Date codes varied but the most common code found on the 9N, 2N, 8N tractors is a letter indicating the month A=Jan, B=Feb, C=MAR. The tag and screws are visible on the casting. Casting date codes will have raised or recessed numbers and letters on a tag that was attached to the mold with screws. Fresh 'green' castings are brittle and will break tools or the casting if machine work is attempted too soon. There are no identifying marks to indicate the exact date a tractor was assembled.Ĭast parts were have date codes that the factory used to make sure parts were properly cured before being machined. These hand-stamped numbers were the last identifying mark added before final assembly of a tractor. The hand-stamped engine serial numbers for 9N,2N,8N tractors only indicate approximately when a tractor was built. The N-Tractors used an odd font with lowercase 'b' substuted for '6', flipped upside down for '9' and the capital 'I' substituted for '1'. Hand-stamped means the numbers may be difficult to read if the hammer didn't get a really good whack on each character. The exact location changed and is described below for each model. Model and serial numbers for all Ford tractors were hand-stamped into the cast iron engine or transmission housing.

FORD N-TRACTOR SERIAL NUMBERS AND CASTING DATE CODES