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8N brushhog size

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Greg martindill

11-12-2002 17:12:59




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Im really interested in purchasing an 8N for brushhogging a 5.6 acre tree farm.Will the 8N do a better job with a 4 or 5 ft.brushhog.Also,what is the top speed for an 8N on blacktop,since I have no trailer and want to drive it 5 miles to the farm from my home.Thanks in advance for your input.Greg




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OKAL

11-13-2002 09:35:39




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 Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Greg martindill, 11-12-2002 17:12:59  
I use a 5-foot, heavy-duty brush hog on my wife's 8N. (She claimed it after I bought a green tractor) We mow 15 acres of tall fescue with it. Old, tired engine will bog down in heavy grass. Have to use 1st gear then. Otherwise, 3rd works pretty well. The only problem is that the brush hog weighs a lot, so if I raise it off the ground, the front end of the tractor gets really light. If i'm not careful, I lose steering control completely. A light-duty brush hog is probably best. And don't forget the over-running clutch for the PTO shaft!! It's a must for safety.

-OK AL

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Scott(TN)

11-13-2002 05:51:13




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 Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Greg martindill, 11-12-2002 17:12:59  
I drive mine (9N) down the road about three miles three times a season to mow some acreage. The road is winding, paved, and smooth and it is still an interesting ride. I start out early on a weekend so there is not much traffic. I do not carry the bush hog. I have a older 5ft that I leave on the property.
The road is a back road but well travelled; no shoulder, just deep ditch on either side. Exellent brakes and steering are a must, as are flashers and SMV triangle!

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SteveB(wi)

11-13-2002 05:40:36




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 Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Greg martindill, 11-12-2002 17:12:59  
If the brush hog is only going to be used at the tree farm I would leave it there and just drive the tractor over then hook up. that would be easier on both machines.



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Goater

11-13-2002 05:11:44




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 Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Greg martindill, 11-12-2002 17:12:59  
I don't think anyone has a reason to take a tractor 5 miles down the road to do anything...Trailer the tractor and be safe....



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dave#1

11-13-2002 04:44:28




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 Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Greg martindill, 11-12-2002 17:12:59  
Keep in mond that all 5' or 6' mowers are not equal, a HD Woods brand mower is going to be heavier, bigger and more $$$ than a cheapy mower of the same size that you might buy from lets say TSC.

Also while mowing with a Brush hog type mower never mow in 2nd gear (8n 4speed)if you hit something big like a rock,stump etc. you could blow the tranny.

hope this helps

later,dave



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Barnstormer

11-13-2002 08:51:47




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 Re: Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to dave#1, 11-13-2002 04:44:28  
Dave,
Would plowing in second gear and hitting a root or stone be any different than hogging in second gear and hitting something?
I'm willing to learn something new after doing it for 30 years without any broken gears.



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dave#1

11-13-2002 16:36:14




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 Re: Re: Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Barnstormer, 11-13-2002 08:51:47  
No, it has to do with the shock traveling up the pto shaft into the tranny, Zane is the man I learned this from, I use to have a link to a thread on this subject but can't seem to find it.

Always bush hog in 1st or 3rd

later,dave



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Barnstormer

11-13-2002 08:50:18




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 Re: Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to dave#1, 11-13-2002 04:44:28  
Dave,
Would plowing in second gear and hitting a root or stone be any different than hogging in second gear and hitting something?
I'm willing to learn something new after doing it for 30 years without any broken gears.



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Ed Gooding (VA)

11-13-2002 04:35:13




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 Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Greg martindill, 11-12-2002 17:12:59  
Hi Greg. Here's the ground speed chart from the 8N owner's manual:
Third Party Image

As mentioned, if your 8N has a combo/high-gear auxiliary transmission installed (not uncommon), then you will be able to go faster.

I would also say go for the 5' bush hog. In addition, I would recommend stabilizer bars to keep the hog directly behind your tractor, and to avoid having it swing out and bang off of your trees, thus damaging the trunks.

Third Party Image

I would also recommend limiter chains for the trip down the road. They will take the load of the bouncing hog off of your hydraulic system, and allow you to run down the road with your hog's drive shaft connected, but your PTO turned off. Otherwise, you will have to disconnect the hog's drive (PTO) shaft so that the blade is not spinning as you cruise down the road.

