3 Hole Rocker Use

[beenthere]

BobG
Don't go away. The forum will be a better place with people that have real experience. Some on here (probably me included) like to puff their (our) chest out and be 'emphatic' about what they (we) know. That isn't all bad, just hard to take sometimes. Much easier if the same two people were in a face to face conversation, as the smiles and body language fill in for a lot of things that are lost on just reading the written words here. I doubt anyone here meant to hurt your feelings, or snub your experience. I agree with you, that we always used the top connection for all attachments. But, its by the book now, and the interpretations of the manual. We even have to interpret the manuals nowadays more than before, because the 'liability' language is used now, which makes for more interpretation than before.

Keep giving us your opinion, and keep cool. Without the guys with experience, this forum will become just the newbies talkin to each other. But discussion (good discussion, not just friendly banter trying to be 'so nice' to each other) is what helps everyone learn more and get our heads on straight. IMO /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BobG_in_VA]

beenthere: No offense was taken. One thing that sets today apart from "then" regarding all the different "drafts" was that the 8N had a set toplink and although it could be adjusted, once you had it set for one implement, by golly it was set for all (if you think about it, it would control the angle of attack for a plow and then be too short to fit the top link for the next implement, whatever it is....people picked a notch and used it. Again, the bottom and most rearward linkup on an 8N was used specifically for the the Dearborne mower..as it used its own "toplink". bobg in VA who ain't goin' away but ain't takin' no $h-t either.

 

[JerryG]

Bob,
I don't doubt what you are saying. In the 40s and 50s there were many things tried by many companies. Just like the hitch attachments other than the three point in use today. Every tractor company had a different way of doing things, because tractors were new to them also. We are lucky now that most attachments are more standardized at least as in using a three point hitch.

 

[slydog]

While I'm not a tractor expert, I have had some experience with several three hole rockers. I do want to state imphatically, I have absolutely no knowledge or experience with two hole rockers!

Regarding the three hole rockers, I have found that while the hole you use may quite possibly be determined by the size of the implement, I think the over riding deciding factor is definitely a question of which one you are personally the most comfotable with. Some people prefer the first, probably the greatest majority will pick the second, while those with more seat time obviously prefer the third.

I think it a little extreme to put a bolt through one to prevent it's use, but again I can say from experience that if that's what it takes to prevent accidental usage, it will be well worth your time and trouble to take whatever precautions you might find necessary. Depending on the hole, sometimes more draught is necessary. If you notice any undue stress or resistance, it's best to choose a different one. The key with me has been to pick just one hole and stick with it; it's not a good idea to be changing holes. I hope this also helps to clear up any confusion. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Soundguy]

( I spent a bunch of time working it, not reading about it.

Perhaps you should have spent some more time reading about it. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif It's in the manual

And for the record.. I've worked my 4 fords quite a bit too, and have read about them. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

( As for light/medium or heavy draft attachments, I don't believe anyone in the 50s/60s differentiated them that way )

I believe any farmer worth his 'dirt' knew about draft, and how it affected implement placement, and style. The whole concept of the draft sensing hitch revoloutionized chores like plowing. Objects like plows and disc's were heavy draft implements.. objects like cultivators were light draft.

Whent he first N's were out, they only had a single hole rocker. Out of demand for more sensitive draft sensing on lighter draft implements ford went to the 3 hole rocker as a means of increasing the leverage on the draft controls. Keep in mind that ford/ferguson had the 3pt hitch out before there were implements designed for it. The market took a few years to catch up, other than OEM implements. Those light draft implements were'nt around ( in 3pt fashion ) when the 1st 1 hole rocker fords came out. Keeping with that.. remember.. ferguson had the dearborn distribution.. and he split with ford mid way thru the 8n production. It's very likely the dearborn mower you speak of was made even before the 3 hole rocker was introduced to the line.
As for toplink adjustment.. 2 bolts and you change your toplink length. Using it as a one size fit all would IMHO be lazy. Besides.. one of the included tractor tools would pull that nut off in a jiffy. I also have those original slide adjustable 2 piece toplinks on my fords.


( If you folks aren't interested in what it was like to really work one, I'll go away. Sorry for any inconvenience. )

Sorry you feel that way.. but . I'm glad you never damaged your hyd controlls by using a high draft implement in a high leverage position. It may have been luck, or skill as an operator. Could have been that the tractor was new then.. and could take more operator abuse.

Fact is.. the tractor is now 50+ years old.. doesn't need any more 'abuse' than it has to, and the new operator doesn't have 18 years of experience to fall back on when running his plow.. etc. The advice I gave was good safe advice for a newbie. To give anything else would be remis. Besides.. the FOMOCO manual CLEARLY shows/states that high draft implements use the bottom hole. That's pretty cut and dry.. there were no 'maybee' or 'sort of's' in that section.

The N group I associate with is made up of quite a few dealers and ford service mechanics from the 40's and 50's. There story is the same... they've simply made too many hyd repairs due to too much draft spring movement. That big draft spring is adjustable. if it gets loose.. you get problems. The average farmer.. as you are so fond of pointing out.. obviously doesn't read his manual.. and therefore many didn't adjust their draft springs. If they have slop.. the spring is not cushioning the very fragile NLA internal draft mechanism. Also.. due to lack of maintenance ( must be those non-reading farmers huh? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif ) The draft spring usually rusted to the yoke.. or the yoke froze up. That's all fine untill it breaks loos under a heavy draft load one day.. and that.. coupled with an out of adjustment cushion spring can lead to a sudden over-reaction at the toplink and draft mechanism.. usually resulting in expensive hyd topcover pulling and repairs.


For what it's worth.. the owner of the tractor can do whatever he pleases.. as it is his tractor.. and his wallet that will pay for any repairs. My opinion and your opinion aside.. i can think of no better advice than to read the manual.. whether an old tractor or new tractor. Then follow the advice.

Soundguy

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Noted. BobG in VA

 

[rambler]

Most of the old N's I see on auction have that top link bracket broken off to be a 1-hole bracket by now. Guess a lot of folks didn't read the manual somewhere in the past 50 years. The bottom hole was for heavy implement useage.

My 960 is built a little tougher, tho it is cast into the bracket the names of the imlements you are to use with each hole - plow on the bottom.

--->Paul