How Does One Determine the Correct Plow?

[Kyle241]

I recently purchased a Kubota MX5100 and part of the reason was to start plowing and discing a field of about 4-5 acres. I'm looking at a two furrow plow (2/12) however prior to purchasing new, I'm considering used but how does one know which plow will 'fit' ones tractor? For example, there is used Ferguson plow not too far from me for $350. The seller states the it's in very good condition, not bent or welded and has good points. It appears to me that he has painted it so not sure whether that hides anything.

 

[leonz]

I recently purchased a Kubota MX5100 and part of the reason was to start plowing and discing a field of about 4-5 acres. I'm looking at a two furrow plow (2/12) however prior to purchasing new, I'm considering used but how does one know which plow will 'fit' ones tractor? For example, there is used Ferguson plow not too far from me for $350. The seller states the it's in very good condition, not bent or welded and has good points. It appears to me that he has painted it so not sure whether that hides anything.

Good Morning Kyle,


Its not so much the fit, it is the amount of suck you get with
the plow share or shares?

Does this plow have disc coulters or fluted coulters to cut the sod in
front of the plow share.


If it were me I would find out if the used plow you are
looking at will accept the Weise Conservation Tillage Plow Shares,
which suck down to 14 inches deep and have very lttle drag and
you will always break up the hardpan layer without blinking an eye.

I would check to be sure you can purchase replacement parts
for the plow from a Massey or Weise distributor whether you
buy the standard plow parts or the conservation tillage plowshares.

 

[Kyle241]

It has disc coulters. Thanks for the info on replacement parts, not something I considered at all.

 

[nspec]

Me thinks a 2-12 is a bit on the small side for you. I'd personally be looking at something bigger, maybe a 2-16 or a 3-14. I say this for a few reasons. The ford 8-n was designed for a 2-12. You have a nice heavy large framed tractor that has plenty of horsepower, but most importantly, you have 4wd. Makes a tremendous difference. In my opinion, you have twice the tractor of an 8n. You could always try the 2-12 and see how it does if its cheap enough. You can always sell it to trade up. Better to plow well then do a hack job with too big a plow.

 

[nspec]

One more thing....depends on your soil. Heavy clay, sandy loam, etc... For what its worth - I pull a single 16 with a b2630. I have good old new england soil. Lots of rocks, heavy loam with thick roots from the winter rye. The tractor does well, but its working for it. Mostly because I have r-4s and not ag tires. Diff. lock the whole way. Ballast down and it'll help also.

 

[MHarryE]

I have 2 Ferguson plows, a 1-16 and a 2-14. The single bottom is well worn and I have not been able to find parts. Something like a landside is easy to fabricate myself but the unique share is another story. The two bottom has more time in it and I have been looking for a parts source but have not found one. I procrastinated on a place called Balster's Implement and Parts - they listed having the shares at a pretty hefty price ($170 each) but the owner died last summer and they had an auction to dispose of everything in September. The two bottom does an excellent job for me. My big farmer neighbor's are impressed, but when I wear some part out I am screwed.

 

[Kyle241]

One more thing....depends on your soil. Heavy clay, sandy loam, etc... For what its worth - I pull a single 16 with a b2630. I have good old new england soil. Lots of rocks, heavy loam with thick roots from the winter rye. The tractor does well, but its working for it. Mostly because I have r-4s and not ag tires. Diff. lock the whole way. Ballast down and it'll help also.

We have similar soil however the top 12" or so are loam and then it's clay for another 16"-20". Based on your first response, then a 2-12 is likely too small for my tractor. The reason for looking at this size was due to being recommended it as I obviously have no idea about plows but am learning.

I have 2 Ferguson plows, a 1-16 and a 2-14. The single bottom is well worn and I have not been able to find parts. Something like a landside is easy to fabricate myself but the unique share is another story. The two bottom has more time in it and I have been looking for a parts source but have not found one. I procrastinated on a place called Balster's Implement and Parts - they listed having the shares at a pretty hefty price ($170 each) but the owner died last summer and they had an auction to dispose of everything in September. The two bottom does an excellent job for me. My big farmer neighbor's are impressed, but when I wear some part out I am screwed.

That is one of my concerns as you are the second to highlight this problem. Does it make more sense then to buy new? I know it will be over twice the price of a good used plow but I don't want to have something go wrong with it and have no where to source parts from.

Tks.

 

[plot man]

Yes, the old plows are getting difficult to find parts for. I bought a ford 101 last year and I was able to find every thing fairly easily except the land slides. I found them but it took alot of looking.
The plow I rebuilt was a 2X16. My MX4700 pulls it great. Our tractors are exactly the same except the MX5100 has a turbo. Which in the case makes no difference, You will run out of traction way before you run out of HP.

 

[bigbull338]

you can pull 2 diff setups of plows with that tractor,a 3 bottom 14in plow or a 2 bottom 16in plow.if you go to a 3 bottom 16in plow you prolly load it down pretty good.youll be plowing in 4wd drive wich adds 15% hp to your pulling.