8N Replacement

[SDT]

Would you know the difference between a Sherman and Howard unit?

I see some older Fords with Sherman and others advertise Howard...

The Sherman is an auxiliary transmission mounted in front of the main transmission. Accordingly, it affects PTO speed as well as traction speed. Sherman transmissions were available as OD only (common), UD only (very rare), combination UD/direct/OD (not uncommon), and reverser (usually found on industrial and light industrial tractors. Most Sherman transmissions found on late 8N and subsequent Ford tractors are combination units.

The Howard is an auxiliary transmission mounted behind the main transmission intended to slow ground speed sufficiently to allow one to use a PTO driven roto tiller with the highly geared 8N. The Howard does not affect PTO speed. The Howard slows ground speed significantly but is not intended for heavy loads. Many/most Howard transmissions have been damaged due to overloading the rather thin straight cut gears.

Hupp also made auxiliary transmissions for 8N tractors.

Below is a great resource for information about 8/2/8N Ford tractors:

N-Series Discussion Forum

Dean

 

[ultrarunner]

Thank you for the link and explanation...

I'm looking at a project 740 that has a Howard... the owner's father bought it new and said the later Howard transmissions are much more robust than the older version... would this be a fair statement?

 

[SDT]

Thank you for the link and explanation...

I'm looking at a project 740 that has a Howard... the owner's father bought it new and said the later Howard transmissions are much more robust than the older version... would this be a fair statement?

Yes, changes were made over the model run to improve durability, but even the later Howard transmissions are not intended for heavy drawbar loads.

Interesting tractor. Ford 740 tractors are uncommon and few Howard transmissions were installed after the 8N and NAA (53-54) tractors. A 740 with a Howard is quite unusual.

Here's another good site for antique tractor enthusiasts:

Antique Tractors - Antique Tractor Resource Page

You will find both 9/2/8N and Ford forums. The Ford forum is for vintage Ford tractors produced after the 8N.

Dean

 

[CADplans]

After I purchased my JD 4105, I was amazed how many specs were the duplicate of the Ford 8N,,,

wheelbase, width, tire height,, not HP or transmission, or lack of power steering,, :laughing:

I swear that the designer was using the 8N as the model,, the 8N was successful for some reason,,,

If you like the 8N, but, want more HP, consider something like my JD 4105,,,

 

[tderrick]

During 1998 offroad engine regulations reducing emissions were structured as a 3-tiered progression. Offroad regulations use the metric system of units, with regulatory limits expressed in grams of pollutant per kWh. Examples of regulated applications include farm tractors, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, road graders, diesel lawn tractors, logging equipment, portable generators, skid steer loaders and forklifts.

Each tier involved a phase-in (by engine power) over several years.
Tier 1 standards phased-in from 1996 to 2000.
Tier 2 standards phased-in from 2001 to 2006.
Tier 3 standards phased-in from 2006 to 2008 (Tier 3 standards applied only for engines from 37-560 kW).

Very stringent Tier 4 emission standards, phased-in from 2008 through 2015, require substantial reductions of Particulate Matter above 19 kW power output.


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Every tractor brand includes a model in the 2,600 pound to 2,900 pound (bare tractor) range with 100 cubic inch/24 horsepower engine. Tractors under 19 kW ( 19 KW = 25.4794-horsepower) are presently exempt from stringent Tier IV emission controls which abruptly increase a tractor's cost some $2,000 above the 19 kW power demarcation.

In Kubota's product line this is the model L2501.



L3301 and L2501 are essentially the same tractor. L3301 has increased power and mandatory Tier IV emission controls.

Does this mean the 2501 has no emission hardware on it?

Thx for the detailed info... it's a big help trying to make this decision... it's certainly between the 2501 and 3301

 

[tderrick]

I purchased a nice used Kubota L2900 30hp diesel. No comparison in power, though my old Ford is a little tired. I figured a well cared for used tractor would likely outlast me and my uses for it and I don't want any part of emission systems or fancy electronic control systems. In that way the old Ford and the 20 year old Kubota are very similar!

Yes... I am concerned about the emission system as well. This will be my last tractor and i don't want to be jacking w old emission systems
when I'm 80 years old and broken down in the pasture...lol

 

[SDT]

Yes... I am concerned about the emission system as well. This will be my last tractor and i don't want to be jacking w old emission systems
when I'm 80 years old and broken down in the pasture...lol

Conditions are currently better than they have ever been for a return to sanity.

Stay tuned.

SDT

 

[tderrick]

Amazing just how many old tractors and especially 65+ year old Ford Tractors there are still earning their keep...

A real tribute to honest engineering and American Quality...

I have a soft spot for antique iron... cars, tractors, hit and miss engines... etc.

Are those upgrading keeping or selling the old iron?

I will be keeping both my 8n and 640 red tiger ... cold dead fingers... lol

 

[tderrick]

My 52 8N is mechanically in great shape, motor must have been rebuilt in the past because it doesn稚 burn a drop of oil. Hydraulic pump was rebuilt so it lifts my 620lb bush hog like nothin. It痴 been converted to 12V and completely rewired. All the lights and gauges work.

When I get the new tractor I値l probably have to sell it because I don稚 have room in the barn for two tractors plus all the implements.

My hydraulic pump is getting weak, also. How much did it cost you for the rebuild?

 

[SDT]

My hydraulic pump is getting weak, also. How much did it cost you for the rebuild?

Are you sure it's the pump?

Could be other issues.

Go to the N board for advise. I'm an expert on these systems but don't want to hijack this thread any more than already done.

If you do decide to rebuild yours, beware of aftermarket parts. I avoid aftermarket parts like the plague due to far too many bad experiences.

SDT