WILL 8N FORD OPERATE 5 FOOT BUSH HOG?

Sure you can. I have a 5ft bush hog myself for my
8-N. It is a medium duty unit with stump-jumper blades
and an over-run clutch. Last summer I mowed my
feid that had not been for a couple of years.
It was tall and thick. Took my time in 1st gear
worked fine. Lower stuff can mow in 2nd. Hoope this helps.

Depends on what you want to mow. 5 ft is a good size, brand depends on what you are mowing and how much you want to mow. Heavy stuff and more than a few acres, I'd go with a name brand. I can't criticize my Woods. If you're only cutting a few acres of grass afew times a year, you can probably get almost any brand. Be sure to use an overriding clutch.
John

it depends on how tall and thick the stuff you are cutting. I have a 32 hp. ford that I use a 5 ft. cutter on in thick stuff it can be a big pull hope this helps Chris