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History
The N series Ford tractors were some of the most reliable tractors ever built. The 2N, 9N, and 8N, were built from 1939-1952. The most popular of these was the 8N, with over 500,000 of these built from 1947-1952. They are a reliable tractor with many still in service today. This is evident in the fact that many reproduction parts for them can still be bought at some farm supply stores. Because of their popularity and the sheer number of them built, there were many aftermarket accessories for these tractors that were built by smaller companies, that are usually not readily available anymore. Such is the case with the foot throttle for the 8N. It was built by the Dowden Manufacturing Company of Prairie City, Iowa and called the "Dowden Foot Feed". If you can find one, expect to pay a good price. The Dowden Manufacturing Company was started by Ashford Dowden in 1887 in Prairie City, Iowa, located just east of Des Moines. They were a very self sufficient company, having their own foundry, paint line, shipping, etc. All their production machinery was powered by steam power originally. They produced a number of items , but were best known for the potato digger. Ashford Dowden received a patent for his potato digger in 1885, and decided to start Dowden manufacturing in Prairie City, since at that time Prairie City was one of largest potato shipping centers in the U.S. The Dowden potato digger was soon known as the foremost potato digger in the country. Because of their success, they soon started building potato sorters and potato seed cutters also. By the 1940's, potato production had moved west to Montana and Idaho, and Dowden manufacturing started producing other types of machinery. This included wagons, wagon hoists, silage blowers, and of course, the foot feed for the Ford tractors. By 1952, another company had purchased all of the Dowden stock, and started using the facilities to manufacture packing house equipment. In 1962, they were bought out again by yet another company. In 1980 they sold the buildings, and that was the official end of Dowden Manufacturing. We are located just 20 miles east of Prairie City. We manufacture an exact replica of the "Dowden Foot Feed" and sell it as a kit with everything included. It even includes replica cast parts, which are made from patterns of a set of original cast parts! You will be surprised how useful it is, because it enables you to use your right hand for shifting and running the hydraulic control. It is especially handy when using a loader, rear blade, dirt bucket, or any type of mounted equipment. We are always looking for other off brand tractor accessories to replicate. If you have any ideas, please let us know!
Phil Smith |
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