How much HP for a 12' disk?

[TnWV]

I looked at 2 12' disks I found locally on Craigslist on Saturday with my Father in law and grand father in law. They are wanting a set of hydraulic transport discs to use on the hay fields. There was not any identification on them, but from my research, I believe them to be International Model 37 discs. We have been looking in the 9'-10' range, but haven't had any luck locally and ran across these 12's. Question is, how much tractor would it take to pull these discs? I have no experience with using a disc and they are kind of split on the issue. I have a Zetor 4341 4x4 with FEL and about 60 engine HP and my grand father in law has a 1967 MF275 2WD with around 75 engine HP. Those are our biggest tractors. They are transport type and can be raised if the pulling gets tough, but I don't want to over stress the tractors. We have a couple 5' & 6' "garden" type 3pt disks, but are wanting to get something heavier for the field work, and i just don't know much about using disks. My gut tells me we will be fine, and shouldn't pass up the deal (basically scrap price), but at the same time, I don't need more "stuff" laying around that won't get used either. I should have snapped a couple of pis of them, but walked off with out my phone when heading out to look at them. I've attached some photos of similar discs I found online. Really i think we could cut them down pretty easily if necessary. Any experience or advice is much appreciated? Thanks!

 

[L355SS]

I have a JD KBA12 12ft tandem with wheel carry and can pull it easily with my L355 (35hp) tractor.
Dennis

 

[DJ54]

I'd think the 275 would handle it pretty decent, especially if your just cutting the sod up some to reseed. I did some discing for a buddy of mine years back pulling a 13 footer with his 720 Deere in black gumbo, and it did fine. I knew it was back there, but it did pretty good.

Another buddy of mine tried to pull a 13 footer with his 5400 Deere last year. Had plenty of power, just not enough tractor, weight wise...

 

[kevin37b]

You need 5 HP a foot +/- , you will be fine . Plowed ground is gonna pull harder than untilled .Like you say just bump it upa little in a tough spot . Once again , question answered while I peck away .

 

[jenkinsph]

Be careful that the repair costs to get these old disks are not prohibitive. A properly ballasted 75hp tractor can pull some 12' disks, depends on the weight/blade and cutting angle. If the older disk needs alot of repairs you might be better off finding something in good shape to start with. Hard to know without specifics on the disks in question.

 

[TnWV]

I'd think the 275 would handle it pretty decent, especially if your just cutting the sod up some to reseed.

That is exactly what will be the main purpose. My in laws fields are already good orchard grass just want to break the sod up and reseed occasionally. I do have about 30 or so acres at my place that is in fescue, and we will eventually be plowing it up discing and reseeding to orchard grass. But it will most likely be done in small phases rather than all at once.

 

[jenkinsph]

I tilled up some Orchard grass to plant Bermuda and Perrenial Rye a month ago, lots of thick sod on that job.

 

[TnWV]

Be careful that the repair costs to get these old disks are not prohibitive. A properly ballasted 75hp tractor can pull some 12' disks, depends on the weight/blade and cutting angle. If the older disk needs alot of repairs you might be better off finding something in good shape to start with. Hard to know without specifics on the disks in question.

That is still in consideration. I have seen a bunch of these 37's for sale online from $1500-2000 or more. They are asking 300 each for the ones I looked at. They both are missing the hydro cylinder, need tires, and have 2-3 broken disks. I figure 200-400 a piece to get them in good working condition. Couldn't really Tell much about the bearings, but Neither had any breaks or welds. We may still pass on them, but just haven't found anything else within 2-3 hrs drive and are trying not in invest a fortune in it if possible.

 

[TnWV]

I tilled up some Orchard grass to plant Bermuda and Perrenial Rye a month ago, lots of thick sod on that job.

Around here, it seems that orchard grass with a slight mix of Timothy is what sells best and it seems grow pretty well too. No one wants fescue for horses, so eventually I want to get into a more marketable product. For now, I have some neighbors that bail my fields for their cows.

 

[TnWV]

I have a JD KBA12 12ft tandem with wheel carry and can pull it easily with my L355 (35hp) tractor.
Dennis

That's impressive of 35 HP!