Chain harrow size for pasture work....

[rockyridgefarm]

I want to fix up my pastures, and a chain harrow seems like a good way. i am finding King Kutter locally, but am inclined towards a Fuerst. Theirs are ~8' long. and come in 4' 6' 8' and 10' (that I would consider...)

I am thinking that 6' would give me some maneuverability, and still get things done (about 50 acres...)

Would there be much difference with an 8' as far as loading my 32 Hp tractor is concerned?

I will also be using this for my round pen; I know its not the best thing, but figure it is a start.

I would probable get the 3 point adapter, since it looks like a mess without it!

 

[greg_g]

You don't mention width. Consider that you want to get one wide enough to scratch over your tire tracks.

I had little difficulty towing four 4'x4' sections behind an 8' tow bar with a 25hp/4wd Jinma. My 45hp KAMA doesn't even know it's back there. My rig is 64 square feet of 5/8" points in aggressive stance, supported by a pipe frame and lifted with an extended boom pole. Not sure if 25hp/2wd would have made it through some of the rough spots. But with 32hp, you shouldn't have much trouble with one the size of mine.

//greg//

 

[Soundguy]

My yanmar 1700 ( 17/21 hp ) towed a 6' x6' heavy chain drag gret in up to 5th gear. Your 3xhp tractor should do fine with what you mentioned.

For 50 ac.. I'd get as big as possible.. however since you mention round pen.. you will be limited there.

You'll find that turns also are more 'sloped' with those drags.. they actually provide a dcent load to the tractor.

Soundguy

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Thanks!!

<font color="blue"> You'll find that turns also are more 'sloped' with those drags </font>

Do they make the ground slope, or are you referring to the load on the engine? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Soundguy]

As in.. when you take a hard right.. if you don't have front weight, and / or 4wd.. it won't exactly be a hard right. That drag that is 6' or whatever.. is about another 3 ' behind your drawbar and while it pulls straight fairly easy.. does offer decent resistance on a turn. Steering brakes make up for this pretty good though.

For instance.. on that ym1700 I had.. it was about 1800# or so.. and if I did a hard right.. my front 3 rib tires skidded a bit. I needed more front weight. Heck.. I needed more tractor weight!

My NAA seems to handle that same drag fine.. course it's about 1000# heavier too!

Your 30hp machine should be a breeze!

Soundguy

 

[owenf]

We have 20 acres of pasture and have the feurst 6ft model. It is a little short and at times I wish i had gotten a bigger one. I don't use it for the arena as it didn't level that well, but it will fluff it up some. I have a JD 4300 4wd and it pulls it fine, I decided not to get the 3pt model mainly becouse of price. I pick it up with a hook I welded onto the bucket and move from the storage area to the field, it works well and am happy with it. Good luck.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Ok. If I understand, the Fuerst harrows come in different widths, but are all 7'6" long. So are you saying that it needs to be longer than 8'? or wider than 6'?

I will have to have the frame. There is just too many times that would need to back up and make tight turns...

the Fuerst prices seemd a litlle high, till I realized they are delivered prices..

 

[greg_g]

The max width of your 4310 is ~67 inches. A six footer should do an adequate job of covering your tire tracks, and follow well. I'm thinking if you go TOOwide, you'll risk lifting the outside points during tight turns.

//greg//