L.Fure

Well-known Member
I've been looking around for a replacement for my 8N. The 8N goes too fast in reverse to suit me. There is a nice looking NAA listed on Craigslist that has the live PTO hand clutch on it. I looked up the NAA on TractorData.com to see if it had a fast reverse. The data shows that the NAA travels at 4.2mph and the 8N is listed at 6.1mph. I know the website does make mistakes in its data, so I thought I would check with the people that has experience with both tractors. So, who has experience with both of these, and do they think the NAA travels slower in reverse than the 8N?
 
NAA has a better reverse
but it's still pretty fast.
I suggest you skip over the
NAAs too and go to a 1955
or later tractor. You will
get better hydraulics and
rear end than the NAAs have
as standard plus they had
more optional equipment -
5 sp w/trans pto, 5 sp
w/live pto, power steering,
easier to find remote hyd
valves, etc.
If you want a real slow
reverse look for a 3000
with the 8 speed. 1.4 mph
in R1 and 8 mph in R2.
 
(quoted from post at 10:38:42 09/22/17) I've been looking around for a replacement for my 8N. The 8N goes too fast in reverse to suit me. There is a nice looking NAA listed on Craigslist that has the live PTO hand clutch on it. I looked up the NAA on TractorData.com to see if it had a fast reverse. The data shows that the NAA travels at 4.2mph and the 8N is listed at 6.1mph. I know the website does make mistakes in its data, so I thought I would check with the people that has experience with both tractors. So, who has experience with both of these, and do they think the NAA travels slower in reverse than the 8N?
The transmission ratio difference between NAA & 8N reverse gears shows correlation to the 4.2/6.1 MPH ratios, so I call their numbers good.
 

I figure I have until next spring to find something, so I'm in no hurry. Something is bound to pop up between now and then. How do you guy's deal with the fast reverse?
 
(quoted from post at 14:19:23 09/22/17)
I figure I have until next spring to find something, so I'm in no hurry. Something is bound to pop up between now and then. How do you guy's deal with the fast reverse?
have used the 8Ns for over 40 years & almost never found it to be a problem. Just got used to it, I guess.
 
Up until I got my 740 about 7-8 years ago, 8N's were the only tractor I ever operated, so I just got use to it. What is it you do anyway that requires a lot of reverse use?
75 Tips
 
If you are happy with your 8n just add a Sherman combo. Slow when
needed, fast when needed. I would opt for a 600/800 or 601/801 or
later thousand series with double shifter,as others have said.
 
I started running n fords in 1960 or 1961. As ultra dog says, look for a 2 or 3000. Far better machine.
 
As the other guys have said, the NAA is a bit slower. Noticeably so.
I sold my 640 and do not recall if it was any slower than a NAA.

I find the low reverse on my 8 speed 3000 too slow for most
things, like plowing snow, but great for a snowblower.
The high speed reverse on it is ridiculously fast.
Worse than that of an 8N but you can sure get there fast!
The low forward gears are also great for a roto-tiller.

Depends on what you want to do with it.
Kirk mentioned a Sherman combo in an 8N, they work great too.
Keep in mind that they change the PTO speed too, so if you slow
the ground speed you also slow the PTO speed. If you are trying to
run a snowblower/roto-tiller it can dramatically reduce their efficiency.
If you're not worried about the PTO speed, they're the cat's meow.
 

Let's see if I can explain my needs, and maybe answer everyone's questions. I bought the 8N originally to run a bush mower. I have places at the yard edges that grow a good crop of ragweed nettles, and burdock. I think I'll be able to deal with first gear even though it's a little faster than I like to run a brush mower in. The weeds are fully grown now, but will be much shorter this spring when they start to grow, so I should be able to sail through them compared to grinding through them now. I also have places that I need to back the mower into while mowing off the weeds, but figured out a way to drive through those areas if I just move a few things out of the way. But, I still need a slower reverse to be able to back trailers and wagons into tight places. I do have a front hitch on the bumper, but I would need someone to guide me and drop the pin. Otherwise I'd have to get off the tractor several times before I get it right. Another thing is I hate slipping a clutch to do my backing. When I back a trailer or wagon I usually get the tractor and wagon moving backwards and take my foot off the clutch turn myself in a comfortable position in the seat and concentrate on driving the wagon where I want it to go. I actually learned to back wagons with tractors that had hand clutches. I found it easier to engage the clutch and concentrate on what I was doing, and disengage it when I had the wagon in place. I very seldom need to stop a tractor to go forward to correct a mistake. With the speedy 8N reverse it is impossible to do that. I don't have to back wagons as much as I used to, but when I do I want to do it right.
 
