20 x 18 box frame disk harrow

[EverythingAttachments]

The lever adjust on pictured Disc Harrow is good because adjustment holes are in the lever, a non-structural part, rather than in the frame, which is the norm for clamp plate adjustment of Disc Harrows.

The first time you lift you implement on your 3-Pt., take a mallet and 'ring' the pans. If any sound 'flat' the axle nut on that gang needs to be tightened. This is best done with an impact tool, but you can get the axle nut fairly tight with a big wrench. Limiting factor is that the gang will want to turn, when it needs to be held stationary.

Check for tightness fairly often at first. Once the Disc wears in, provided you have kept the axle nuts tight during the wear in period, they usually remain tight.

More Disc Harrows require eventual pan or axle repair because the axle nuts are not kept tight, than for any other reason.

I inserted NORD-LOCK WASHERS from Sweden under the axle nuts of my Howse 16/18" Disc Harrow and they kept the nuts tight almost 100% from the start. You can purchase NORD-LOCK WASHERS on eBay.

Good buy.

Great explanation Jeff! Tightness is critical during the break-in period.
Travis

 

[downslope]

...I inserted NORD-LOCK WASHERS from Sweden under the axle nuts of my Howse 16/18" Disc Harrow and they kept the nuts tight almost 100% from the start. You can purchase NORD-LOCK WASHERS on eBay.

Rear gangs look a little far apart. If you have a ridge in the field after you pass, slide them in a little. Lube frame first. General rule for spread on rear gang is pan diameter less two inches, i.e.: 16" space for DH with 18" pans.

Good buy.

Might be a stupid question, but are the rear blades supposed to run in-between where the fronts are running, or does it not matter?

 

[jeff9366]

Over time those generic, zinc-washed U-bolt gang hangers will warp, rust and be impossible to slide along the frame. To remove you will have to cut U-bolt with a Sawzall or a torch. Not a big deal.

Plan A: Search for eventual replacement U-bolts of greater diameter, galvanized rather than zinc washed. A welding shop that does commercial work is a good source. Another is a hardware store near salt water that sells dock building supplies.

Plan B: Substitute strong flat stock connected by bolts. Photo is a Monroe Tufline TH971820B.

 

[jeff9366]

Are the rear blades supposed to run in-between where the fronts are running, or does it not matter?

Not blades; pans, wheels or discs.

Front gangs CUT and throw dirt OUT. Rear gangs SMOOTH and throw dirt IN. Therefore, rear gangs have to be set wider than front gangs, to collect dirt to return inward. This is how soil is mixed with a 3-Pt. Tandem Disc Harrow, a type of TILLER.
{Not a type of PLOW.}

As a start, set rear gang two adjustment holes LESS AGGRESSIVELY (flatter) than front gang. If rear gang is set as aggressively as front gang, you will not accomplish much smoothing. If too flat, you will not gather soil.

Fortunately, with your lever adjust, you can easily play with various gang angle settings until you find the optimum for any day's soil moisture.


LINK: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/308251-disc-harrow-selection-18-45-a.html?highlight=

 

[Sysop]

jeff9366, Great information and thank you so much. Your information helps take a lot of trial and error out of the equation.

I made it mine today! I'll have to go pick it up tomorrow or Friday with the trailer. I hope to get it all cleaned up this weekend and get to use it some next week. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thanks so much for everyone's input!

 

[bjr]

I agree that's a good deal and I particularly like notched discs all around. I have a question for the fellows with the 3" square tube styled discs. Has anyone found aftermarket replacement plastic end caps. I've lost several of mine and would like some replacements. I'll stick them on them silicon glue and see it that keeps them on a little longer. bjr

 

[Sysop]

One thought for cheap and easy would be a shot of expanding foam cut off smooth, glazed over and painted.

To answer the question the "technical term" for those are "finishing caps" and you can find them many places like McMaster-Carr.

McMaster-Carr << scroll down for square

 

[C4Ranch]

Nope, mine are welded to close the tube.

 

[Sysop]

Got it unloaded off the trailer and took some of it apart and wire brushed it for a little bit of touch up paint. Jeff, I checked as you recommended (thanks again); the big axle bolts were tight as could be and all the bearings seem in great shape. All the disks ring like bells. All gangs spin free and quiet. I'm getting a load of lime pellets next week and I'll use it to churn the lime into the soil some and report back with the results.

 

[jeff9366]

I am happy it is yours and home.

Disc Harrows are one of the most satisfying and versatile implements to use.

When you put it to work the rust on the outer 2/3 of the pans will scour off in short order.