Any suggestions for a chisel plow/breaking plow

leeinmemphis · May 4, 2006

Hey everyone,

I am looking for a breaking plow/chisel plow for my tractor to use on the farm. I already have a disc and have just bought a JD 71 planter. I would like to see about getting a plow and was wondering if there are any that are more desireable than others? If it helps I will be putting it on a Kubota 5040 4x4 tractor with a FEL. I am guessing a 2 or 3 bottom plow is what I'm needing. Does that sound right? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Farmwithjunk · May 5, 2006

OK... I don't know ANYTHING about your Kubota. (HP? weight?)

Here's what I do know about plows. Best choice (in general) Ford model 101. Easiest to get wear parts for. Easy pulling compared to some brands. Plentiful- There's literally millions of them around. (Think about how many 1-2-3 bottom plow TRACTORS Ford sold from mid-50's 'till mid-80s. Lots were bought new with a plow)

Another good choice is the Massey Ferguson model #66, or most any MF 3-point plow.

I've got an old John Deere plow. Parts are still around, but they pull like you're tied to a tree.

Unless you're packin' over 100 HP, don't mess with a REAL chisel plow. There's pint-sized versions that people call a chisel plow, but they're more of a "field cultivator". A real chisel plow will work 10", maybe 12" deep, and really suck up the HP.

Good choice on the #71 Deere planter.

leeinmemphis · May 5, 2006

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Good choice on the #71 Deere planter. )</font>

Thanks. I probably paid a little too much for it but it looks to be in excellent condition.

HEC · May 5, 2006

I have pulled a 3 bottom ford plow with ease with my m5400 which would be very similar to your tractor size and weight.I have a m5700 now which is basically the same tractor with r4 tires and it still pulls it with ease ,I do use 4wd..You should have no problem at all pulling a 3 bottom ford plow , and if you have the ag tires it would be even easier.

TNhobbyfarmer · May 5, 2006

I agree with farmwithjunk on the Ford 101 plow. I have a 3 bottom, and it works well. I lease out a portion of my farm to a real farmer, grows tobacco. He has a 3 bottom plow, not sure what brand. He has used my plow and much prefers it to his own.

Setting up a turning plow can be a little tricky if you've never done it before. Get someone with experience to help you the first time if you've never used one before. I could have saved myself a lot of time and emabarassment if I had done that when I first started. The first time I plowed, the field looked like the ocean on a windy day. Always throw the dirt back into a previous furrow. I'm sure you guys are starting to get the picture. Anyway, have fun. There's nothing more satisfying than working the ground and watching something you planted grow. The more dirt I have under my fingernails the happier I am.

bdog · May 5, 2006

Ditto on what was said on the chisel plow. I have a 7 shank chisel plow (only 6.5' wide) and it gives my 125 HP 12,000lb tractor a workout.

sweettractors · May 5, 2006

We have about 60 used and rebuilt plows. Click HERE and scroll down for pictures, descriptions and prices--Ken Sweet
Email sweet@scrtc.com

farming · May 5, 2006

Hi bdog,

Is your 125hp tractor a 2wd or 4wd as that can make a big difference?

Our 6420 (110-hp engine, 90-hp pto) will come to a stop with the rear wheels spinning in 2wd when pulling a 9-shank chisel, but you engage the 4wd and differetial lock and it pulls it through the driest, compacted soils without a problem, even with the load control off to keep the hitch depth all the way down.

So in my case with 4wd, using PTO hp as a guide, you'd need a maximum 10-hp per shank under the worst conditions. I've read that in good soil you could use as little as 7-hp per.

TNhobbyfarmer · May 5, 2006

I have a 62 HP at the PTO 4WD tractor that pulls a 7 shank chisel pretty well. I can't fullt engage it into the ground but can cut fairly deep. The 4WD makes a big difference. My previous tractor was 70HP at the PTO but wasn't 4WD. The chisel would bog it down real easily.

leeinmemphis · May 12, 2006

Just wanted to let you guys know that I traded for a Ford 2 bottom plow with resettable trip bottoms. I also traded for a 10' hydrualic pickup disk. He wanted my woods batwing pretty bad so I traded for those two pieces and some money to boot. Thanks again.