Rookie plow question

[wild_willie]

Plow gurus:
I have a Dearborn Economy 14 inch 2 bottom plow that i picked up for about $250. I replaced the shins and shares with new from Agri-Supply; however, it is missing the rear "wheel" (and coulters) and I haven't been able to find these locally. What is the purpose of the rear wheel? I don't think it is a sort of depth gauge but maybe it helps the plow track better? I could be totally off-base. The plow operates fairly well without it, and I have noticed that new similar plows don't have this feature, but maybe I don't know what I'm missing?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Don87]

Plow gurus:
I have a Dearborn Economy 14 inch 2 bottom plow that i picked up for about $250. I replaced the shins and shares with new from Agri-Supply; however, it is missing the rear "wheel" (and coulters) and I haven't been able to find these locally. What is the purpose of the rear wheel? I don't think it is a sort of depth gauge but maybe it helps the plow track better? I could be totally off-base. The plow operates fairly well without it, and I have noticed that new similar plows don't have this feature, but maybe I don't know what I'm missing?
Thanks in advance!

Watch the video:

16" One Bottom Plow LB-81-16

 

[gwdixon]

The video above is a quick introduction that provides valuable information.

I would add that the rear wheel is essential for a 3-point plow to run at a consistent depth. If the plow is just hanging off the back of the tractor in a non-float configuration then every bump and ditch will alter how deeply the plow sinks. The plow will tend to follow the rear tires up and down. It will still plow but a wheel makes it more consistent.

In other words, the plow should be run with the 3 PH in float and the wheel adjusted to the depth you want to plow. That way it will follow the contours of the field.

If the plow is run in 3 PH float without a rear wheel it will dig way too deeply. The shares and mouldboard are designed to dig themselves into the ground and will keep going until some kind of stop is reached or the tractor runs out of HP or traction to keep it going. That is why a powerful and heavy tractor is preferred for plowing.

The coulters are a nice touch but unnecessary in general. When sod or plant material starts building up above the mouldboard then they come in handy and keep the buildup down by slicing the soil to roll over in one piece. The shins are not sufficient for cutting the soil. In dirt, loose soil, or non-sod applications coulters are not essential.

At least this is my understanding and experience with plowing. Others may have more or contrary information.

 

[LRTX1]

It's called a rolling landside (furrow wheel), it is not a depth wheel on your plow. Yes it keeps the plow tracking right. Some people use them some don't.

Coulters are used to cut through surface vegetation like grass or plant vines etc. If you are not into having a 100% accurate plow, you can adapt a set off of another type of plow.

 

[wild_willie]

Thanks for the replies. Don't really care about keeping it 100% accurate, just want something that works! With my plow, it is a constant struggle to keep the depth right, so maybe I don't have it set up right. Btw, I noticed on the video link that the new plow doesn't have either a "rolling landside" or a depth gauge wheel, although I see where one could purchase the depth gauge wheel.

 

[Don87]

Thanks for the replies. Don't really care about keeping it 100% accurate, just want something that works! With my plow, it is a constant struggle to keep the depth right, so maybe I don't have it set up right. Btw, I noticed on the video link that the new plow doesn't have either a "rolling landside" or a depth gauge wheel, although I see where one could purchase the depth gauge wheel.

Most newer tractors have 'position control' on the 3pt. They will only go to a preset depth and no lower, that's why the guage wheel is seperate.