8N Replacement

   / 8N Replacement #12  
I am looking to retire my Ford 8N from the bush hogging duties of the farm. What model Kubota would be a good step up in power
over the 8N. I guess about 30 hp would be good, as the Ford was 20hp in '48

Thx for any help narrowing down the choices.

AJ

I replaced an excellent 1951 8N with a Sherman combination transmission (12 speed/3 reverse/3 speed PTO) this summer. I had owned this tractor for 35 years but in recent years it was used exclusively to pull a 5' rotary cutter for use in areas that did not look right if mowed with one of my larger tractor combinations. The 5' cutter had not been removed from the 8N in years.

Be advised that a late 8N was rated at 27 PTO HP at rated engine speed when new so a 30 PTO HP tractor is not much of a power increase. I would expect that you will find that a 3301 is little more than a wash in PTO power if your 8N is not too tired, whereas the 3901 should be more noticeable.

In my case, I chose a B3350 for multiple reasons, some likely not relevant to your situation. I bought a FEL with third function valve and hydraulically angled snow plow for snow work. I may also buy a MMM for lawn duties sometime in the future but have not yet done so.

The 27 PTO HP 3350 handles the (not too heavy) 5' cutter nearly as well as did the 8N from a power standpoint but is considerably lighter so the mower does push the tractor around more. It also bounces me around more due to smaller tires and shorter wheelbase. That said, the improved seat with arm rests are a noticeable improvement. The mower also tends to scalp more due to the shorter wheelbase and smaller tires of the tractor. I'm still sorting this out but will eventually.

SDT
 
   / 8N Replacement #13  
I’m still using a ‘52 8N but am planning a new tractor purchase in the next year. After several years of research I’ve narrowed my choice to either a Kubota L3560 ROPS (3500lbs) or a Yanmar YT235 Cab (3000lbs). Both $27K.
 
   / 8N Replacement #14  
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?
 
   / 8N Replacement #15  
My 52 8N is mechanically in great shape, motor must have been rebuilt in the past because it doesn’t burn a drop of oil. Hydraulic pump was rebuilt so it lifts my 620lb bush hog like nothin. It’s been converted to 12V and completely rewired. All the lights and gauges work.

When I get the new tractor I’ll probably have to sell it because I don’t have room in the barn for two tractors plus all the implements.
 
   / 8N Replacement #16  
My 52 8N is mechanically in great shape, motor must have been rebuilt in the past because it doesn’t burn a drop of oil. Hydraulic pump was rebuilt so it lifts my 620lb bush hog like nothin. It’s been converted to 12V and completely rewired. All the lights and gauges work.

When I get the new tractor I’ll probably have to sell it because I don’t have room in the barn for two tractors plus all the implements.

I sold my 51 after sorting out the B3350 but kept my truly exceptional 52, also with Sherman Combination transmission. The 52 has just over 1,100 original yours and is hardly broken it. I'll never sell it.

SDT
 
   / 8N Replacement #17  
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 was a Ford collector and user for many years and consider myself an early Ford expert. I no longer use the Fords as all of my real users are now orange.

I sold a very good 961 about 18 months ago and am planning to sell my very good 860 complete with heavy F & R weights and dual (yes, dual, which means two spools, two levers and 4 couplings) remotes soon. Sorry about the explanation of dual remotes but this is a pet peeve of mine. One lever and two couplings is a single remote, regardless of what one routinely sees in advertisements.

I will keep my exceptional 52 8N forever and my 64, 4 cylinder 4000 is to be my retirement project. The 4000 has a Select-O-Speed 10 speed power shifting transmission, F & R weights and dual remotes. It also has NOS Ford early power adjust rims (made of unobtanium) and power steering. The 172 CI gasoline engine has never been rebuilt and is tired but I have a very low hour industrial 192 CI engine for it. The 192 was originally a natural gas (high compression) engine but has been converted to gasoline. It should be good for 65+ PTO HP. I have a complete set of matching duals for it. It will not be a user but, rather, a toy.

SDT
 
   / 8N Replacement
  • Thread Starter
#18  
Thx for all the replies
 
Last edited:
   / 8N Replacement #19  
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?

My 1951 8N with Sherman transmission, is now 67 years old, and still looks (engine rebuilt, and tractor repainted) and runs like a top!
I rarely use it, but will NEVER sell it!
 
   / 8N Replacement #20  
Would you know the difference between a Sherman and Howard unit?

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

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