Sherman step down on 801?

[Rustyb1]

Hey all,
Just wondering if a Sherman step down would work on my 801 5spd?? Or anything similar. I’d like to go a little slower while I’m tilling. Thanks

 

[Sean in PA]

No, the Sherman auxiliary transmissions were only designed to work with the 3 speed transmissions on the 9N/2N and the 4 speed transmissions on the 8N and later tractors. As far as I am aware, there was never something equivalent offered for the 5 speed.

 

[Kirk -NJ]

Sean is correct. Simply the sherman won't fit in the case.

 

[Rustyb1]

So I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to make this happen. Is it possible to machine a Sherman to make it work or is it so far off a new case would be necessary?? I’ve read the step downs are rare and also that they slow down pto… so maybe the Sherman isn’t the way to go anyways… also wondering if I can modify first gear and just replace it as I only use 2nd for regular work anyways

 

[6 SLY PLACE]

You are right it's not the best way to go.

 

[Sean in PA]

So I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to make this happen. Is it possible to machine a Sherman to make it work or is it so far off a new case would be necessary?? I’ve read the step downs are rare and also that they slow down pto… so maybe the Sherman isn’t the way to go anyways… also wondering if I can modify first gear and just replace it as I only use 2nd for regular work anyways

If your original question related to "tilling" means a PTO powered roto-tiller, then a step-down auxiliary transmission would not help because the PTO speed is related to the rpm speed of the input of the transmission, and the Sherman replaces the input shaft on the transmission, so using it in step-down mode would slow down everything inside the transmission, including the PTO. Even if you could make it fit, the 850 with non-live PTO would have the same problem, and it flat out wouldn't work in an 860 due to the dual input shafts for the live PTO, as the Sherman has no way to accommodate the dual clutch and dual input shaft of the 860, so it wouldn't have any power to the PTO at all.

 

[Steve in IL]

Ok... You say you'll do whatever is necessary... In my opinion... That is buy a tractor with hydrostatic drive. My experience with tractor mounted tillers is that you need to be able to completely separate ground speed from PTO speed. Now, if you are a big commercial operator, doing big fields every year, then perhaps a tractor with a creeper gear works. But is your work varies considerably (old gardens, new gardens, sod, etc.), you need the complete ground speed flexibility that really only a hydrostatic drive system provides. My opinion.

 

[Dean]

So I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to make this happen. Is it possible to machine a Sherman to make it work or is it so far off a new case would be necessary?? I’ve read the step downs are rare and also that they slow down pto… so maybe the Sherman isn’t the way to go anyways… also wondering if I can modify first gear and just replace it as I only use 2nd for regular work anyways

Just about anything is possible with enough money and or time, but what you suggest is simply not cost effective.

Replace your tractor with another tractor with SOS, 4X2, or hydrostatic transmission for tiller usage.

 

[Husker 50 8n]

Hey all,
Just wondering if a Sherman step down would work on my 801 5spd?? Or anything similar. I’d like to go a little slower while I’m tilling. Thanks

You may have to till a little shallower and make more than one pass. Otherwise the SOS transmission has slower gears than the 5 speed while maintaining the same pto speed. But that involves a different tractor. The blue SOS transmissions (early 4000 and beyond) are considered very reliable and do not have the freewheeling gears that the 871/881 tractors had. I do like the SOS transmissions. It gives the vintage Fords 10 forward gears and the ease of shifting similar to a more modern tractor. I have a 3000-D SOS, early 4000 gas row crop SOS, and a 5000-D SOS. The SOS is nice in a hay field.

 

[Lynn Patrick]

A set of 24" rear tires would slow it down some.

 

[Rustyb1]

Should I look for the 10 speed sos and stay away from the dual range 8 speed??

 

[Rustyb1]

Looks like most your opinions are to upgrade to something newer considering the cost so I’m going to abandon that project… looks like a good idea considering what I can find for sale is pretty reasonable. I’m interested in a 4000 unless there is something else I should be looking for.. I’ll take any suggestions. Is gas vs diesel just a matter of preference? Should I scout a 10 speed sos or is the 8 speed dual also ok?? Should i consider something even newer I’m not aware of?

 

[ErnieD]

My brother ran a 6' tiller with a 1965 gas 3000 with 8 speed. I now have the tractor and tiller; have used it with a 861, 871, and a 3000D sos. Only problem with that sample of power, hit a rock with the 861 and twisted the pto shaft at the internal splines. The shafts were not hardened, and I replaced with a hardened shaft. You can take a half swath, two passes not so deep.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Looks like most your opinions are to upgrade to something newer considering the cost so I’m going to abandon that project… looks like a good idea considering what I can find for sale is pretty reasonable. I’m interested in a 4000 unless there is something else I should be looking for.. I’ll take any suggestions. Is gas vs diesel just a matter of preference? Should I scout a 10 speed sos or is the 8 speed dual also ok?? Should i consider something even newer I’m not aware of?

I do not recommend an SOS tractor.
An 8 speed Ford will only be slightly slower/better than what you have now.
What kind of soil do you have?
A tiller only works well in light soils.
Maybe skip the roto tiller and look for a 2 bottom plow, a disc harrow and a spike tooth drag for the tractor you have.
I have been doing deer plots and gardens that way for 20 years now and can see no advantage to changing - especially in our rocky soil.