stars. Surviving industrials are also a rare find. The early manifolds have a longer drop to the carburetor where the later models had a thicker intake chamber which made this distance appear much shorter. I was also able to find this picture. With this red was out and blue was in so the industrial tractors were also changed to blue and buff. The shifter base was also changed to cast iron.
I have been working with both companies for years and still am supplying original parts as samples for making the correct reproduction parts and decals. The Proofmeter tach and hourmeter was added to the instrument panel at serial number 290271. I was not aware that there was a 4000 of any kind until late 1962 1963 model year. The model number identifies the tractor options within each series. The information you are reading or getting is not from Ford or from guys who do not know what they are talking about plain and simple. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. The aluminum dash panel went through a couple more changes as the starter button was moved with the ignition key ending up on the lower left side and the red indicator light disappearing.
All models made after the 8N will have the diamond markers. The brake system was improved and made easier to service by the addition of removable drums. There will always be either a star or a diamond at the beginning and at the end of the serial number. In 1962 Ford introduced the first Thousand series utility tractors, the 2000, 4000, and 6000. Find the engine, casting, or part number. Some of the earliest tractors still had holes in the grille for the Ferguson System badge that was used on the 2N but they were covered with brass plugs.
The model will be 4030X. Makes me realize how little I knew about these great niche Fords. They were equipped with heavy duty hydraulic brakes. You will only see the diamonds on 8N tractors with a serial number after 8N 433578. The Select-O-Speed came out in Jan.
The numbers are usually not stamped very deep or very straight. The choke knob was moved up next to the grille in front so the operator could work the choke as he cranked the engine. Now you need to get the rest of the numbers off the tractor and post them here. The 172 cubic inch gas or diesel engined 801 and 901 were known as the Powermaster tractors. Both brake pedals were now next to each other on the right side.
The Hundred series and newer tractor serial number location is on the flat area above and behind the starter. It's hood was raised 2 inches to allow for a larger gas tank and the rear differential and housing was larger and stronger than the one on the 600 series. This basic design was kept and used on all Ford tractors through 1964. A longer oil line was added to route the return oil from the oil filter through the governor for added lubrication. 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. I have a owners manual listed on my wiring diagram page that shows the early 2000 and 4000 light industrial diesel. The model 8N tractor was the result of the first major redesign since 1939. The casting number may be in several locations. Can you give us the model and serial from this Feb 62 tractor.