(quoted from post at 23:02:44 09/22/17)
Let's see if I can explain my needs, and maybe answer everyone's questions. I bought the 8N originally to run a bush mower. I have places at the yard edges that grow a good crop of ragweed nettles, and burdock. I think I'll be able to deal with first gear even though it's a little faster than I like to run a brush mower in. The weeds are fully grown now, but will be much shorter this spring when they start to grow, so I should be able to sail through them compared to grinding through them now. I also have places that I need to back the mower into while mowing off the weeds, but figured out a way to drive through those areas if I just move a few things out of the way. But, I still need a slower reverse to be able to back trailers and wagons into tight places. I do have a front hitch on the bumper, but I would need someone to guide me and drop the pin. Otherwise I'd have to get off the tractor several times before I get it right. Another thing is I hate slipping a clutch to do my backing. When I back a trailer or wagon I usually get the tractor and wagon moving backwards and take my foot off the clutch turn myself in a comfortable position in the seat and concentrate on driving the wagon where I want it to go. I actually learned to back wagons with tractors that had hand clutches. I found it easier to engage the clutch and concentrate on what I was doing, and disengage it when I had the wagon in place. I very seldom need to stop a tractor to go forward to correct a mistake. With the speedy 8N reverse it is impossible to do that. I don't have to back wagons as much as I used to, but when I do I want to do it right.
o, why not buy a tractor with a hand clutch if that is your preference????
 
(quoted from post at 23:13:44 09/22/17)
(quoted from post at 23:02:44 09/22/17)
Let's see if I can explain my needs, and maybe answer everyone's questions. I bought the 8N originally to run a bush mower. I have places at the yard edges that grow a good crop of ragweed nettles, and burdock. I think I'll be able to deal with first gear even though it's a little faster than I like to run a brush mower in. The weeds are fully grown now, but will be much shorter this spring when they start to grow, so I should be able to sail through them compared to grinding through them now. I also have places that I need to back the mower into while mowing off the weeds, but figured out a way to drive through those areas if I just move a few things out of the way. But, I still need a slower reverse to be able to back trailers and wagons into tight places. I do have a front hitch on the bumper, but I would need someone to guide me and drop the pin. Otherwise I'd have to get off the tractor several times before I get it right. Another thing is I hate slipping a clutch to do my backing. When I back a trailer or wagon I usually get the tractor and wagon moving backwards and take my foot off the clutch turn myself in a comfortable position in the seat and concentrate on driving the wagon where I want it to go. I actually learned to back wagons with tractors that had hand clutches. I found it easier to engage the clutch and concentrate on what I was doing, and disengage it when I had the wagon in place. I very seldom need to stop a tractor to go forward to correct a mistake. With the speedy 8N reverse it is impossible to do that. I don't have to back wagons as much as I used to, but when I do I want to do it right.
o, why not buy a tractor with a hand clutch if that is your preference????
I'm not at all opposed to a hand clutch. JD 2 cylinders, Case, AC.
I kind of like the AC setup with both hand and foot clutches.
Odd way to do "live" PTO, but it worked well. Especially with the All Crop.

I just wish the handle worked the same direction as the other hand clutches.
Then there's the left hand or right hand Case hand clutch.
Oh well, off in the weeds, water under the bridge now. :)
 
Here is some data for the sherman combo should you want to go that route. Installation isn't that hard but will require a split. The howard trans will also slow down your 8n but will not effect your pto
speed. The howard is more expensive, hard to find, and harder to install.

<a href="https://imgur.com/ljmbgGd">
ljmbgGd.jpg
</a>
 
(quoted from post at 00:02:44 09/23/17)
Let's see if I can explain my needs, and maybe answer everyone's questions. I bought the 8N originally to run a bush mower. I have places at the yard edges that grow a good crop of ragweed nettles, and burdock. I think I'll be able to deal with first gear even though it's a little faster than I like to run a brush mower in. The weeds are fully grown now, but will be much shorter this spring when they start to grow, so I should be able to sail through them compared to grinding through them now. I also have places that I need to back the mower into while mowing off the weeds, but figured out a way to drive through those areas if I just move a few things out of the way. But, I still need a slower reverse to be able to back trailers and wagons into tight places. I do have a front hitch on the bumper, but I would need someone to guide me and drop the pin. Otherwise I'd have to get off the tractor several times before I get it right. Another thing is I hate slipping a clutch to do my backing. When I back a trailer or wagon I usually get the tractor and wagon moving backwards and take my foot off the clutch turn myself in a comfortable position in the seat and concentrate on driving the wagon where I want it to go. I actually learned to back wagons with tractors that had hand clutches. I found it easier to engage the clutch and concentrate on what I was doing, and disengage it when I had the wagon in place. I very seldom need to stop a tractor to go forward to correct a mistake. With the speedy 8N reverse it is impossible to do that. I don't have to back wagons as much as I used to, but when I do I want to do it right.

your original question...sounds about right on the NAA's reverse. Doesn't seem like much difference, but using both a 8N and a NAA, it is very noticeable.

with your needs, buy something with a dual range transmission.

