I'm looking at a bush hog as a springtime present for my 8n. How large of a bush hog could an 8n reasonably use, assuming tall grass, weeds, and some shrubs?

Thank you.

HiYa Matt-
The ROTARY MOWER, as hogs were originally called, now are the Brush Hog, NOTE: 'BUSH HOG' is a brand name but most everyone now calls any and all bush hogs now... : > )

Anyway, 5' and 6' are mostly what you'll find -never saw a 7 or 8 footer, and ether will work just fine on an N. With an 8N you have the privelege of POSITION CONTROL to control lift height with. On a 9N/2N model, you only have DRAFT CONTROL but you can use limiters chains or get a Zane thang, now sold by Red Rock Mfg, to add POSITION CONTROL to your tractor which will allow height adjustability. Depending on how high the weeds are, you may need to make two or more passes so the need to set the height on mower/hog helps a lot. 2nd gear is used for mowing under normal conditions but you may need to drop down into 1st if brush is too thick and/or you are using a dull blade. I highly advise to buy a model that has the STUMP JUMPER feature. Also, get a brand that has tech support and parts availability is easily obtained. I also suggest to use STABILIZER BARS and an ORC (Over Riding Clutch) when mowing or hogging. Both items sold at parts supply outlets like JUST8N's. STAB BARS must be set correctly - they prevent implement from swaying left and right. Finally, especially with old overgrowth, survey the land/field you will be hogging before you mow so you can detect and ID or remove any old stumps, logs, rocks, car parts, hidden sink holes, or dead bodies.

ROTARY MOWER; aka BRUSH HOG:

FORD 8N w/WOODS 660 FINISH MOWER:

AFTERMARKET STABILIZER BAR KIT SOLD TODAY:

FORD TRACTOR/DEARBORN EQUIPMENT OEM STABILIZER BAR FENDER BRACKETS:

FORD TRACTOR/DEARBORN EQUIPMENT OEM STABILIZER BAR SET UP APPLICATION:

FORD OPTIONAL ACCESSORY –AFTERMARKET STABILIZER BAR KIT, TYPICAL SETUP:

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)

When I got my 8N I wanted to get the usual things to go with it. You know, some kind of bush hog like cutter, a disc, maybe a plow to do a small garden. We have ten acres that we really don't use other than for three houses and yards.

So, I inventoried what I had. In my "pile" I had a six foot drag type cutter with the residual IH symbol on it in the rust. Not much information was to be found, but it's one that my dad found and brought home. We used it behind an old H Farmall.

Bottom line: That 8N pulls that thing just fine. I think the six foot width is offset by not having to use the lift, I just hook it to the drawbar. As far as power goes, I am lucky that my little tractor has the power it came with.

Oh, the over running clutch adapter is a must!

The consensus on this question is a 5 foot. Time and patience (and sometimes multiple passes) will handle that tall grass.

Thank you. I was looking at a six foot one, so this is timely and useful info.

I agree 5 foot, you must use an overiding clutch on the PTO output drive.

You don't like being pushed into trees, fences, etc?

Certainly improves the safety!