Single moldboard plow/disc harrow

[GregMVT]

I have cleared about 1/2 acre of flat land that I want to use to expand my berry patch, possibly strawberries/blueberries instead of more raspberries, and vegtables. I had considered a tiller but don't think it would handle my soil. The top 2-4 inches is nice topsoil but below that is sand/gravel with some large rocks. Most of these are fist size but have pulled a dozen or so head size out of our current 50'x50' veggie garden. (I use a 7 hp Craftsman tiller for this and spend more time replacing sheer pins then tilling for this now!!) There is also about 3 acres of land that has 3 powerline right of ways that I would like to put berries on. I am not sure what the soil is like over there but it is hard packed between snowmobiles and ATV's. All of the land has been neglected with sumac and other brush growing on it for years. Here is what I am thinking, will it work?

A single (double?) bottom plow to loosen up the soil and break up the roots. A disk harrow (size suggestions?) to level it off an break up the soil more. Once the berry plants are in I won't need the plow for this however I would be using it for the 1/4-1/2 acre vegtable garden instead of the small tiller I have now. The plows I am looking at are online at TSC. Any suggestions on size/set up would be appreciated. I would be using a Kioti CK30 to pull this.

I have used a single bottom plow on a Farmall Cub 20 years ago at a convent I used to work for. It was about 2-3 acres but was plowed and tilled every year.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

GregMVT: Rather than get the TSC single bottom, suggest you find an "old" Dearborn 2x12". You will spend as much for the TSC single bottom as for the much better 50 year old Dearborn plow. You may even find a single bottom Deere or IH wheeled plow (pull behind) for about $150. These are still to be found and are much better plows than TSC sells, especially if you have "rough" ground. You may have to put some weight on the CK to pull a 2 bottom but I think you will be much happier as the TSC is a manual reset plow. BobG in VA

 

[Atch4115]

I agree with BobG I had a 2x12 Dearborn I pulled with my MF 231.When I downsized my JD didn't want to pick them up high enough so I bought a Leinbach single 12 made just for compact tractors.It does a good job but it isn't half the plow the dearborn was.I just sold the dearborn this week and could only get 150 out of it.I think I paid about 250 for the Leinbach.The only thing I might add is if you get an older plow make sure the wear parts (moldboard,points,etc.)are still available.

 

[js5020]

I took an old 2-16 trailer plow I got for free and modified it to fit on the 3 point,, also took off 1 of the bottoms it was a little hard to pull with both of them. Been using it for years. If you have a box blade you might be able to use it to loosen things up with the shanks and then harrow or disk. Just drop the shanks down and pitch it forward and keep the cutting edge out of the dirt.

 

[sweettractors]

We stock 10-15 of the used 2-12 Dearborn and Ferguson plows and usually replace needed parts as shown in the picture below (put 2 new moldboards on these)--Ken Sweet

 

[GregMVT]

Bob, I would prefer getting an older plow. I think it would last much longer in the soil I have to work with. It looks like I will have to take a Saturday and check out the local tractor dealers to see what they have for used equipment around here. Could you tell me the difference between a 12 and a 14? I assume it is a measurement of something. Thanks for your help.

 

[Egon]

It's the width of the furrow. Wider will cover more ground but pull harder.

With rocky soil a pull behind plough may be advantageous as they disconnect when hitting a rock. One could also remove a moleboard if a plough seems too large. These may be hard to get to track right if you do not have a swinging drawbar.

The three point will be handier in confined spaces.

From the sounds of the work planed the points and shares should last forever. If desperate they can be built up by welding.

Finding old ploughs may require one to prowl the farming areas looking for old rusted machinery and asking questions. Surprizing what can be hidden in a bush patch or fence row.

Then again a nice new one is always nice too.

Egon

 

[Magruder]

I bought a 3 point 1 bottom Oliver used for turning manure in my garden. Works good on my JD 790.

 

[GregMVT]

Any suggestions on the size for the disc harrow that I can pull with this tractor? and what I should look for?

 

[sweettractors]

This new 1616 DHE lift disc is the one that we sell with our new Kioti 3054 tractors. Sturdy built and inexpensive at $450 + shipping--Ken Sweet