Mystery brackets

[Sean McDonnell]

When I purchased my 2n this past summer it had a set of brackets that extend from the back of the bell housing to the rear of the trans. There is one on each side of the belly of the tractor and the previous owner made some steps that bolt on to them. I was wondering what the brackets were for, there is an ID plate riveted to one but I can't read the information anymore. I've included a pic of the left one. Any ideas?

 

[Lodemia2]

Could they be for a side mounted sickle bar mower? My Grandfathr had a 8N with similar brackets if my memory serves me right.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The brackets are to mount a side-mounted sickle mower, also called a highway mower. They were used many times to mow ditches as the sickle could run from vertical all the way down to around 45 to 60 degrees below horizontal. There were Ferguson, Dearborn, and Ford versions. Those brackets usually stayed on the tractor when the mower was removed.

 

[Sean McDonnell]

Thank you both for the feedback, guess I have to go find a sicklebar now to go with my brackets.