My tractor is a JD4720 58hp/50pto hp model. I've been searching craigslist, etc for used implements. Any thoughts/advise on a 3pt plow? Can I pull a 3 bottom in somewhat rocky soil or should I be looking for a 2 bottom plow? 12", 14", 16"? Any advise on models I should watch for? Any I should avoid? What about a 3pt disc? What disc size/width, etc would be appropriate for my tractor. Any particular models recommended? I am not a farmer. The implements would be used for gardening and wildlife food plots. Thanks!
Would suggest both a plow and a disc harrow.
I plow in Northern New England in some pretty rocky soil. The soil is rich, but loaded with big rocks.
You will certainly be able to handle a two bottom plow, and depending upon depth, moldboard size, etc. should be able to handle
a three bottom. But remember, after you turn the dirt into furrows, you still need to break up the sod, chop it fine & spread it back out.
That is the purpose of the disc harrow.
Plow, 2 or 3 bottom. If you can get a used one that allows for adjusting moldboard/furrow width... great.
Try to get one that has automatic re-set. If you hit large rocks, the moldboard that kicks up the rock will kick free of it's
spring position, pass over the rock & fall down again to re-set. A must in soil with large rocks.
Disc harrow should be wider than the width of you rear tires. Needed to break up the sod, chop the soil up more finely and turn the furrows into a smoother top surface. You want your harrow to work wider than the tractor.
If you are putting in food plots, two other implements to consider. First a spreader for lime & fertilizer. Most food plots are small enough that you can seed them by walking them with a hand held, bag type broadcast spreader. Particularly for clovers, brassicas, turnips & beets. But, a 3 pt hitch mounted spreader for lime & fertilizer can really come in handy. Two main ways to get the fields spread with lime & fertilizer. If you have enough total acreage amongst your fields collectively, the local ag supply guy will usually be willing to deliver & spread lime & fertilizer directly from his truck. If the acreage is not sufficient, tough to get to, or you want to control it yourself, then a spreader is necessary. You do not want to add lime or fertilizer by hand. Also if you get into soybeans, the spreader can come in handy for seeding. But best bet for lime & fertilizer is to first see if you can get it delivered & spread by the ag store. Once you get the ph in your soil in the right range, you won't need much lime. Then it is likely that it will be better, easier & more cost effective for you to spread your own fertilizer.
The other implement that is handy and will increase germination rates & yields is a cultipacker to press the seeds into the soil after seeding. A 3pt attachment as well.
Finally, if you are going to put time, money & effort into food plots, please be sure and get a soil test. Soil test kits are available at most good ag supply houses as well as all the PA Dept of Ag extension offices. Just follow the directions & mail it in. The PA Dept of Ag kits go to Penn State for testing. It may run $12-$15 per test but it is well worth it. If you get the soil ph right, it has a huge, positive impact on planting, growth & yields. If you ignore the ph and it is off, your time, efforts and hard earned $$ can result in disappointing yields. Please check the ph and lime as appropriate. You will not regret it.
