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Should I buy an 8N?

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Phil R

08-23-2004 14:25:29




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I own just a little over 4 acres. I cut my lawn with an Exmark 60" ZTR. My wife and I want to put in a garden on a little over an acre. We also need something that can pull an aerator, dethatcher, finish mower, bush hog, wagon and run a post hole digger.

Of course I would also be using a 2 bottom plow, disc and cultivator to get the field ready to plant next spring. It is some type of hay right now that my neighbor used to hay for me. So the ground will need to be broken up.

So, my question... I do believe that the 8n has enough HP (28 HP??) for what I want to do and the 3 pt is fine but I am concerned about this whole live PTO issue. I have read a lot and most people say try to get live PTO if you can.

I really do not want to spend more than $2500 though on the tractor and cannot find anything with a live PTO. Do I really need it for what I plan on doing?

Thanks

Phil

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Bob

08-24-2004 15:14:11




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
An interesting fact...

The "high idle speed" of an "N" is 2200 RPM's, and I assume that is about where the 28 HP is rated at.

Modern PTO equipment is standardized at 540 RPM, and an "N" running at 1500 RPM will be turning the PTO 545 RPM's, and most "modern" tractors will be close to rated speed when the PTO is turning 540 RPM's.

So, if you run it at somewhere between 1500 and 2200 RPMS so as not to overspeed certain PTO operated equipment, you will have considerably less than 28 "ponies" available.

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Steve IA

08-24-2004 04:40:06




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
2 things. 1. I've dug hundreds of post holes with an N. I got an NAA this spring and it's easier. 2. The popularity of this board attests to the fact that lots of folks have Ns and the Ns often need attention. If you're not willing to spend the time to keep up your tractor yourself, be prepared to have someone else do it from time to time. Many of us feel that part of the satisfaction of ownership is fixing them up and keeping them running. I'm not saying that they are a P.O.S. and breakdown every whipstitch, but read this board for a while and see some of the common problems that come up almost daily. If you're handy with common tools and like to get a little greasy, shoot, go for it, Ns for you. Parts are available from the sponser of this board, your local auto parts place, farm&home type stores and lots of other online sites. This board is here to help. We field more questions in a day than some tractor boards do in a week. We're open to help 24/7 and can answer just about anything. (on most any subject, just ask us) VBG. If you get an N or NAA come on back and let us know. You'll get a Howdy and a Welcome. Oh, and 3. Ns are not good for rototillers, the ground speed is to fast. Good luck. Steve 8N 169302 and NAA III443

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Bkeepr

08-24-2004 04:21:20




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
When we moved onto our 20 acres, I wanted to do exactly what you want to do. I had little practical experience with tractors, and was just getting started collecting implements so money was an issue.

I wound up buying a beat up 48 8N with an even more beat up bushhog for not very much money. Spent about 6 months fiddling, getting the 8N to run properly. That was about 6 years ago now, and I've done almost no maintenance on my 8N and it has done everything you mentioned plus cut and bale hay on a regular basis.

They're wonderful machines. Yes, they have some shortfalls like "no live PTO", but they're the best buy out there. If I had unlimited funds, I'd buy a second tractor for a few things (actually just for baling) but I wouldn't get rid of the N because it is the workhorse.

Tom A

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BillM (OH)

08-23-2004 19:44:04




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
Phil: I do 8 acres here in Ohio with an 8N I got for $1500 (looks bad/runs good) -- finish mower, 2 bottom plow, disc harrow, middle buster, back mounted blade. It works OK. Up on the NY farm, we have an 861 (live hyd&PTO/ power steering/170+ci red tiger engine/etc.), which is great, but you won't get one for anywhere near $2500. I generally keep the chains on both year round (no hard road) for running in the sticky red clay. An 8N in reasonably good condition will do all you want.... post hole digging with an 8N is tricky however -- I don't do it.

