OP
PA hayseed
Platinum Member
The first time I ever drove a tractor by myself (at age 9) I spent the day plowing. Apparently it wormed it's way into my bloodstream! I'm addicted to plowing. Or at the very least, I am fascinated by rolling dirt. I LOVE messing with old plows. And over the years, I've brought a number of them back from the fringes of the scrap pile. As someone who buys and sells used equipment for an income, My fascination is also a job. No telling how many old plows I've owned at one time or another.
That said, don't EXPECT too many really nice ones at bargain prices. You MAY stumble on to one, but it'll be the exception rather than the rule. Old plows are getting REALLY old. Not very many new ones made, and they aren't the quality of the old guys. Wear parts are getting scarce and EXPENSIVE. So nice plows are getting, well, scarce and expensive.....
I ALWAYS have at least one plow of my own, ready to take to the field. LAst one I bought and rebuilt, I spent almost $500 on the plow and shipping to get it here, then another $550 to put EVERY piece of iron wear parts on new. So more than a grand to get what is essentially a new plow.
Most recently, I've seen plows in what I'd describe as 50% condition sell for $275 to $400 at auctions here. Really nice ones, in 75% condition sell in excess of $500. Certain models that pair up with more collectable tractors, well, just toss your wallet on the table and run.... I saw a 415A Deere (which I don't consider a really good plow to begin with, after owning one) sell for $1200 3 weeks ago.
Best plows in my opinion? 101 Ford's or MF #66 or #43. These plows are well designed, light draft mounted plows, and parts are still readily available. Decent 101's sell for a MINIMUM of $400 (in rough shape) here.
As recently as 5 years ago, you couldn't hardly GIVE a 2 or 2 bottom mounted plow away.....Enter the hobbiest/food plot/ranchette/compact tractor explosion...... Now they're hot items.
Hoped you would post. I've read alot of threads with your responses to plow questions and information. It really looks like I need to either up my purchasing price, or just resign myself to tilling only. It just kills me that my neighbor has an old oliver rusting away in his backyard, but won't sell it. He is too old to farm anymore, and his son tills his gardens. Course then again, they keep alot of stuff over there, I guess in case we get hit by nuclear winter.
With scrap prices going down alot, I was hoping the salvage guys wouldn't be buying them up anymore. I have about two more auctions until the spring hits people in this part of PA, then I know I won't get one again.
Thanks for the responses, by the way, I have looked for 3 bottoms too, thinking I could always remove one for parts.