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tractors for dummies?

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Boyce

06-23-2005 05:51:07

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I want to move up from a normal lawn tractor to a small tractor that has, or will pull a finish mower. I have several acres of grass that I cut, and the lawntractor does it easily, but with only 42" cut, is slow. I was thinking along the lines of an 8N, what do ya'll suggest?

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Dean Barker

06-23-2005 21:52:59

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 05:51:07

How about something like a Toro GM72. Those would mow at 10 to 12 mph, with a six foot cut and do a perfect job. I've seen used ones sell for less than $2000. All they will do is mow, though.

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Richard Kline

06-23-2005 09:20:21

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 05:51:07

Unless you really have your heart set on an old ag tractor I would recomend that perhaps you look into something like a 60" Swisher to pull behind your mower or an ATV. You could mow almost 8' in one pass with the trailing mower ofset and your 42" mower.

Anything as old as an 8n or A will require some work on your part to keep then running. My option is open the box and go.

Just my opinion..... ..... ....

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Galen

06-23-2005 08:57:38

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 05:51:07

8N is an excellent choice! A Farmall "A" will work, somewhat, but the PTO shaft is offset and it is also only about 16 HP. The "N" is way more versitile, has a 3 point, easy to get parts for, easy to work on/with, and CHEAPER (at least around here!). A good N will be in the $1,500-$3,000 range, while a good "A" will be over $4,000.
As for tires - a friend uses motorcycle tire on the front and regular ag on the back. I have ag on both front and rear, and find the only time I tear anything up is with the fronts - by turning to sharp when the ground is wet. The non-live PTO thing is easy to get used to (be sure to get an overrunning clutch adapter for it).

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Stan(PA)

06-23-2005 10:09:50

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Galen, 06-23-2005 08:57:38

To clarify...I did say the A with BELLY MOWER would be a better choice for MOWING. Around here, you can get the A, with belly mower, for less than an 8n with no mower. (BTW, I own a Ford, a Farmall, a Massey, and an Allis...so it"s not about color with me. I just think an A with belly mower is the perfect mowing machine)

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Dan

06-23-2005 08:31:58

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 05:51:07

An 8N tractor is an excellent mowing machine - I have two that maintain my 42 acres. The tractors can be found cheap, new parts are still readily available, and parts are cheap as well. Get an over running clutch that goes between your PTO and mower shaft to keep the mower from pushing the tractor even when you push in the clutch. You can get these at New Holland dealers, farm and ranch stores, and online. Get some stabilizer bars as well to keep the mower from digging in when you make sharp turns. I would recommend a 5' mower for the tough stuff, or you could use a 6' mower if it is light grass and is mowed often.

Good luck,
Dan

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Stan(PA)

06-23-2005 08:25:53

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 05:51:07

8N is a good machine, but I think a Farmall A with a belly mower would be a better machine for mowing. Usually a lot cheaper than the 8n too!

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big jt

06-23-2005 08:10:34

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 05:51:07

Tractor tires are a little more difficult to mount. The side walls are stiffer and they are heavier. Most people prefer to mount them with the rims on the tractor. Lets you use the weight of the tire to help. If they have calcium chloride in them you just as well have a profesional tire truck do the work.

As for the 8N they are nice little units. Lots of parts available. One item you probably unaware of is the Power Take Off (PTO). The PTO is the shaft out the back that powers any powered attachment. I know someone will weigh in on this one so it just as well be me.

The 8N did NOT have live PTO. Live PTO means you have a way of stoping the forward motion with out cutting the power to the attachment. This becomes important if you have a lot of things to mow around like trees. You need to go to a number series Ford to get live PTO. Not all of those had it but some did. Someone else will have to give the numbers that have it. It is a dual stage clutch meaning you push down part way and forward motion stops, push the rest of the way and all stops.

You are used to live PTO on you lawn tractor and will be going without on a 8N.

Some will say that a overrunning clutch is just as good. In my opinion they help but are no substitute.

JMHO

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Boyce

06-23-2005 08:30:58

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to big jt, 06-23-2005 08:10:34

My yard is mostly cleared, and naturally, I plan to keep my smaller mowers for trim work. I just hate spending 4 hours cutting grass. Like someone said, you can probably use it for years and still get your money out when you sell...unlike most common lawn tractors. Plus, who wouldn't like to own an old tractor :)

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big jt

06-23-2005 08:51:19

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 08:30:58

Sounds like a 8n might be just what the doctor ordered. Keep in mind part of the reason you will be able to get out of your 8n what it cost you is because the depreciaton is already gone.

Keeping a trim mower is a good idea. I have a WD45 allis chalmers with a mid mount mower. Gives me sort of live PTO. I put underslung exhaust on and do farely well but still need a trim mower. We have lots of trees though.

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Bguy

06-23-2005 07:23:27

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 05:51:07

Boyce, There are several good choices of tractors for what you are trying to do and the Ford 8N is certainly one of them. I have had this one that was my Grandfathers for about 20 years now and it has been a real work horse in a handy sized package. About three years ago I put turf tires on it as I mainly use it around the yard sowing seed, pulling a wagon, mowing with a 6" finish mower and etc. You"ll find a wealth of info about these in the Ford 9N,2N,8N department of this board.

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rettchr

06-23-2005 06:35:59

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 05:51:07

An old Ford should certainly be capable of this. The good news is that you should be able to sell it after several years of use for what you've paid. The bad news is that a tractor like this is about 50-60 years old and repairs may be necessary. Consider the tires: you won't want to use Ag tires on a finished lawn.

Also, it will not be as convenient to use as a new compact with a hydrostatic transmission.

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Boyce

06-23-2005 06:39:33

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to rettchr, 06-23-2005 06:35:59

You bring up a good point about the tires. What tires would be best suited? Any idea what they cost? I can mount normal automotive type tires, are tractor tires any more difficult? Heavy I guess huh?

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Rods8n

06-23-2005 10:01:15

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Re: tractors for dummies? in reply to Boyce, 06-23-2005 06:39:33

If mowinga lawn is its main job then turf tires is the way to go. ( Like you will see in Bguys pic.) There a bit of $$ but last for some time. I love my 8N but keep in mine you cant be scared to turn a bult or two to keep her running. From what I can tell some 8Ns run for years without a hitch but Mine ( more cuz of me probly) has been a life long fixer uper. My yard has hills and such that have to be mowed so its hard on it. My yard ate 4 mowers before I got my 8N. When I have it running it is great. Live PTO would be nice but you find ways to work around it. Well that is my 2 cents.

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