Disc Harrow Ford 5610 MWFD vs Athens 97 Offset Disk Harrow

[sawtooth]

Guys I spoke to Athens today and they are telling me that their model 97 offset is too much machine for my tractor. This is in the 7'6 size. I need this width to cover my tracks so I really don't want to go smaller. From what they're telling me the tractor will pull it is lifting the disk that's the problem. So my question is do you guys agree with this? The tractor is designed to lift 3100 pounds 2 feet behind the lift balls. I understand that this is a long implement but seems to me considering that my tractor is MWFD with cab and with front loader that it should handle it OK. I also understand the Ford tractors are getting older and a lot of the sales guys don't really know a lot about them. So my question to you is what are your thoughts? Do you think my tractor can handle this implement?

 

[Lineman North Florida]

How come you decided not to go with the Brown? It does weigh about 275lbs less than the Athens and more importantly several thousand $ lighter on you're pocket.

 

[jeff9366]

It seems to me Athens has every reason to sell you an Athen's brand Disc.

If Athens tells you your tractor is short of capacity, I would listen.

Athens employees are paid for matching tractors to Athens implements.

With rare exceptions, T-B-N respondents are amateurs, myself included.


You have omitted to fill in your T-B-N profile. Your location would give us an idea of your soil type, annual rainfall, rainfall pattern and altitude, all critical to Disc selection. I speculate Athens asked your location.

Athens offers their mounted Offset Discs in 24" and 22" pan diameter. Which pan diameter did you discuss with Athens? Substantial difference in weight. Same pan diameter options on pull-type Offsets.

 

[RickB]

I seems to me Athens has every reason to sell you an Athen's brand Disc.

If they tell you your tractor is short of capacity, I would listen.

Athens employees are paid for matching tractors to Athens implements.

With rare exceptions, T-B-N respondents are amateurs.

Well stated.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I looked at the Athens website​and they recommend a 70 plus HP tractor for that unit. I don't know how they calculate those specifications. I would assume HP per disc with weight and length of disc. You might be better off looking at a pull type. Not as nimble but still a viable option.

I just sold my dad's old 131 spring flex Athens disc. That bugger was north of 3K in weight and would bring our AC 180 to it's knees. That 180 was rebuilt to 185 specs and was putting out 75 HP at the PTO.

I would look for a decent used pull type disc and save some money. I know the quality of Athens is top of the mark and they are pricey.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

Sawtooth, before I bought my pull type offset harrow I borrowed that exact disc an Athens model 97 and used it to cut about 20 acres last year, my tractor is rated for a little over 3200lbs behind the lift arms and it picked it up just fine, I'm not real sure why Athens feels like you're tractor is undersized to lift it, I personally believe you would be O.K. but this would be coming from an amateur.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I just found this Sawtooth.


Athens Offset Disc Harrow

 

[sawtooth]

How come you decided not to go with the Brown? It does weigh about 275lbs less than the Athens and more importantly several thousand $ lighter on you're pocket.

I may actually still do the brown but I'm really intrigued by the heavier duty machine. Good question though

 

[sawtooth]

It seems to me Athens has every reason to sell you an Athen's brand Disc.

If Athens tells you your tractor is short of capacity, I would listen.

Athens employees are paid for matching tractors to Athens implements.

With rare exceptions, T-B-N respondents are amateurs, myself included.


You have omitted to fill in your T-B-N profile. Your location would give us an idea of your soil type, annual rainfall, rainfall pattern and altitude, all critical to Disc selection. I speculate Athens asked your location.

Athens offers their mounted Offset Discs in 24" and 22" pan diameter. Which pan diameter did you discuss with Athens? Substantial difference in weight. Same pan diameter options on pull-type Offsets.

Jeff I agree but problem is I have ran into this on multiple occasions as the new sales guys really don't know the strength and capability of the old Ford's as they relate more to the newer equipment which is lighter duty and lacks some nuts compared to the old steel. When I spoke to the guy on the phone I could tell he was going more by horsepower. Once I told him 70hp then he just discussed lift capacity but said I have plenty of horsepower but not enough lift capacity so go figure. Anyway I really questioned his knowledge so is why I'm here with you guys now discussing this. Most of the newer machines 80hp and lower just don't stack up to some of the older steel and the newer sales guys just can't relate to this.

 

[sawtooth]

Sawtooth, before I bought my pull type offset harrow I borrowed that exact disc an Athens model 97 and used it to cut about 20 acres last year, my tractor is rated for a little over 3200lbs behind the lift arms and it picked it up just fine, I'm not real sure why Athens feels like you're tractor is undersized to lift it, I personally believe you would be O.K. but this would be coming from an amateur.

Wow great info. Was it the 7'6 version with 20 disc?