The only disc I have ever used has been a 6 ft or 8 ft. 3 pt. type. The 6 ft. Ive used was pulled by a small MF or Ford and the 8 ft was pulled by a borrowed Ford (not sure of model, but definately larer than the MF135). I was really surprised how much that 8 ft disc pulled the tractor. Anyway, now I have a Ford 7710 4wd and want to get a disc to use on foodplots. Ive been told by local farmers how much better a drag type disc works than a 3 pt type. However the 3 pt is much easier to manuver in tight areas and get on and off a trailer. What would you say would be the "perfect" disc for my needs. I want to be able to cover some ground but still be able to get through gates and possibly carry with trailer. Would you suggest a good heavy 3 pt or a drag type, also, about what size would fit this tractor setup? thanks
Well, if you have to get through gates and want to transport easily on trailer, that will set the upper limits right there.
How many acres of food plots are you thinking of disking, and how often?
The 7710 should easily handle a 10-14ft disk depending on soil conditions, terrain and overall weight and style of disk. I have a tractor the same size and use an older Ford 3-pt
disk that is 10ft wide. It's a model 201 and has 32 blades, 8 on each axle. This disk is a very easy pull for a 7-8000 lb tractor, but it does the job for me. These kind of disks can still be found used and also come smaller. Don't worry if you have to use a disk that is "too small" for the tractor. As long as it covers the wheel tracks and you don't abuse it you will be OK.
Even a 10' disk should probably be loaded sideways on a trailer or truck, do you really want to travel any distance with something 10' wide?
Personally I would stay away from a pure drag type disk without wheels. Go for either a wheel disk around 12' or smaller or a 3-point. Used International or Oliver wheel disks are good, or the 3-pt Ford and MF's do a nice job also.
If you are looking at new 3-point go for the heaviest models. Athens, Hay King, Land Pride, Monroe all make something.
http://www.hayking.com/3-pt Disc.htm
http://www.hayking.com/pull-type_disc.htm
http://www.monroetufline.com/products/t4x_hl-series-disc.htm
I would look for something used and save some money, it's only a disk.