Attachments that are too small for the tractor

[charlesw]

Ah, yes, to get back to that... (That being http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/91081-problems-if-you-get-attachment.html) So, now I've got my tractor. Well... The implements that came with it had little warning labels on them. Things like, "Designed for a 40HP max tractor." Hmm. I called the manufacturer and he basically confirmed the warnings. As in, a 70HP tractor could easily fold a double bottom plow in half. Even a "lousy" 50HP tractor could easily fold a double bottom plow in half. The key thing being when the land was last worked, apparently. In my case it's been over 10 years. So... There's hard pack and tree roots and whatnot. So the plow manufacturer suggested getting a subsoiler or middle buster and running that first - to break the big bits up. Otherwise I probably would just fold the plow. And I wouldn't be the only one doing this... And Doc Bob would notice even less than I - having a bigger tractor...

 

[vallyfarm]

Are you talking about plain old roll over plows? If you can hook them up and get you're wheel placement correct, then a little too much HP should not be a problem...may even help some through the tough spots. Back blades, york rakes, etc. ,yes, too much power can fold them up, but only if you are really pushing them to fail. A land plow - no way. I hooked up a 18" 1 bot. plow from my buddy's 8N to an Oliver 550 (45 HP) and went to work. Only problem I had was when i hit a HUGE rock and bent the lower lift arms. Plow was fine. Still use this set-up for my garden and any soil not plowed within the lase 10-15 years. A little extra traction and power helps run the plow a little faster to get it to turn over the sod a lot better. Mike

 

[charlesw]

So... Why does the manufacturer say to run a middle buster first? Yeah, there are rocks and some root balls - but if that isn't going to hurt the plow, well, I'd rather not spend the time or cash on the extra gear.

 

[Doc_Bob]

I used a single bottom plow on a 70HP tractor. No problem. (yet)
Now, a small box blade might fold.
Bob

 

[Glowplug]

You are talking about a PLOW. I really can't see a tractor being too big for a plow as long as the 3ph is the same category. Of course you could always use a bigger (more bottoms) plow on a bigger tractor. But I don't think a smaller one would be a problem with some use of common sense.

Now, if you're talking about a tiller, that's a different story. I would imagine any decent sized tractor would tear a PTO-driven 3ph tiller appart! I have a feeling that's not what you're talking about though.

Also true what is said above about a landscape rake, back blade, box scraper, etc.

 

[billbill1]

Attachments that are too large for a tractor would be a problem, too small and all you have to do is go slow and be careful, you'll be fine.

 

[charlesw]

too small and all you have to do is go slow and be careful

Or... You'll bend it in two?

I guess it's not really important. I would like to avoid folding the plow or hurting the tractor. But, again, not really important. This isn't the plow that I want to end up using so I'll probably replace it sooner or later. And, well, the tractor I can fix. I'd greatly prefer to have the damage on the plow rather than on the tractor, of course!

But, truthfully, I've already bent my box blade - and I've only just cut my first trail. So, yes, if you were wondering, there is a difference between cheap, light box blades and expensive, heavy ones. Ah, and then there are landscape rakes. Shucks. What are they good for if you can't even use them to rake cut shrub off of a lot without having teeth break off? So, yeah. Big tractor, cheap implements. I'm betting the plow, being of similar quality to the box blade and rake, will bend/break as well.

 

[vallyfarm]

I would have to think if you are folding backblades then you must be PUSHING, not pulling with it. If this is so, any tractor big enough to lift and cary the blade will fold it. iF TEETH ARE BREAKING ON YOUR YORK RAKE, EITHER IS IS OF POOR QUALITY, OR IT IS BEING SET UP WRONG. Sorry for the caps. I must have hit the wrong button. Either way, what I can tell, another tractor isn't the answer. I had a cheaper backblade for over a decade, never had a problem until my father used it. Folded up in 1/2 hour...pushing small tree stumps out. He said its easier than pulling them the correct way. Anything can be broken if used wrong. If the tools are cheaply made, no amount og care or tractor size can make them last either. Mike