My snowy 8N

RGR · Jan 20, 2019

Yesterday took my recently acquired, restore project 8N for some snow duty yesterday, the 6 ft blade that came with it worked good, had some fun a lot of looks. What I found out was 1st gear no good for the snow, 2nd better gave it enough speed to do the job. Got stuck a few times, no chains don't want any, but was easy to get out, alternate left and right rears, and away it went, it did what I was hoping it to do. Getting use to the hydraulics only working when the clutch is in takes a little getting use to, but I'll learn, I think I'd like a wheel spinner if that's what there called for the steering wheel. Just wanted to share my story, first time plowing snow and first time do some sort of work with a tractor, I was like a kid with a new toy, ear to ear smile. Green acres city life I'm here.
Signed Happy in my sub-division

Ed S. · Jan 20, 2019

You'll get the hang of it the more you do... I got mine stuck several times our first winter in The Middle West (Southerner by birth). Nothing like an hour or two of quality seat time, providing it's not -15* and 30mph winds!

es

Colin King · Jan 20, 2019

That's really awesome that you got to use your new to you 8N for some snow playtime! It sure is great to put these tractors to work.

I like to use the backblade reversed so that I push the snow with the tractor going in reverse. This works well in a yard type situation where I have to pile the snow. The backblade's ability to pile is somewhat limited, though. I find pulling the blade to be a bit less effective.

In my experience, if the 8N steers hard, it is an indication of mechanical issues that should be addressed. A day's work renewing front spindle bushings, bearings, and dust seals -parts are all available through our host - (you might also want to do the king pin), will give you a very easy steering tractor. I like spinners (suicide knobs), but I don't think they are necessary on an N series tractor unless you have a front end loader mounted on it. They can also increase the risk of serious injury to your hands.

Colin, MN

Den N Ms · Jan 20, 2019

RGR ,Now everyone in your sub-division will be jealous of you and your tractor.

Royse · Jan 20, 2019

"RGR ,Now everyone in your sub-division will be jealous of you and your tractor."

Not if he's having so much fun that he plows their driveways too!

doublebass73 · Jan 20, 2019

My 9N has turned snowblowing my driveway from a chore to fun. Chains are a must for me but I live in an area that gets a fair amount of snow. I went the pull type snowblower route since I run out of room fast plowing. It's good to hear your 8N made it into a fun event.

Jim WI · Jan 21, 2019

(quoted from post at 16:59:03 01/20/19) RGR ,Now everyone in your sub-division will be jealous of you and your tractor.

New neighbor in our subdivision was struggling with a small snowblower on a long driveway with about 6" of snow. After I finished my driveway with my 2N, I drove next door and made three passes and it was done. Neighbor was REALLY happy. By the time of the next snowfall he had a much bigger snowblower.

About three years later my 2N didn't want to start and he stopped by to repay the favor.

Caryc · Jan 22, 2019

(quoted from post at 12:32:13 01/20/19) Yesterday took my recently acquired, restore project 8N for some snow duty yesterday, the 6 ft blade that came with it worked good, had some fun a lot of looks. What I found out was 1st gear no good for the snow, 2nd better gave it enough speed to do the job. Got stuck a few times, no chains don't want any, but was easy to get out, alternate left and right rears, and away it went, it did what I was hoping it to do. Getting use to the hydraulics only working when the clutch is in takes a little getting use to, but I'll learn, I think I'd like a wheel spinner if that's what there called for the steering wheel. Just wanted to share my story, first time plowing snow and first time do some sort of work with a tractor, I was like a kid with a new toy, ear to ear smile. Green acres city life I'm here.
Signed Happy in my sub-division

As Colin said wheel spinners on an "N" tractor are not such a good idea. If you're driving over some rough dirt and your front wheels suddenly hit a ridge of dirt, they can make that steering wheel do a whip around and could damage your hands.

I have experienced this whip around on my 8N. Of course it does have an FEL on it. I've always heard that one should never put their thumbs on the inside of the steering wheel rim. If you experience this wheel whip around, one of the spokes may just break your thumb. I do try to remember the correct grip when I drive my 8N.

My snowy 8N

RGR

Member

Ed S.

Well-known Member

Colin King

Well-known Member

Den N Ms

Well-known Member

Royse

Well-known Member

doublebass73

Member

Jim WI

Well-known Member

Caryc

Well-known Member

Similar threads