Tractor Repair: 8N Bogs Down, piston displacement, gene martin

Question
When I am bushhogging my field my 8N bogs down in taller grass.What I usally do is back out of grass and press down on clutch and let bushhog build up speed again.What gives?Is it the govenor?Ihave good plugs,fuel filter.Can you help? It is a 1952 8N.Thank You

Answer
No
 Subject: 8N Bogs Down Question: When I am bushhogging my field my 8N bogs down in taller grass.What I usally do is back out of grass and press down on clutch and let bushhog build up speed again.What gives?Is it the govenor?Ihave good plugs,fuel filter.Can you help? It is a 1952 8N.Thank You

Hi Gene.
Well let’s consider the tractor a good one in its day but like all of us she don’t get any younger.
I might be that you are expecting too much of her, by today’s standards
She only had about 23 hp when new – if the engine has not been rebuilt, then due to age she might be only putting out half of that!!!!!
Only you know her history?
The Bushhog may well have clogged up with the long grass making it imposable to turn over. Digging a little shallower might be an answer then going over the ground again later making a second cut! Thus achieving the original depth intended.
Do not slip the clutch to build up revs as this may lead to other problems later.
It might be an idea to have a compression test on the engine this will confirm condition of engine.
Also check points in distributor this can make a vast difference to performance.
Give me a follow up Gene.
Martin

Engine
   Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-cylinder "L" head
   Maximum Drawbar HP. 2nd Gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23.16
   Maximun belt horsepower at 2000 R.P.M. . . . . . 27.32
   Rated speeds . . . . . . . . . . 1500, 1750, and 2000 RPM.
   Idle speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400-450 R.P.M.
   Cylinder bore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.188 in.
   Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.75 in.
   Piston displacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119.7 cu. in.
   Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 lbs ft. at 1500 rpm
   Compression ratio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.50:1
   Sleeves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dry type
   Piston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aluminum
     Rings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compression (2) Oil (1)