Discing tips?

[cdnt]

I have a front field that is about 4ac that I had plowed last year by a friend. I am borrowing a set of discs this weekend with an attached harrow. Any tips for how to do this - the field is on a slope as well.

Thanks

 

[idaho2]

Are you using a 3pt or a pull type disc, setup makes a difference of what your using. Disc the field across the slope, helps to reduce erosion when it rains.

idaho2

 

[cdnt]

I have a pull type set of dics and a chain harrow behind that. The field is plowed across the slope so i figure I'll disk the same way and then maybe 45* for a second pass.

I just hauled them over to my farm and plan to give it a shot tomorrow - wish me luck!

 

[gwdixon]

A lot depends on if the disc is a tandem or an offset model.

If offset (arranged in a single "V" pattern) you always turn toward the point of the "V". In most cases that means turning to the left only. You must plan ahead. Turns are cut at a reduced blade angle so won't be quite as disced up.

If tandem you can turn either way but the turning area will be chewed up because half of the disks will plow as you turn rather than cut. A few passes on the ends will finish the job.

 

[MHarryE]

You probably already have your land disked but anyway here are my 2 cents. We have a sticky clay soil that is very rough to cross so first disking is in direction of plowing followed by disking crossways. After that it is just judgement as to how well the soil has broke up, etc. Considering it is spring I assume you are getting ready to plant so there is no time between to let weather help you out further.

 

[cdnt]

Yes finished this afternoon after making sure everything was dry but hoping the weather would hold as there was some rain forecasted. It took about five hours to do what ended up being five acres. We too have a heavier clay loam soil, and this field has a number of slopes, so most of the first pass was in L range with the disks burried about 1/2 their depth.

I did a second pass at 45* which helped smooth things out. The chain harrow also really helped as well. I was able to do parts in M range, but still lots in low. Was in 4WD for most and needed the diff lock a few times during the 45* run crossing a large rut that managed to get opposite front and rear tires spinning. I was thankful to have 4WD, loaded ag tires and cruise control. If I did a lot of this, I could also see needing a bigger tractor and a cab (I have a Kubota MX5100).

I used about 10 gallons of fuel.

Thanks for the tips, I'll post some pics later.

 

[Smallplot]

Sorry missed this thread. #1 tip for disking plowed field is to disk turn rows first. This gives you a smoother surface for turning on your end rows. Once finished with the straight rows hit your turn rows a final time.