Third Party Image

Hope this helps..... ..... Ed
'52 8N475798

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MPH, Philip

11-13-2002 04:17:37




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 Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Greg martindill, 11-12-2002 17:12:59  
Greg, The 8N with standard transmission only in 4th gear will do 15.5 mph at 2269 engine rpm. The 8N with sherman step-up auxillary transmission and the standard transmission in 4th gear will do 23.12 mph at 2269 rpm. This information was taken from a sherman transmission chart. When I travel on the road with my 8N and 6' woods mower, I am probably traveling nearly 20 mph. It helps of you disconnect the pto shaft and tie it to the mower. This way you can have 'live' hydraullics as you travel down the road keeping the mower up at the level you need. Philip.

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John IA.

11-12-2002 17:56:34




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 Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Greg martindill, 11-12-2002 17:12:59  
Greg, I"d recomend the 5 foot bushog as a 4 foot is a bit small and a 6 foot a bit big. however the 8n will handle a 6 foot provided the grass isn't real tall. And seens how a 8n doesn't have live power I strongly recomend an over riding clutch. To keep you out of the fences and from climbing trees with the tractor. As far as top speed it depends on weather or not the tractor has an over drive transmission or even an over/under transmission. I hope this helps. John

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Arne - Idaho Ditto that

11-13-2002 07:08:18




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 Re: Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to John IA., 11-12-2002 17:56:34  
I have a 4' and it is too small. Wish I had a 5'.

Arne



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Barnstormer

11-12-2002 17:53:50




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 Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Greg martindill, 11-12-2002 17:12:59  
The 8N will handle a 5 foot hog very well if, both the tractor and the mower are in good shape.
A strong engine and a sharp blade is the best combination that I have ever found.
Further, brush hogs are just that. Brush and course weeds. They are not a finish mower, nor is a finish mower a brush hog.
In heavy tall weeds, I use 2nd gear, sometimes 1st. In lighter stuff, I use 3rd. Don't forget the ORC and don't overspeed the PTO.
Road speeds are dependant on several variables. First and foremost you have to be able to stop. So good brakes are a must. Otherwise, go slow, or not at all. (Try stopping 6 tons of grain with an 8N and only one wheel brake working, in town)
Again engine condition is important. A fresh engine will do better than a tired one.
Available gears. Do you have a Sherman Auxilary trans or the standard 4 speed.
Rear tire size: 10, 11, 12 inch on what size rims? Bigger tires potentially go faster, if you have the power to push them.
Load. Carrying it or dragging it. Will your hydraulics hold up the mower in transport position or will the tailwheel drag?
There are several web sites that have the engine rpm/gear/ground speed charts. Take a look at them. I don't remember just which sites I saw that information on. It may very well have been John Smith's
5 miles is a pleasure cruise. Enjoy the view and smell the air. (don't forget your slow moving vehicle signs)
Hope that helps

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denton

11-13-2002 04:10:50




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 Re: Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Barnstormer, 11-12-2002 17:53:50  
Good post. Couldn't have said it better. I also agree with a 5' brush hog.



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Oops..forgot, Barnstormer

11-12-2002 18:42:03




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 Re: Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Barnstormer, 11-12-2002 17:53:50  
You said paved road but not how smooth. You can lose steering control with the brush hog raised and hit some rough road. The front end will bounce easily. Also, is the steering tight? It is amazing how wobbly the front wheels can get at 10 mph with worn out steering.
After considering it all, a half hour trip with everything perfect in standard 4th, longer if less ideal situation. With a Sherman, make that 20 minutes, roughly.

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greg martindill

11-12-2002 20:07:33




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 Re: Re: Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Oops..forgot, Barnstormer, 11-12-2002 18:42:03  
Guys,I appreciate the info,but Im interested in the road speed of an 8N in the highest gear it has,eg;10mph.Lets suppose the engine is in excellent condition and the hydraulics working perfectly carrying a 4 ft.bushhog down a well paved road with minimal deterents.Please advise



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Dell (WA)

11-12-2002 20:38:47




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to greg martindill, 11-12-2002 20:07:33  
Greg..... ..tractors are really not meant to be highway cruzers. 10 mph is fast and bouncy enuff. Be sure to keep your mouth closed or ya gonna haff buggs all over yer ivorys. Wear eyeglasses too.

And as you have been previously counseled, get and use a 5' brushog with ORC, don't mucka round with 4 footer. And if you've already squandered your $$$ on a 4 footer or even if it was a freebie, take it back on a trade-in and get a 5 footer, you'll be glad you did..... ....respectfully, Dell

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Greg Martindill

11-13-2002 17:19:32




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 8N brushhog size in reply to Dell (WA), 11-12-2002 20:38:47  
Thanks to all who posted a response,your insight was helpful.Greg



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