Plowing

[Eric6714]

Hey guys I have a 135 Massey with the Perkins diesel. It has good tires on it although they aren't filled with fluid . 2 questions I am using a 1 bottom plow and I keep having to go up and down on the control. I set it up in the furrow to be level watched a couple of videos never plowed before any advice I've been told a Massey 135 will pull two bottoms no problem it is virgin ground tn red clay. Would it pay me two have the tires filled with methanol. Any advice would be appreciated thanks
Eric

 

[jeff9366]

Fill in your location, city and state, in your T-B-N profile so we know something about your soil conditions, topography and weather.



"I have a 135 Massey with the Perkins diesel. It has good tires on it although they aren't filled with fluid."

Do you have 2-WD or 4-WD?

Do you have R1/ag tires or R4/industrial tires?


MF135 on tractordata.com: TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 135 tractor information

 

[MMagis]

In short, loading your tires is always helpful when plowing. Though I’m not sure that’s causing the issues you’re having. Do you have it in draft control rather than position control?

 

[Eric6714]

Truthfully Mmagis I think it is position control it is a 1974 Massey 135 so it is a two wheel drive. I sat the draft control as low as I want it to go then I lower it with the control this is my first tractor so I'm learning as I go.

 

[jeff9366]

I've been told a Massey 135 will pull two bottoms no problem it is virgin ground tn red clay. Would it pay me two have the tires filled with methanol.

You have not answered the question: Do you have R1/ag tires or R4/industrial tires?

Your MF135 could have 12", 13" or 15" rear tires. You need a plow wide enough so your right rear tire can go all the way to the bottom of the furrow: for 12" rear tires a 12" or 14" plow, for 13" rear tires a 14" or 16" plow, for 15" rear tires a 16" plow.

You can certainly pull a two bottom 12" or 14" plow with just air in R1 or R4 tires. You can likely pull a two bottom 16" plow with just air in R1 tires, R4s might lack traction. Make sure you will NOT be turning up poor quality subsoil when plowing. You only want to turn topsoil.

Condition of the plow has a great effect on how easily it pulls, therefore how much tractor traction is required.

Personally, I would not spend the money to fill worn tires on an old tractor. I would buy a plow that the tractor will pull "as is" unless you have >20 acre fields to plow. Old, weathered, tires are going to wear comparatively fast.

MF135 TIRES: TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 135 tractor dimensions information

Here is a recent thread covering these TIRE/FURROW WIDTH issues: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/348580-furrow-bending-top-link-please.html

Ever time you move up in plow coverage by increasing the number of plow bottoms, the more complex adjusting the plow to turn soil properly becomes.

 

[Eric6714]

I have ag tires brand new I don't know the size right off I'll get it. My tire goes in the furrow good . I know my problem is in the plow set- up and or the draft position control. They are filled with air . I think it would help to have them filled would it not give me better traction.

 

[jeff9366]

Your MF135 with a Perkins weighs 3,600 pounds minimum. I cannot imagine TRACTION is a limiting action with any one bottom plow, nor any of the alternatives suggested in Post #5.

Are your rear tires slipping? If your tires are NOT slipping you can add infinite weight and it will make "0" difference.

(If you wanted to pull a four bottom, 16", Cat II, 3-Pt. mounted plow in clay, traction WOULD be an issue.)

What width, single bottom plow are you pulling now? What condition is the plow in? Is the plow designed for 3-Pt hitch mounting? Plows have to be a close fit on the hitch to turn soil properly.

Pictures of your plow mounted on the tractor and your furrows thus far, would help.

Have you carefully read the TIRE/FURROW LINK in Post #5?

PLOWING BASICS: http://open-furrow.soil.ncsu.edu/Documents/DHC/The Moldboard Plow.pdf

Measure your tire width. Measure your plow width. Report both.

Do you have a MF135 Operator's Manual, which will explain how to adjust your Draft Control? Most components of the 3-Pt. are standard all over the world; Draft Control is an exception.

You can download a MF135 Operator's Manual here on T-B-N if you do not have one: https://www.google.com/search?clien...anual+site:tractorbynet.com&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8


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[MMagis]

Filling will give better traction. If you only have a small amount to plow, and no other reason to fill them, I’m not sure it’ll be worth the cost. It just depends on your usage and terrain. For what I do and the hilly terrain, I always want loaded tires. But if your problem is having to raise and lower the 3pt control continuously, I think simply flipping the lever to draft control may be all you need. It’s worth a shot at least.

 

[Timm250]

Also check the air pressure in your rear tires. Over inflated tires will cause you to loose traction & spin out.

 

[Eric6714]

I appreciate all the info I'll try to take a picture of my plow it looks to me like a 12 in from tractor supply It came with the tractor. And I'll get the size of my tires and a pic of my furrow but don't laugh lol I've run heavy equipment for a municipality my whole life but this is my first tractor and first time I've ever plowed lol
But again thank you Eric