I accepted delivery on a Howse 16/18" box-frame disc harrow, DLHT 16822B, today.
My local Kubota dealer recommended the Howse. They have sold quite a few with no customer complaints. Kubota dealer volunteered freight came in lower than expected on a large order so charged me $950* delivered, rather than $1,000.* From my research the cheapest BOX FRAME/600 POUND Disc Harrow sized for compact tractors.
* No sales tax in Florida on ag or forestry equipment.
Price is not my first consideration but no LAND PRIDE ($$) nor TUFLINE ($$$) harrow owner championed their disc's features.
I pulled the Howse about three hours this afternoon. Per Kubota dealer's instruction, snugged 4 X 1-1/2" nuts on axles at end of day with a Crescent wrench. All four nuts had worked loose one or two turns. Dealer warned to tighten axle nuts often until gang assembly settles in.
I am going to search eBay for a long 1-1/2" open/box wrench.
(What about Nord-lock washers? Heico Wedge lock washers? Belleville lock washers? I have NO experience with premium lock washers.)
Howse cuts deep in Florida sandy loam, currently moist. Sixteen notched discs, rather than twenty discs, gives increased penetration; Howse has 38 pounds weight per disc.
Engaged 4-WD essential to pull disc. I could disc in HIGH on the HST during the first pass. On second pass, over now broken soil, had to use MEDIUM on the HST and give it a little hand throttle.
To adjust the gangs three ny-lock nuts are loosened on each gang, then center pivot bolt removed, then gangs slide on the frame. To facilitate gang adjustment I will replace two center pivot bolts with two 3/4" X 5-1/2" pins from TSC tomorrow. If I settle on one setting for the gangs I will remove the pins and return the center bolts/lock nuts.
I lubed adjustment surfaces with White Lightning (Brand) wax based bicycle chain lube. Should keep gangs sliding freely for awhile. Wax lube will not hold dust/dirt. Harrow will be stored outside, under a canvas tarp.
Photo #3 Note DROPPED CLEVIS HITCH. Dropped hitch allows compact tractor 3-Pt. hitch to raise the Howse very high. Discs are 18".
I will create a new thread to review the Howse once I have more experience with it.
Tractor/Loader is a Kubota B3300SU, 33-hp, 1,900 pounds, 4-WD, Industrial Tires (R-4)
About minimum horsepower and weight to pull Howse using 4-WD.