Ford N8 or Massey (Harris) Ferguson TO-20

Thank You

Mark Hill
Dearborn,MO

Better choices as far as power and features for the dollar are things like the AC: WD, WD45, CA, D-14 and D-15, JD: 420, Case: VAC, and the list goes on and on. John Deere's can be pricey but hold their value well. AC's often need to be converted to 3 pt. hitch if they haven't already been, but they usually offer more HP per dollar than about any other brand. They have independent power through a hand clutch or power director rather than through a 2 stage foot clutch. MF made a lot of good tractors, and with good features as did Ford after the N series. Most tractors, even if they didn't start life with a 3 point hydraulic system, have been or can be converted to one. To be useful you must be able to stop a tractors forward or backward movement while still being able to use the PTO and hydraulics. If that's not possible, then the tractor is best suited for parades and hay rides.

When Pitch mentioned hydraulics, he didn't mean that they didn't have any, just that they weren't LIVE. Basically the lift and PTO and ground speed all worked together. When you let the clutch out it all starts happening. Later on (hundred series and up), things were isolated and you could perform separate functions without regard for the clutch or the ground speed. Made 3pt mowing and other things lots easier.

The TO-20 had 4 holes under the differential casting where you could bolt up a drawbar. Otherwise the drawbar (8n) had to be mounted to the 3 pt and this required a bracket and stabilizer bars to keep the 3 pt in position.

The 20 had a 4 sp tranny as did the 8n.

The 8n was the last of the n's and as I recall they made 500,000 of which, half are said to be kicking today. The flathead was a reliable engine also.

Around N. Texas, those machines go for $2500 to $2900 and usually have a 5'mower included. Doesn't seem to matter condition; some nice, some not but still bring the same money. Nice starter, but after you use a later model, you get spoiled. I did.

Mark

Thanks again for your opinions.

Thanks again for your help.

Fergie MF 35 (35 pto)or 135 (newer 35) are excellent choices with Perkins diesel and P/S.

Having both (Ford and MF), the Perkins is a little tiger. I was brush hogging yesterday and the weeds were less than 12" and sparse. Came to an area where Johnsson gras was 4' and very thick. While cutting thru it I watched the tach. It stayed at the 540 pto value from B4 and thru the thick. It didn't move. I was amazed that the little sucker has that kind of torque.

Shouldn't be though as Ford has like 4.2" (B)x 4.2" (S) and Perkins 3/152 has 3.5" x 8". Believe it or not, that much stroke. But that is what kept the rpm's up under load. I guess this is Fergie's idea of the torque amplifier (T/A) that IH uses so that when you get in a tough spot plowing one lever lets you quickly down shift thru the muck then when it clears up, lever back and you are where you were. With this, you do nothing, the engine does it for you . Ford can't hold rpm's like that.

Now that I mention it, I think I like the MF35 better. If it only had P/S.

The other thing about MF is that the saddle is small. You "get into" one. The Ford, you "get onto" one. I really like the Ford for that.

Either one will be a fine choice.

Mark

Glad I found this site, great information everywhere one looks.

Pulling from below the rear axle forces the front down, but only so much. Remember in stump pulling or anything. If you put power to the rear wheels and they can't turn (with respect to the frame of the tractor) the tractor frame will turn..... ..... ...That is defined as a flip and you, the driver, are DEAD MEAT.

Be safe,

Mark