older tractor for haying - need decison help

chris in tn · Jan 12, 2010

looking at a international 350 utility or a ford 8n as a second tractor. It will mainly be used for hay tedding and raking. Any sugesstions between the two? they appear to be in comprable shape. I think the 350 is a larger size overall

Walterdavies · Jan 12, 2010

For tedding I would look for a live pto and about 35 to 40 HP. Also a tractor with plenty of ground clearance like a high crop model, you will need that when making rows. I use a Cockshutt 35 High Crop.

Walt

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Wisconsin Cowman · Jan 12, 2010

I would go with the 350. Has a lot more options compared to the 8n.

Wisconsin Cowman · Jan 12, 2010

I would go with the 350. Has a lot more options compared to the 8n.

Wesley Stephens · Jan 12, 2010

I would definitely go with the International. I've spent enough time on an 8n to know that they aren't much of a tractor.

Anonymous-0 · Jan 12, 2010

Walt is that a MF haybine in the back???

old · Jan 12, 2010

Does the 350U have power steering??? That is a big thing with the 300U and if I remember right the 350U and they are bears to steer with out power steering. As for the 8N they steer easy. 8N is around 23HP, no live any thing so you push the clutch pedal down you have no hyds. or PTO The 350U should have live PTO or as some would say independent PTO and live hyds. at around 43HP

Walterdavies · Jan 12, 2010

Its MH 725 Mower conditioner. with a broken roller shaft that is not available anymore.
Walt

olgentdc · Jan 12, 2010

If you are on level ground the little Ford will do alright . I raked with a Ford like that for a neighbor ... went up the hill in 2nd or 3rd came back down at idle in 4th patting the brakes .... but i have got to agree with Walt ,,It looks like he is on some hillsides,, therefore there is a need for lugging power going up and down hills, and it is nice to stay in the same gear ,,.If you have a few wash outs and ruf spots to cross you will appreciate the 38 'wheels to smooth out the ride ,,
Those smaller rims will wear Ya out early beating across a rough field ... my 2cents ,,,

scot in pa · Jan 13, 2010

The utes run 28" rubber. I would take the 350. It has plenty of ground clearance unless you are making some massive winrows. Plenty of power for a tedder. Personally, I would look for a 300 or 400 row-crop with the early single-cylinder quick hitch on it. They don't have near the wear points to loosen them up like the later ones.

Mike M · Jan 13, 2010

It would depend on the price. Of those 2 the IH might be better especially if had had live pto and hyd.

For just those jobs you could find any old tractor cheaper then those models.

495man · Jan 13, 2010

Just about any tractor with a drawbar and PTO can be used for both raking hay and tedding with pull type rake & tedder.

I would be more concerned with had a decent travel speed, so check speeds and gear spacing, eg we have an old W-4, 5 speed, 4th too slow to rake in unless wide open, 5th road gear... versus almost idling with other diesel tractors with 8 speed boxes.

The 350 might be 10-speed with T/A, so assuming that 4th (9th) is about 5-6 MPH you should be fine. 8N's aren't really a usable tractor now a days, but if geared right, would pull a rake and run a tedder.

I wouldn't necessarily worry about live PTO for tedder, it's not like you are turning it on and off or starting/stopping the tractor that much.

The small two rotor tedders only need 15 PTO to run.

older tractor for haying - need decison help

chris in tn

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