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In 1953, Ford celebrated their 50th anniversary by launching a new tractor line called the Ford NAA. It was dubbed the Golden Jubilee. Slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, the Ford 8N, the Jubilee featured a 134 cu inch 4 cylinder gasoline engine boasting 32hp.
Production actually began on this little gem in late 1952, and the tractor was manufactured through 1954. But its the ’53 model that is often coveted by collectors because of the special nose badge Ford introduced specifically in honor of their anniversary year.
In a world where much larger 4 wheel drive tractors dominate the ag market, its fascinating to me to think back to a simpler time where these little tractors pulled most of the duty on the farm. They were certainly work horses in their time, and still have their place today. Some put them in the showroom or drive them in the tractor parade during Fourth of July celebrations and county fairs, but we thought it would be cool to bring one home and put it to work on the mini farm.
To be honest, we were looking for a larger tractor, something like a JD 4020. Something that could pull the 8 row Cyclo planter we have on the farm and a bigger cultivator when we bought one. But when we found this little guy at the right price, we realized there was a lot of things we could do with a smaller tractor. The Ford can pull the 4 row JD 494A planter we have, which is probably a better option for our small acreage than the Cyclo anyway. It can pull a wagon during harvest, a 4 ft Bush Hog, a disc, a small rake and baler, and so much more! Plus its fun for the kids. We’ll probably still keep our eye out for a higher horse power tractor, but the Jubilee will earn its place without a doubt.
Sometimes going old school is better.
