Power Required to Pull a Two-Bottom Moldboard Plow

[motownbrowne]

It's gonna depend on your tire type, and weight of your tractor. Loaded R1s with weight out front might do two in the right conditions. No chance for a three bottom, and I wouldn't be too surprised to see one bottom being easier with heavy clay.

 

[Verticaltrx]

It's gonna depend on your tire type, and weight of your tractor. Loaded R1s with weight out front might do two in the right conditions. No chance for a three bottom, and I wouldn't be too surprised to see one bottom being easier with heavy clay.

Agreed. You must remember this is a compact tractor and moldboard plowing wasn't one of its main design parameters. In heavy clay my Ford NAA struggles with a 2-14" bottom plow, and it was designed for plowing. Traction is ok (R1 tires with fluid) but power is lacking, and I think an L3300 has even a bit less power. Honestly, my IH 454 Diesel is none too much tractor for a 2-14" plow in heavy clay, and its 5000lb+ and 40 PTO hp. I personally would go with a single 14" bottom on a L3300 to be on the safe side, given the heavy soil. There is a huge difference in plowing sandy soil or midwest loam versus heavy clay.

 

[bdog]

I had some difficulty pulling a 4 bottom with a 95 hp 2wd tractor. I could pull it unless I went to deep but the real problem was steering. The plow bit so hard that it made the front end light and it wanted to pull me to the side.

 

[jemclimber]

I really think you'd be happier with a single. New ground breaking can ask for a lot of traction.

 

[newbury]

Just another data point.
M4700 50HP, loaded rears, 1 bottom 16" plow. Pulled fine in loamy soil, hit a patch of marine clay and just about stalled it.

 

[Daver1963]

I'm using a 2 X 12 Ferguson plow on my L2800 with R4s. My big advice would be to make sure you have good sharp coulters for help cutting through the clay. If you have ag tires that should help even more.
Here is me plowing with it. You be the judge of what you can do.

 

[nybirdman]

DaveR,were you in 4WD when plowing.I know my L3130 with a 2/12 Dearborn had to be in 4WD with R1 tires when it got tough going.OP only has 2WD and I think he would struggle with a 2 bottom.The OP may want to purchase a middle-buster(potato plow) for the initial ground breaking. It should pull a single bottom with no problem.

 

[Daver1963]

DaveR,were you in 4WD when plowing.I know my L3130 with a 2/12 Dearborn had to be in 4WD with R1 tires when it got tough going.OP only has 2WD and I think he would struggle with a 2 bottom.The OP may want to purchase a middle-buster(potato plow) for the initial ground breaking. It should pull a single bottom with no problem.

I was in 4wd for this video, but the ground was a little damper than I liked. However, it was fixin' to rain and I wanted to get it done before it was a muddy mess again. I have plowed in 2wd with this plow when the ground was a bit dryer and with crappy coulters. I replaced them this year.
I'd rather have a single bottom than a middle buster. The single bottom would turn the ground better.

 

[Kioti Tom]

I noticed that DaveR has the slotted moldboards. They were designed for Clay/Sticky soils.
He was doing well. A bit faster might have done a better job of turning the grass under.
Still, nothing to complain about.

tom

 

[AK47]

Thanks for all the helpful info guys, much needed and appreciated.

After seeing Daver1963 plowing his field with a similar tractor to mine, I feel confident that I'll be able to pull a single bottom furrow but I probably wont do any more due to my soil type. Glad to hear that your able to plow with a 2wd as well.