|
Hello Jon---- There are a couple of points that should be brought into focus, here. There is probably NO tractor to match your 8N�s nimble agility and just plain �handiness�. In that, Ford �N�s� were in a class by themselves. Your 8N�s drawbar horsepower is 21 and change. Pulley hp was 23 or 24. As you want to explore John Deere, the question must be broken down as to whether you want 2 cylinder or multi cylinder. In the 2 cylinder column, the 40 may be out. I�m not sure if the 40 was ever offered with live hydraulics. The later 420 and 430 were so equipped. 420W and 430W offer the low slung configuration that you are used to. All would offer a horsepower boost. Larger 50, 520 and 530 are limited to row crop models and become quite a different animal. Moving to post 1960 multi cylinders, the best advice anyone can offer you is to discard any notion of the 1010 or 2010. These abominations were a low point in JD history. Although some improvement is claimed for the later units of these models, problems with hydraulics, engines, transmissions, clutches (and just about everything else) are legendary. This still leaves you with several optimal choices; 2020, 2510 (the people�s choice), 2520 and some of the later 30 series. The newer you get, the more niceties you get and the pricier they get. Try not to get too hung up in 3 point lift categories. At somewhere around 30 or 35 horsepower industry standards mandate moving to Category 2. You are almost certain to cross this threshold. The remedy is inexpensive bushings available at Tractor Supply or your implement dealer. Buy a bunch so that one is always at hand. Although I applaud your choosing John Deere as a replacement, don�t over look a couple other ideas that really jump out as possibilities for you. The Massey Ferguson 35 approached 40 horsepower on a frame not much bigger than the 8N�s. The MF 50 used the same engine on a slightly bigger and heavier frame. Ford 600-601�s and 800-801�s are a bundle of dynamite in a small package. Amid my JD�s I harbor an old 850 that gets used, a ton. It�s like an 8N on steroids. All of these offer live hydraulics and the 660, 661, 860, and 861 all have LPTO. Stay away from the problematic Select-O-Speed 871�s and 881�s. Don�t forget later Ford 2000�s and 3000�s. Is there anyway that your budget and space will allow you to keep your 8N for its maneuverability and get a second, larger tractor for extra power? This would open up all kinds of new options for you. There�s my twenty dollar words for some ten cent thoughts. Good luck and let us know which way you turn. Putt Putt
| 
