|
Tractor Talk Discussion Board |
Re: Need Advice on selecting Tractor
[ View Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Return to Tractor Talk Discussion Board ]
Posted by Gerald on December 31, 1998 at 07:41:34:
In Reply to: Need Advice on selecting Tractor posted by Paul L on December 31, 1998 at 06:29:08:
I had an 8N with the dearborn 2-12 plow. I don't anymore. The dearborn single gang disk wouldn't scratch ground that was already disked it was too light. The 8N and the 2-12 plow would occasionally turn dirt over, but I was never able to get it to plow at a consistent depth because every time I got the plow to go in, the ferguson safety hitch would lift the rear tractor wheels and kill the traction so I couldn't pull the plow and I would have to lift the plow so the furrow undulated. Maybe it was me, because in the early 50s I saw an 8N plow clay just fine. Anyway, I think the 8N is too light for real work. I tried a bush hog and it was exciting to say the least. This was a state DOT surplus beast brush hog and heavy. I didn't put an overrunning clutch between the 8N PTO and the mower. So I couldn't stop until the mower stopped after I pushed in the clutch. After I bought a patch about 25 acres in crop cultivation in the middle of Iowa, I bought a MF-135. It pulls 2-16s plow and a 6' offset disk that I built and a 6' flail mower or a 9' mower-conditioner. But was too low to the ground for good cultivation of row crops and so I am replacing it with a JD 4020 that has weight, horsepower and lots of capability. Is far easier to drive than the little tractors and far far more capable and cost about the same as the 135 should sell for today. And I raised a better crop, putting less than 40 hours on the 4020 in 1998 where I was putting 100 hours on the 135 in past years. I have a bigger plow (3-18) and 14.5' disk now. With the right implements a 3020 would be good on your patch too. 20 or 30 years of engineering did produce better tractors than the 8N! 8 speeds forward lets you pick the speed for the work rather than bash the equipment or not accomplish work at a useful rate with only four to choose from. Been there done that, and I'm happiest with my tractors this year. Gerald
Follow Ups:
Post a Followup
|
