8n running a 6 foot hog

[19528nford]

I have a 52 8n that runs very well I bought a 6 foot bush hog to run behind it with a overriding clutch. I do about 4-5 acres of mostly just pasture grass twice a year. In the past it has spun it ok. My question is this am I ok with a 6 foot or do I need to go with something smaller. Thanks for the help It is the 3point setup and not the pull behind type

 

[Roadworthy]

If it has worked okay before I see no reason it would not continue to work. If you find things bogging down slow your forward motion a bit if possible while maintaining RPM for PTO speed. I think a five foot mower would be more appropriate for that tractor but if it can handle the six foot one you're good.

 

[19528nford]

Thanks for the input. I realize I should have got a 5 footer, but I was not thinking. All the stuff I do is on level ground, no hills Thanks again

 

[nyone]

Just remember that's about a 20hp tractor if I remember right. Go slow.

 

[CobyRupert]

Horsepower is a rate. A speed.
In this case, like a snowblower, the horsepower required is a function of the pounds/minute (or tons/hour) rate of material processed.

The pounds/minute of grass a mower cuts (& hp required) is the product of:
- Vegetation density (pounds per square foot) x
- Mower speed (linear feet/min) x
- Mower width (linear foot) x
- Overlap percentage (%)

That’s four different load factors that will determine the horsepower required. For some reason we only talk about the width of the mower (or snowblower).

A mower is too wide when you can’t go slow enough, adjust your overlap %, or it’s too heavy for the tractor to safely handle

 

[big bubba]

take care on the slopes, lot of hog weight on a lightweight tractor, & keeping the knives sharp will be your friend

 

[John0829]

The 8N will handle the 6' bog just fine, YOU however, will need to pay attention to what you are cutting. If the tractor starts to choke down take smaller or half cuts, it is not necessary to make a full width cut every time. Do not let the area you are cutting get real tall. I spent a lot of time mowing with an 8N using a 6' cutter, some on hills where you had to brace yourself to stay in the seat. They are a capable, durable can do little tractor, they just don't have the bells and whistles of the newer ones. If I had room to store one inside out of the weather I would still have one around because I just enjoy the nimble little tractors.

 

[gstrom99]

I had a 5 foot on my 9N and it did pretty well. It was not too heavy, for that old 3 point, but a 6 footer weighs more. It bogged down if I was trying to push through heavy grass. IMHO, you should trade/sell the 6 footer and get a 5 footer...

 

[Thomas]

Pasture mowing you should be fine in the right gear taking your time...some weight on the frontend maybe wise tho.

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

The 8N will handle the 6' bog just fine, YOU however, will need to pay attention to what you are cutting. If the tractor starts to choke down take smaller or half cuts, it is not necessary to make a full width cut every time. Do not let the area you are cutting get real tall. I spent a lot of time mowing with an 8N using a 6' cutter, some on hills where you had to brace yourself to stay in the seat. They are a capable, durable can do little tractor, they just don't have the bells and whistles of the newer ones. If I had room to store one inside out of the weather I would still have one around because I just enjoy the nimble little tractors.

8Ns are ok. A '53 Jubilee or '54 NAA are better due to their engines. A '55 and up are better still due to improved rear wheel seals that don't leak on the brakes and you can also find some with live power and power steering. Those are the holy grails of antique/vintage small Ford tractors.