Hey guys,
I'm looking for my first tractor to buy. Ive looked on craigslist for some and they are all older. Im looking to do a little part time shredding. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Update: found a ford n9 with shredder for $2500 does that sound worth it. It was converted to 12 volt and has new starter and ignition system.
It really depends on the condition, but 9Ns usually go for less than that around here. They're solid machines...easy to work on, cheap parts, etc, but they do have some limitations you can avoid without spending more money.
The three big things with a 9N are that it has a 3 speed transmission, non-live hydraulics and the PTO is off the transmission. That means you're often at the wrong ground speed when you're at 540 PTO speed (what most implements require to work properly), you can't move the 3pt hitch with the clutch pushed in and the PTO stops if the clutch is pushed in. It doesn't seem like the last two would be a big deal, but they can be a real pain at times.
A lot of times when you're shredding you have to back into places or stop and start while raising the 3pt to get the mower to clear obstacles....with a 9N you'll the mower will slow down and the 3pt won't work when you're pushing in the clutch and you'll have to take it out of gear, let the clutch back out, spin up the blades, or raise the 3pt, push the clutch back in, put it back in gear....etc.
For around the same money you can probably find something like an NAA (followed the 8N) or any of the hundred series Fords...both were available with live hydraulics and dual-stage clutches so you can work the 3pt and have the blades under power while shifting gears, changing directions, etc.
If you're talking about shredding for money, rather than on your own property, all of the above becomes more important. You won't believe all the stuff you'll find in fields that will have you trying to stop, turn, raise the 3pt etc all on short-notice. My neighbor ran into a car like that once...just buried in tall grass!
