Disc Harrow Can my Ford/NH model 1920 pull a 6' disc harrow effectively?

[jeff9366]

It's four wheel drive. Thank you for your responses. Do you think that pull-behind versus three point mount makes any difference, assuming similar weight per disc, number of discs, and angle of gangs? I'm guessing not.

For a small property a TPH mounted Disc Harrow is much easier transported and more maneuverable. Mounted is my recommendation.

Have you considered a PTO powered roto-tiller rather than a Disc Harrow? For working < 6 acres a roto-tiller is almost always the better choice for light tractors. A Disc Harrow has to be pulled at a brisk pace to redistribute dirt.


Have you considered an All Purpose Plow / Field Cultivator / Conservation Plow rather than a Disc Harrow?

 

[rootytoot]

Thanks, @jeff9366 . Yes, I do have a 5' PTO rototiller. I was thinking of the disc primarily because I was impressed with what my neighbor down the road was able to accomplish with his pull-behind disc. However, he has a stronger tractor, and his soil is better than mine. So, I should probably stick with what I've got. although I'll look into the other implements you mention.

 

[kirkawilson]

I pull a 1978 BushHog Model 1423 tandem disc harrow [4 gangs, (2 front gangs & 2 back gangs), 5 discs per gang] with my NH 1920 4WD, FEL and rear tires loaded. It cuts 7 feet wide with gangs straight across. Bushhog manual says minimum HP is 18. I hafta make multiple passes on 'hardpack' dirt. The 1920 handles the disc harrow fine. Even the 3PH seems to lift it fairly easily.

 

[jeff9366]

I was impressed with what my neighbor down the road was able to accomplish with his pull-behind disc. However, he has a stronger tractor, and his soil is better than mine.

Tractor capability is more closely correlated to tractor weight than any other single (1) specification.

Sufficient tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth.

Disc Harrows and PTO powered roto-tillerrs are both soil mixing / soil leveling implements.
For working < 6 acres a roto-tiller is almost always the better choice for light tractors.