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The Sherman over/under (12-speed) transmission is a wonderful device, far more useful than the overdrive only (8-speed) device. Reason is, the Sherman mounts in front of the regular transmission, just behind the clutch, and before the PTO take off. Result is 3-speed PTO in addition to 12-speed gearbox. Low speed PTO is very useful for mowing heavy grass and/or clearing brush with the N series or other older Ford tractors with limited HP. I have a 51 8N with a over/under Sherman mounting a 5-foot cutter and a 55 860 mounting a 6-foot cutter. Though the 860 is nearly twice the tractor as the 8N in other respects, I can mow stuff with the 8N/5-foot in low range that I cannot mow with the 860/6-foot in low gear, even though the 860 has a very low 1st gear. For the most experienced of you out there, the 5-foot cutter has fenders and clears much better than the inexpensive 6-foot cutter. This, no doubt affects the comparison as to heavy grass but has little effect regarding land clearing where the load is mostly saplings. As to your other questions: I have heard that replacement parts for Shermans are not available from NH and only availalable to a limited extent and at a high price through the used market. Many owners remove a failed Sherman due to the difficulty of finding replacement parts. As to price: I have been told that the 3-speed Sherman in my 51 8N is worth as much as the tractor even though the tractor has been completely rebuilt as a user and, at least mechanically, is probably the best one within a 50 mile radius. Finally, as to reliability, The Sherman in my 51 8N was there when my father bought the tractor complete with front end loader in 1974. At the time, it appeared to me that the tractor had been used commercilly. Since that time, I have used the tractor hard in clearing land and mowing (prior to complete rebuild (sans Sherman) and restoration). I have had no trouble with the Sherman. It is a simple device and, absent abuse, will hold up well (Do not attempt to shift on-the-go unless you know how to do it.). If it is a 3-speed, useable (many are not), complete, and afordable you should buy it. It will make a new machine out of your NAA. Dean
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