GANG ANGLE ADJUSTMENT - NEW 16/18" BOX FRAME DISC HARROWS

[gwdixon]

I'm curious as to why there is a need for adjusting the gang angle. The optimum gang angle should be set by the factory and not need changing in the field. I'm more familiar with the larger machines up to 50' cutting width so maybe there is a reason that the small 3PT discs require adjustment of gang angle. Othersize, I would think that an angle of 18 to 20 degrees for the front gang and about 17 to 18 degrees for the back gang should be a happy medium. A higher gang angle provides better cutting action and moves more soil laterally but is also more prone to plugging with debris. A lower gang angle provides less aggressive cutting action and better leveling.

Some tractors in some soils can't pull a fully open disc. Adjusting the "bite" remedies this.

Some people want to renovate pastures by pulling the blades at no angle.

The larger (meaning 7' to 10') "break-open" offset discs have several stops that allow a variety of cuts. The tandem disc can also offer a variety of cuts if it is adjustable.

 

[npalen]

I'm beginning to get the picture here and am learning more about how discs are used in various applications. It seems that gang angle is used to control cutting depth which in turn determines draft and drawbar power requirements. I come from the school of using the wheels of the disc to control cutting depth. I'm sure that both methods have their advantages and are more applicable in some parts of the world than others. I know that many discs have been built without any wheels and so adjusting the gang angle is imperative. This reminds me of the disc we had on the farm as a kid growing up in the '50's. It was a 10 or 12 ft. tandem with no wheels and the tongue had a series of holes for adjusting the gang angle. For roading we would straighten the gangs to zero angle so that all the blades acted as "wheels". I digress here but also remember engaging the clutch at little fast on the little D2 CAT one day and jerking the tongue apart at one of the holes. I was worried about what Dad would say so I took it upon myself to hurriedly weld the tongue back together. That was one of my very first experiences with an arc welder but it did hold.

Edit: Here's a good example of a disk without wheels:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmQWgerEGg&feature=endscreen&NR=1

 

[wolftree]

jeff9366, Once you set your gang angle the first time, there is usally little reason to ever change it. Set it when new, try a few passes and change it only if you need to. If it ever needs changed, grab a grandson or young neighbor (40s). I am in my 60s as well and realize there are a lot of little things in life that I really do not need to worry about. Being off 2-5 degrees on disk gang angle of attack falls in this category.

 

[6string]

I have a Howse angle frame light duty disk that I bought about 6 years ago from JD dealer(labled Agrevere) and I paid $900 for it. It is a major pain in the back to adjust the gang angles on. If I set it beyond the 2nd position, it makes the tractor crab to the right. I have adjusted the 3 point by the tractor manual and disk manual and neither helped.

 

[jeff9366]

Howse DLHT 16822 was quoted $1000. No handles or other aids visible for adjusting gangs. I would like to know the weight of this model. Howse web site is sparse on information.

Howse DLHT 16822 is offered with several bearing options. Weight is 600 pounds [+/-].

Monroe Tufline THE71618PM has lever adjust for gang angles. It has 1-1/8" axle; other are 1".

I received a quote of $2000 - $2100 for the Tufline with 1-1/8" axles, THE71618, depending on bearings ordered. Tufline dealer was HIGH on Tufline and another brand harrow we discussed.

 

[npalen]

The difference between the 1" and 1 1/8" shafts (axle) doesn't sound like much but the 1 1/8" is 60% stronger. The Moment of Inertia, which determines resistance against bending uses the thickness to the fourth power as part of the calculation. The grade of steel from which the axle is made is very important also because it determines how far the axle will bend without taking a permanent set.

 

[jeff9366]

The difference between the 1" and 1 1/8" shafts (axle) doesn't sound like much but the 1 1/8" is 60% stronger. The Moment of Inertia, which determines resistance against bending uses the thickness to the fourth power as part of the calculation. The grade of steel from which the axle is made is very important also because it determines how far the axle will bend without taking a permanent set.

This is an excellent example of why I spend time on T-B-N.

Thank you, N. Palen

 

[jeff9366]

Good input on disc harrows in general and differing opinions on SCREW-ADJUSTMENT OF GANG ANGLES.

How about a Land Pride disc harrow owner commenting on HANDLE ADJUSTMENT OF GANG ANGLES and draw pin set up?

How about a Howse DLHT 16822 owner commenting on Howse adjustment method?

How about a Monroe Tufline disc harrow owner commenting on Tufline's LEVER ADJUSTMENT OF GANG ANGLES?

Thanks.

 

[jeff9366]

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.​

 

[Reyer Farms]

I have a howse, and changing the angle is some work. I had to loosen U bolts to slide gangs out to allow the steeper angle. I have the front angled all the way, rear angled a little flatter. Cutting with first pair and leveling in the back. I did not tighten the axle nuts after first use, but may need to now. I have used mine for two years and very happy with it. Sorry I'm late but I'm a dollar short too congrats on the disc Jeff hope you enjoy it!