Two-bottom plow always two-bottom?

[maps]

Roy, Unfortunately I'm not sure how any of the plows I've noticed on Craigslist are configured. I currently live in Norfolk, VA but drive "home" to western NC every other weekend. Knowing I need a plow eventually, I keep an eye open for any incredible, too-good-to-pass deals between here and there. I'll be sure to pay attention to how each bottom is connected; although, it sounds like a moot point due to my underestimation of the L4400's ability.

Ken, Thanks for the info and for the eBay links. From the ~$200 plow photos I've seen on Craigslist compared with the pieces you've show, I certainly see the variablity of what is out there.

Dave

 

[sweettractors]

Roy, Unfortunately I'm not sure how any of the plows I've noticed on Craigslist are configured. I currently live in Norfolk, VA but drive "home" to western NC every other weekend. Knowing I need a plow eventually, I keep an eye open for any incredible, too-good-to-pass deals between here and there. I'll be sure to pay attention to how each bottom is connected; although, it sounds like a moot point due to my underestimation of the L4400's ability.

Ken, Thanks for the info and for the eBay links. From the ~$200 plow photos I've seen on Craigslist compared with the pieces you've show, I certainly see the variablity of what is out there.

Dave

With moldboards at $150 each and points at $28 each and landslides at $14 to $28 each and shins at $14-$16 each and when a plow is missing Coulters and you cannot find or buy them at $75 each, used plows being sprung and the trips and frogs being wore out.. A craigslist plow will wind costing a arm and a leg by the time you get it up in shape. Ken Sweet

 

[Chilly807]

You may get lucky and find something like this one. I didn't pay a lot for it, a bit of work and it's in decent shape again. Your 4400 should have no trouble with a double bottom , my 3400 pulls the 2-12 MF plow shown here pretty easy.

In my opinion, unless you're plowing a lot of ground regularly, you can make do with an older plow as long as it's complete or repairable. Like Ken said, parts for older plows might be hard to come by.

Sean

 

[boatyard]

While you gentlemen are on the topic of bottom plows, may I ask a question?

How about a single bottom plow?


I have a New holland TC35A geared tractor. My neighbor has a nice,[16?] single bottom plow at a fair price. $350. I have a modest garden that I get plowed by the dairy farmer who cuts the hay on my 5 acres of hay fields.I would like to be able to do the work myself,on my schedule. I have also rototilled the garden. The garden is a bit big for the tiller, IMO..

Is there any reason not to use a single bottom plow other then the fact that a two bottom would be faster? I own a 3PH disc harrow.

 

[Chilly807]

Other than that I find $350 a bit steep, a single bottom plow is just a bit slower than a double. Most of us aren't in that much of a hurry anyway.

Sean

 

[sweettractors]

You may get lucky and find something like this one. I didn't pay a lot for it, a bit of work and it's in decent shape again. Your 4400 should have no trouble with a double bottom , my 3400 pulls the 2-12 MF plow shown here pretty easy.

In my opinion, unless you're plowing a lot of ground regularly, you can make do with an older plow as long as it's complete or repairable. Like Ken said, parts for older plows might be hard to come by.

Sean

That is a nice plow and will do you a fine job until you break a point or moldboard. Parts are not available for the 2 piece setup. Ken Sweet

 

[sweettractors]

While you gentlemen are on the topic of bottom plows, may I ask a question?

How about a single bottom plow?


I have a New holland TC35A geared tractor. My neighbor has a nice,[16?] single bottom plow at a fair price. $350. I have a modest garden that I get plowed by the dairy farmer who cuts the hay on my 5 acres of hay fields.I would like to be able to do the work myself,on my schedule. I have also rototilled the garden. The garden is a bit big for the tiller, IMO..

Is there any reason not to use a single bottom plow other then the fact that a two bottom would be faster? I own a 3PH disc harrow.

Measure from the center of your drawbar to the inside of your right rear tire. If you don't have 27 inches, the 1-16 will worry you to death. Ken Sweet

 

[maps]

Gotta love wisdom!

Ken, appreciate you putting potential plow rehab in perspective. Real considerations for a guy who hasn't touched a plow in forever and doesn't quite have the time to invest in many extracurricular projects yet.

Dave

 

[boatyard]

Thank you Ken, I will make that measurement.

 

[Barry Bowen]

Some general rules on moldboard plows. They are intended to go half as deep as they are wide. In other words, a 12" plow is only ment to go down 6". IH and JD plows are the easiest older plows to still get parts for. Dealer still handle, and other places like A&I or Agrisupply will have all you need. Many of the IH 16" bottoms use some left hand bolts for the shears, no real reason, they just do. IH does a better job turning over the soil. If you get a chance to look at the two brands side by side you will see the the moldboard on the IH turns forward and shatters the ground much better. The JD will trail off and leaves the furrows standing up and much harder to disc smooth. What ever you get, try to get one with trip bottoms. All you have to do is stop, back up to reset, and start plowing again.

Along the MD/PA line between Baltimore and York, a good 2 bottom JD 14" trip, with culters and guage wheel will bring 300-600.