1st time brush hog operation

Depending on the transmission arrangement you have, you may not be able to engage/disengage the hog from the rear axle gearing while it is spinning. On my '48 8N, when I depress the clutch the hog acts like a flywheel and keeps driving the tractor ahead for about four seconds, even with full brakes (in my case that isn't much).

I am also new to this, and have had some close calls. I look at it like driving on the Santa Monica Freeway -- be sure you have room to maneuver right or left around a hazard if you spot one in heavy brush only 8 or 10 feet ahead of you, rather than planning on stopping short of it. Best to walk carefully over all new ground before hogging.

I rigged a pair of cable "preventers" with permanent attachments on the hog and caribiners on the tractor end which snap onto high fixtures which mounted on the rear end just above the top pivot of the three-point hitch (not sure if that's standard for 8N). The preventers go on with the hog raised, and allow it to drop to set mowing height and no lower. They also provide more shielding around the uncovered drive-shaft, which looks pretty scary.

Evidently Dell(WA) hasn't seen your post, or he would FLOG you serverely for not installing an overrunning coupler (ORC)! That's why the hog shoves you foreward when you try to stop. Please, invest in one and save yourself some headaches and possibly your life! Ron

I have an 8N and King Kutter 5' mower and cut in 1st gear with 1/2+ throttle.

When starting, I recommend setting the desired mower height first, then disengage the tractor PTO, before hooking up the mower driveline to the tractor PTO. Then engage the tractor PTO and slowly release the clutch pedal.

Also, there should be 1/3 overlap of the telescoping mower driveline. With the overrunning clutch, I didn't have much leeway, so I ended up cutting off 2 1/2" inches on each end of the driveline (plastic shell and metal shaft).

I highly recommend limiter chains and stabilizer bars.

Happy mowing!

Chris

Sanford

For what it's worth, my 8N operator's manual says that 1500 engine rpm = 545 pto rpm. If you don't have a proofmeter (tachometer) on your N, use your ears and the seat of your pants. Neither the tractor nor the rotary cutter should sound like they're working hard at the proper operating rpm. It's actually a pretty laid back, mellow sound. When you've selected the proper ground speed (chosen the right gear) for the cutting conditions, it all comes together and work becomes fun...just you and the tractor...notice the sound of the engine when the governor does it's thing as you encounter some tough grass or a slight grade.

Have fun and be careful.

JK (TN)