Disc Harrow with a JD2032R

[Catman8]

Hi, just trying to select the proper size disc harrow and wanted to know if anyone with a JD2032R knows what size is best for this tractor, it has 32.5 engine hp, weight 1973 lbs + loaded tires. I am interested in the Dirt Dog 100-6, they say the 100 series is rated to 35hp and weighs 474 lbs. their 200 series is rated from 35 hp to 95 hp. And weighs in the 650+lbs range.

When I look at the Fontier brand for John Deer their spec sheet shows three models in the 22-45 hp range and they weigh close to 700 lbs. they have two models for the 14-28 hp range that are 450lbs, but JD said the 14-28hp is under rated for my size of tractor.

So this is where the confusion comes in, JD recommends a 700lb disc for this size tractor, can this small of a tractor really handle a 700lb disc harrow, or would the 474lb Dirt dog be a better match, or how about the 14-28 hp Frontier.

I live at the bottom of a valley so the soil is decompose granite, sand and not sure what else, but pretty easy hand digging. I'm looking to disc a field for weed control and future farming. Thanks for your help.

 

[jeff9366]

Consider a PTO-powered roto-tiller, rather than a Box Frame Disc Harrow. Both mix soil.

For a Box Frame Disc Harrow to mix soil properly a minimum of forty pounds of implement weight bearing on each "pan" is necessary. Even with forty pounds on each pan, multiple passes over an ALREADY PLOWED field are required to smooth it.

Disc Harrows with 50 pounds bearing on each pan cut better. Usually will smooth an ALREADY PLOWED field in one pass with properly adjusted gang angles. Will prepare a field annually for seeding with two to four Disc Harrow passes over the field. Box Frame Disc Harrows with fifty pounds bearing on each pan usually have pans 20" in diameter.

Both these weight Discs are too heavy for a 2,000 pound tractor. You will not have necessary traction.

Shop roto-tillers, which will efficiently use your 32.5-horsepower, for your 2,000 pound tractor. You will be happier with the result.

MORE FROM T-B-N ARCHIVE: rotary tiller or disc harrow site:tractorbynet.com - Google Search


In today's "no till" world, many use herbicides applied through a tractor sprayer for weed control.

 

[Catman8]

Jeff, thanks for posting that info, do you happen to know why they manufacture disc harrows that have less than 40lbs per disc if they don't work? My thoughts were that if I had to make multiple passes with a disk harrow to control weeds I wouldn't be turning the dirt to powder like what happens when I use my tiller. I have no experiance with a disc so your input is appreciated.

I do own a tiller but I find it to be so slow and it turns the dirt to powder, I don't need a five acre dust bowl, unless I'm operating the tiller incorrectly that's the results I get, if I go to fast the tiller is just jumping all over the place if you don't give it time to do it's job.

Thanks for the help.

 

[skipperbrown]

I would buy the heaviest one just to get the greatest weight per pan and I'd go notched for more downward pressure. With the right soil conditions, you can cut some dirt but it may take several passes. The only caveat is having enough weight to keep the front of the tractor down when you lift it. Lots (LOTS) have died driving up steep hills with heavy implements in the lifted position.

 

[Catman8]

That's kind of my question, what is the largest size disc Harrow that my Tractor can handle efficiently without destroying my tractor or having a safety concern. I have four wheel drive, loaded tires and FEL for front weight. 32.5 engine Hp. I was hoping that someone with the same size tractor Could share what size disc works well for them.

 

[jeff9366]

Why do they manufacture disc harrows that have less than 40lbs per disc if they don't work?

Because people buy them, even if a Roto-Tiller is the better tool.

Readership here, relative to universe of compact tractor owners, is tiny.

I suggest you plant one Fall cover crop and one Spring cover crop for green manure for several years. A cover crop will increase the organic content of your soil and smother weed seed content over several plantings. Forage Oats is one example of a good Winter soil builder. About $25 for 50 pounds of seed.

I don't need a five acre dust bowl.

You may wish to consider some type of Conservation Plow. Dirt Dog's 3-shank and 4-shank "All Purpose Plow" for example. Bare dirt not needed for good green manure seed germination.

Field Cultivators are available in widths from 54"/Cat 1 to 173"/Cat 2, with three to nineteen tines, for subcompact through utility tractors. The two USA producers are Dirt Dog and Fred Cain. Former producers were Ferguson, Ford and Bush Hog, probably others. Wider, heavier Field Cultivators are available for the Big-Ag market.

The Field Cultivator and its heavier relation, the Chisel Plow, are both used for conservation tillage.



Post a solid paragraph on what you are currently doing with your land, plan for your land and its extent.

 

[jeff9366]

I do own a tiller but I find it to be so slow and it turns the dirt to powder, I don't need a five acre dust bowl, unless I'm operating the tiller incorrectly that's the results I get, if I go to fast the tiller is just jumping all over the place if you don't give it time to do it's job.

I live at the bottom of a valley so the soil is decompose granite, sand and not sure what else, but pretty easy hand digging.

Start a new thread in ATTACHMENTS: Need help improving Roto-tiller operation.

You cannot productively roto-till dry soil. It your tiller is bouncing, your soil is too dry. You should also consider a HyrauLink shock absorber.

HYDRAULINK VIDEO: Land Pride RTR257 Tiller - YouTube

 

[Catman8]

Jeff, I have read many of your helpful post in the past, I just purchased this cultivator but before I use it I wanted to buy the Dirt dog
APP60-5 to do the primary tillage. I live in CA. And at the moment I am having a hard time finding one in stock or finding a dealer that can help me, two dealers I called in Georgia has never returned my calls. Who did you buy your dirt dog from.

 

[jeff9366]

The green implement in three photos is a Cultivator. It has cultivating shovels. It is designed for shallow penetration, therefore S-tine spring shanks are sufficient. UNV is quality.

An APP will have points. It is a conservation plow which will leave 25% of soil surface untouched. Designed for deep penetration, each shank has coil-spring protection.

Between your roto-tiller and this cultivator you have ample equipment. You just need to learn proper operation in properly moist soil. Cover crops appropriate to your area will shade out weeds.

Neither an APP nor a light Disc Harrow is the answer.
Start a new thread in ATTACHMENTS: Need help improving Roto-tiller operation.

I purchased my DD/APP from local Deere dealer, who is also the Dirt Dog dealer.