[AT] Tractor/Brush-hog

[Mike Sloane]

While a Ford N is a nice enough tractor, there is no way it could run a 
7' brush cutter. I would say that 5' is the most an N could handle with 
its ~20 hp engine. These days, the Ford N's are pretty much considered 
"hobby" tractors. And a bit problem is the PTO arrangement that 
absolutely requires a freewheeling coupler on the PTO for safety.

I think you need to be thinking of something in the 35-20 hp range. If 
you like the layout of the Ford, you probably need to move "up" to one 
of the 800 series. The "look and feel" is pretty much the same as the N, 
just a bigger machine with more power. The 860 has the advantage of a 5 
speed transmission and semi-independent (i.e. two stage) PTO clutch, so 
you can get the cutter running before you engage the wheels. I run my 
860 with a 6' cutter, and it seems fine.

The Ford N's are single bottom tractors, but some folks can get them to 
run two bottoms in very loose soil. Again, the 800 series will handle 
two bottoms easily and maybe three in a pinch.

The big advantage of the Fords is that, like most of the IH machines, 
parts are readily available and not very expensive.

As far as pricing, it is hard to say because of market conditions, 
geography, and condition. You really have to take a look at the ads in 
the local papers, Buffalo/Rochester/Albany Craigslists, etc. I would 
offer that an *average* price for a Ford N in good condition would be 
about $2K, while a 600/800 in good working condition might be $3K. Rear 
tires are a big concern - they have gotten VERY expensive lately.

I am sure others will have their own take on this, but the above is 
based only on my own experience.

Mike

On 7/20/2012 12:40 AM, Roy Morgan wrote:
> Tractor folks,
>
> I have a '51 IHC Farmall W-4, and a tow-behind seven foot brush
> cutter.  The tractor (before it got a little sick and needs work)
> would do pretty well cutting the weeds (Goldenrod and such) on our
> place, though I never ran much above second gear.
>
> the W-4 has a couple of problems:
>    - last year it lost power, made a thunk thunk noise and puffed bits
> of black smoke
>    - my wife and other family member here can't run it: too far from
> the seat to the pedals.
>    - There's no three point hitch system, only a tow bar.
>
> They have both run a 9N in the past, and are voting for us to find one
> for us all to use.  Questions are:
>
>    - Can the 8N or 9N run the 7-foot brush cutter (we have about 14
> acres to cut once or twice a year)
>    - what sort of plow and harrow could I properly run with one, we'd
> like to change the weeds to hay.
>    - What's a reasonable price for one in reliable running condition
> (no show piece)
>
> Roy
> Upstate NY
>