7 ft tandem or offset harrow

[sawtooth]

Can someone explain advantages and disadvantages of the two? Looking to buy but don't know which way to go. I do small 1 acre wildlife food plots. Thanks,

 

[cspot]

Have you thought about getting a 3pt tiller instead. They do a nice job for food plots in preparing the soil.

 

[sawtooth]

I have but some areas are rocky and not sure how the tillers do in rough terrain. I have used one in good soil though and it worked great.

Have you thought about getting a 3pt tiller instead. They do a nice job for food plots in preparing the soil.

 

[JoeinTX]

Little difference in a tandem or off-set at 7' in terms of plowing.

If you're mounting 3pt, presumably, go with the tandem. The offset equivalent will be longer and heavier off the mount and more trouble.


The differences between tandem and off-set don't really show up until you hit the 10' plus segment where you have genuine "plowing" off-sets and more conditioning tandem "harrows" for soil conditioning. Today, you can find serious heavy off-set disc plows. You don't find serious 10' tandem discs anymore.

 

[gwdixon]

For off-set (pull):
-Usually the break open can be adjusted for the conditions.
-You can only turn left.
-A single "ditch" is left in the ground on the lead disc.
-Levels the land a bit.

For off-set (3 PH):
-As above but it will pull the rear of the tractor one way.
-If a soft soil area is encountered it will jump to the right - like along a fenceline (don't ask).

For tandem (3 PH):
-A small strip down the middle will not be disced.
-At higher speed the soil will be thrown out both directions making a shallow ditch the width of the implement.
-Turning with the disc engaged will create a deep groove as the blades scrape the soil rather than cut it. It should be lifted at the end of a row.

 

[MMagis]

For off-set (pull):
-Usually the break open can be adjusted for the conditions.
-You can only turn left.
-A single "ditch" is left in the ground on the lead disc.
-Levels the land a bit.

For off-set (3 PH):
-As above but it will pull the rear of the tractor one way.
-If a soft soil area is encountered it will jump to the right - like along a fenceline (don't ask).

For tandem (3 PH):
-A small strip down the middle will not be disced.
-At higher speed the soil will be thrown out both directions making a shallow ditch the width of the implement.
-Turning with the disc engaged will create a deep groove as the blades scrape the soil rather than cut it. It should be lifted at the end of a row.

I have to disagree with most of what you have written. Proper set up eliminates the problems you listed.

 

[sweettractors]

Can someone explain advantages and disadvantages of the two? Looking to buy but don't know which way to go. I do small 1 acre wildlife food plots. Thanks,

Usually a offset type will leave the ground a little rougher. Ken Sweet

 

[gwdixon]

I have to disagree with most of what you have written. Proper set up eliminates the problems you listed.

Be specific and educational.

 

[sawtooth]

thanks guys for the responses. I found a 7.5ft Howse Heavy duty HT series for $1250. It weighs close to 1100lbs so should cut real nice for a tandem. Again thanks for the info.

 

[sweettractors]

I would assume that disc would have roller bearings and not box bearings? Ken Sweet