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Fessman

08-23-2004 17:31:17




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
Phil,

An 8N will have power to do all that you are asking it to do. The 8N does not have live hydraulics or a live PTO. The NAA and 600 have more power, and live hydraulics. Some have the rare live PTO option An 800 has the same as a NAA and 600, and more horsepower. The plowing will take the most hp of all the items on the list. If it is a big two bottom plow, and hard soil, you may need a NAA. Minimum you will need a 8N in good condition. Traction seems to be the limiting factor when plowing. You should look for good tires, and perhaps loaded tires.

Fessman

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Bruce (VA)

08-23-2004 16:54:47




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
An 8N will do just fine; a NAA will do better.....as well a 600 series would do better than the NAA. But, getting a NAA, much less a 600 series in good running condition for $2500 in my part of the country would be difficult. Plowing, grass cutting & bush hogging are not a problem for N's. Like the others have said, post hole digging can be tricky; you best make that a 2 person job.



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Phil R

08-23-2004 17:12:04




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Bruce (VA), 08-23-2004 16:54:47  
I have tried finding a 600 or 800 series with a live PTO but it has been difficult. When I do find them they only have Select-o-speed trans and I was told to stay clear of them.

Do all NAA's have a live PTO?

Thanks



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Fessman

08-23-2004 17:24:43




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 17:12:04  
no, they rarely have a live pto. They do have live hydraulics



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H.Otis

08-23-2004 16:24:56




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 NAA in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
Phil, If you can get an NAA, I'd go with that. A bit more power, live PTO often for about the same price. Good luck, Otis



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Phil R

08-23-2004 17:13:01




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 Re: NAA in reply to H.Otis, 08-23-2004 16:24:56  
Do all NAA's have a live PTO?



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souNdguy

08-23-2004 17:52:25




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 Re: NAA in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 17:13:01  
NAA do not have live pto, unles they had a rare sherman live pto kit. You don't see live pto till the hundred series.

Around here.. N go in the 1xxx-2xxx range from barely running to running but ugly. Naa drop in at the 2xxx range and go up.. hundred drop in at the 25xx and up range.

Obviously a hundred with a live pto would be ideal.. but a NAA with live hyds makes for a great machine. Has a few more ponies that a 8n/9n and the overhead valve engine is a bit 'better' design, arguable speaking. Plus it has all the advances that were tacked on to the N series over the years.

If a weak lift on an 8n bothers you.. you can throw in a bit of sweat equity and about 70 bucks and get it working superbly.


Soundguy

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Jonathan

08-23-2004 15:42:18




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
My dad had an 8N for years but we finally traded it when we got more power hungery and wanted to run a 3pt tiller and a bucket. The only real big complaint with it is the lack of a live PTO and it would have been nice if it had a low range (I'm aware that a sherman could have been bought for it). Great little tractor for what your needs are.



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RedTail

08-23-2004 14:51:32




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
Phil, theres a reason you see so many of these tractors still running out there, especially on small acreages. You cant beat the value. Yes you will be working on the tractor alot and it has its limitations but I love both of mine (8N and 9N. Cant touch anything new for under 10K.



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Ron/PA

08-23-2004 14:36:10




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
Phil, the only caution I see in your needs is the post hole digger. Without live pto they can run a little wild when you bring them out of the hole. Never tried a dethatcher, but everything else is pretty much standard use with an N. Word of caution, get an over run coupler for your Brush hog. Good luck
Ron



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Tim...OK

08-23-2004 14:34:29




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
The 8n is a 2 bottom plowing machine,should do great for what you want to do..they are a little tricky to use the post hole digger with,especially if lift is weak,but as Soundguy just did,they can usually be fixed fairly inexpensively.I'd say one would fit your needs nicely..they also do a good job with a finish mower,just remember they don't run 3pt. tillers.

Tim



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Phil R

08-23-2004 14:27:18




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 Re: Should I buy an 8N? in reply to Phil R, 08-23-2004 14:25:29  
I forgot to add that I am mechanically inclined and I do know my way around a tool box. I also would rather own a older american tractor than some new foreign job.

Thanks



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