For now, I agree with the others, add a combo, or step down Sherman. In reverse, dealing with mower blades going slower is easier than a tractor going too fast.
A tractor used for mostly mowing...put shorter tires on the rear...like a lot shorter. A lot of mow only tractors run 18.4-16.1's.(friend of mine welded some 8N centers into the wheels of an offbrand...9.5 or 11.2-24's..can't remember...works good...yes, 8n centers lay perfectly onto the bead area of a 24.....obviously take the tire off before welding)
I've owned a few 8N's with very short rear tires and the first thought is always....this is how the tractor shoulda been... power/speed wise.

There is another minus to a 8n's racing speed reverse....
going that fast, the gear ratio is all wrong for 'muscle'.
I have a 8N with half-tracks and a front blade...quite a load for a little N. Put some deep snow on the ground.....trying to get that little guy moving in reverse from a dead stop in snow takes a lot of rpm and clutch slipping :D
 

I just sold a International 464D a quick flip. I can tell you they had it together on that transmission I could see were I could fall in love with it fast if I had to back up much as you do...

I would make the jump to something more user friendly transmission wise than a Ford for your needs. I Keep a Ford around to plow with, a couple Farmalls to cultivate with and a Bota with HST to do my chores like mowing and loader work...

I don't like to back any tractor up much no matter what transmission is in it mowing are what ever that's what they make round up for...
 
(quoted from post at 13:02:01 09/23/17)
I just sold a International 464D a quick flip. I can tell you they had it together on that transmission I could see were I could fall in love with it fast if I had to back up much as you do...

I would make the jump to something more user friendly transmission wise than a Ford for your needs. I Keep a Ford around to plow with, a couple Farmalls to cultivate with and a Bota with HST to do my chores like mowing and loader work...

I don't like to back any tractor up much no matter what transmission is in it mowing are what ever that's what they make round up for...

I did look at a Case 611B Wednesday afternoon. These had the Case-O-Matic drive system, and the transmission has a 4 speed with 3 ranges. I had a 411B some time ago and wish I had never sold it. Anyway, I'm looking at all brands in this search.
 
"Does a 851 have live PTO?"

No sir, but a 861 is the same tractor WITH live PTO.
Two stage clutch vs the single stage in a 851.
 
(quoted from post at 22:49:06 09/27/17)
(quoted from post at 02:34:14 09/28/17) "Does a 851 have live PTO?"

No sir, but a 861 is the same tractor WITH live PTO.
Two stage clutch vs the single stage in a 851.

Like this one?

https://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/d/ford-860-tractor-king-kutter/6264439221.html
Well, he says that one is a 860. Very similar to a 861.
It would be the live PTO version of the 8x0 series, but verify it is not an 850.
Tin is different, manifold and carb are different between 8x0 and 8x1.
Most everything else is the same. The manifold and carb added horsepower
to the x01 series and by doing so, cut down on the fuel economy.
Price isn't too bad, but that exhaust is scary.
 
(quoted from post at 03:58:15 09/28/17)
(quoted from post at 22:49:06 09/27/17)
(quoted from post at 02:34:14 09/28/17) "Does a 851 have live PTO?"

No sir, but a 861 is the same tractor WITH live PTO.
Two stage clutch vs the single stage in a 851.

Like this one?

https://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/d/ford-860-tractor-king-kutter/6264439221.html
Well, he says that one is a 860. Very similar to a 861.
It would be the live PTO version of the 8x0 series, but verify it is not an 850.
Tin is different, manifold and carb are different between 8x0 and 8x1.
Most everything else is the same. The manifold and carb added horsepower
to the x01 series and by doing so, cut down on the fuel economy.
Price isn't too bad, but that exhaust is scary.

I was looking at the exhaust too. I found this on YouTube. Turn up volume.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXfWFQPflGk
 
(quoted from post at 23:10:27 09/27/17)
(quoted from post at 03:58:15 09/28/17)
(quoted from post at 22:49:06 09/27/17)
(quoted from post at 02:34:14 09/28/17) "Does a 851 have live PTO?"

No sir, but a 861 is the same tractor WITH live PTO.
Two stage clutch vs the single stage in a 851.

Like this one?

https://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/d/ford-860-tractor-king-kutter/6264439221.html
Well, he says that one is a 860. Very similar to a 861.
It would be the live PTO version of the 8x0 series, but verify it is not an 850.
Tin is different, manifold and carb are different between 8x0 and 8x1.
Most everything else is the same. The manifold and carb added horsepower
to the x01 series and by doing so, cut down on the fuel economy.
Price isn't too bad, but that exhaust is scary.

I was looking at the exhaust too. I found this on YouTube. Turn up volume.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXfWFQPflGk
The one in the video looks to be a 861.
Note the egg-crate grill and the "chin" at the bottom of the grill.
Very nice looking tractor.
"Draft control" is what the 9N and up had.
8N and up added position control too.

The exhaust in that ad makes me wonder what else they cobbled.
That's why it is scary to me.
 

The only way to know if anything else has been cobbled together is to take the 2.5 hour drive and look it over. The one thing that always gets to me are tractors for sale with worn out raggedy seats on them.
 

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