Disc for JD 5303

[clemsonfor]

I looked at the CCM tillers and they appear to be well built and reasonably priced. At this point I am leaning toward staying with a disk. I have never used any with the scrapers mentioned above although I understand their purpose. I have had no issues with material sticking to the blades so intended to pass on them as an option. I see where the Tufline and Frontier are comparably weighted and priced. When looking at the Howse it appears comparable too, just less expensive. I have looked at some others that I do not consider an option. The Howse unit, according to specs., appears to be built of like materials and the weights reflect that. What am I missing that would make the more expensive units more desireable? I would be curious to hear both of your opinions on the Howse unit. You can see them along with price by looking up Watts Brothers Distributing and go to whole goods. This is a local company for me. They are about 10 to 15 miles away.

The higher priced 2 are JD green and one is sold at the JD dealer!

 

[deere5105]

The higher priced 2 are JD green and one is sold at the JD dealer!

The Tufline units seem to be running the highest with the Frontier(JD Green) close behind. I wouldn't mind spending the extra money if there was a return on the investment. I see this as being a lifetime purchase and want it to last and match the performance of the tractor as far as sizing is concerned. My total time pulling the disk would likely be 40-50 hours annually. I put another 100-150 hours with miscellaneous work and primarily running the rotary cutter.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

deere5105, I can not make a fair comment on any of those discs without seeing them in person. What I can say is that it has been my experience that when it comes to new implements, you usually get what you pay for. This is not to say that the more economical units won't work fine for you with your conditions and situation. What I will say is that if I were using them to make $$$$, I would get one of the heavier higher priced units.

 

[jenkinsph]

I think Tuffline is made in Columbus, MS. correct me if I am wrong?

Of those you have listed my vote so far would be for the Tuffline TL43 92022 purely from the specs and that is 71 lbs/blade. In tough ground in your area this will take several passes., This still seems a little light from my experience. I prefer disks that are easier to adjust the set on, this disk is average in that regard. And as Brian mentioned heavier duty blades are a real plus.

Here is a link to another good disk manufacturer in MS. Amco makes good stuff, I had a 6' offset wheeled disk years ago that I was very satisfied with.
http://www.amcomfg.com/brushmaster.html

I like the 1/4" blade thickness, regreaseable bearings, 1 1/2" shafts and higher weight /blade.

 

[Travis_R]

Although I'd love to have a tiller, I have been very pleased with my disks. It is a 6.5' United 20 x 18 model 600. I pull it with a Massey Ferguson 231 utility tractor. 38 engine hp/34 pto hp. Tractor weighs 4,065 lbs. and it does NOT have water in the tires. It pulls the disks excellent...

 

[deere5105]

That Amco unit looks nice, but they are proud of it! I am in no rush to make a decision on this, but am starting the inquiry. Seems there are many different brands and types out there. I have a 6' and 8' I can use now, but am looking to add one down the road. Thanks again for all of the input.

 

[jenkinsph]

That Amco unit looks nice, but they are proud of it! I am in no rush to make a decision on this, but am starting the inquiry. Seems there are many different brands and types out there. I have a 6' and 8' I can use now, but am looking to add one down the road. Thanks again for all of the input.

There are other models of Amco disks that are not currently made, if I was in your locale I would be happy with a good used one. Amco is one of the best builders of heavy duty disks imo. Fortunately for you they are close by.

 

[deere5105]

I have been looking at several different brands and am back to considering function versus cost. I am strongly leaning toward the heavy duty Howse 7.5' with 20-22" blades on 9" spacing. Axle size is 1 1/8" with ball bearings and weight is approximately 1100 lbs. This unit is about $1000 to $2000 less than many of the other brand units and is only giving up a couple hundred pounds in weight. Attached are a couple of pictures of the Howse unit and a couple of a "Marion" brand that the dealer has custom made out of state at an unknown to me shop. Could look at the 6.5' unit they have that is identical to above except has scrapers and is 1600 lbs(400 lbs more) for about $700 more. Having a hard time justifying the extra cost. Any opinions based on the pics?

 

[trook]

To me, the Howse looks identical to the United and Frontier disks

 

[deere5105]

To me, the Howse looks identical to the United and Frontier disks

My thoughts exactly. I have looked them over pretty close and can't find a reason not to like the Howse...except for some are a little heavier and a lot more expensive. Here are a few more pictures I had.