8N capabilities

I have found an 8N that appears to be in good shape. Was told by the dealer that it's too light duty for a 5' bush hog and 5' disc harrow. He tried to convince me I needed a JD 1050 for about $6000. They ae asking $2250 for the 8N and the guy said they would probably take $1750.

Will the 8N do what I want? What should I look for on the 8N.

Thanks.

My very worn 8N handles a 5' bush/brush hog just fine. So well in fact that I really think it could handle a 6 foot one, and maybe even a 7 footer. Not that I could ever afford them mind you. And if my engine didn't have cylinder wall wear that you can just about drop a pencel through, maybe it could handle even more!

Biggest gripe I've always had with the N was the lack of live hydraulics and the non-live pto. Factor that in for what you want and need. The non-live pto is annoying to me, but the lack of live hydraulics is what makes me regularly imagine replacing it with something else.

For what its worth.... I run a 5 foot Ford brush hog on my 9N, and a double row 5 foot disc harrow. We have 7 acres, of which maybe 4 acres serve as a 'corn field' and 'potato field'.

I use the 'hog' to mow the unkept areas, and mow down unwanted scavenger trees up to about 3/4 inch dia.

Our 9N handles a plow well, and the 5 foot disc and 5 ft hog (as you mentioned). Obviously, your 8N will handle it well too (assuming mechanically the 8N is working).

Your story remonds me of a tale I've heard about accountants.... 'figures don't lie, but liars can figure'. Bigger is always better, but the 8N will do the jobs you mentioned quite well.

jim

One problem with the 1050 is that it is turbo-charged, and the turbo seems to wear out the engine much quicker than other similar models (John Deere dropped the turbo when they went to the 1070). Buyer beware.

What to look for: no oil consumption; easy starting; smooth, strong hydraulics; good tires, good paint; no signs of extreme wear or abuse.