Implement use guide

Bill Barrett · Jan 14, 2007

It sure would be nice if there was a web site or chat board that had implement use / sizing guide for novices. This web site is great and I learn something everyday, but a farming 101 sure would be nice.
Like
1. Rear finish mower, good for large mowing chores quality of cut depends on travel speed. 5 hp per ft. rule of thumb.
2. Moldboard plow, good for deep turn over of top soil, rough pasture prep to crop ground with further tillage such as disc, harrow etc.
3. etc., etc.,
Maybe with the vast knowledge here ,we can come up with a sticky thread?

jbrumberg · Jan 14, 2007

Bill:

I have had a 20+ year learning curve and TBN teaches me something new almost every day

! The How to Buy a Compact Tractor offered through TBN is pretty informative. There are 2 books out there that can provide some information: How to Use Implements on Your Small-Scale Farm by Rick Kubik (2005) and The Compact Tractor Bible by Dr. Graeme R. Quick (2006). There were a lot of Homesteading Books in the late 60's and 70's (I am a recovering "Hippie"

). The internet has a wealth of information if you can find it on the various search engines

. I am becoming a firm believer in the 5HP/Foot Rule. Jay

eanjay · Jan 15, 2007

Bill Barrett said:
It sure would be nice if there was a web site or chat board that had implement use / sizing guide for novices. This web site is great and I learn something everyday, but a farming 101 sure would be nice.

Try searching for the following. It's a good basic decription of about 35 impliments. Only available as a free download as far as I know.

'Implements for Compact Tractors
Selection, Use, Maintenance and Safety'

By Richard L. Parish, Louisiana State University Ag Center

Cheers - EanJay

Z-Michigan · Jan 15, 2007

jbrumberg said:
Bill:

I have had a 20+ year learning curve and TBN teaches me something new almost every day ! The How to Buy a Compact Tractor offered through TBN is pretty informative. There are 2 books out there that can provide some information: How to Use Implements on Your Small-Scale Farm by Rick Kubik (2005) and The Compact Tractor Bible by Dr. Graeme R. Quick (2006). There were a lot of Homesteading Books in the late 60's and 70's (I am a recovering "Hippie" ). The internet has a wealth of information if you can find it on the various search engines . I am becoming a firm believer in the 5HP/Foot Rule. Jay

I just bought "How to Use Implements on Your Small-Scale Farm by Rick Kubik (2005)" a week ago for this reason. It has rather limited information. It's a decent starting point but it leaves A LOT of questions unanswered. In particular it has hardly any useful information on earthmoving implements (FEL, box blade, regular blade, rake etc.). It has some decent information on row crop farming implements and a tiny bit on hay, but not enough for you to take that book alone and get anywhere.

There are some books on small scale farming that have better information on the farming aspects; I got one for Christmas but don't have the title handy.

If anyone knows of a good book for landscaping and earthmoving 101 (FEL, box blade, regular blade etc.) I would be very interested!

BTDT · Jan 16, 2007

You need to go down to the "School of hard knocks", and pick up the book "The Lord gives us 5 senses, the other 2 we have to acquire (horse and common)".

Seriously, maybe talk to your County Extention agent. He may have some brochures or pamphlets for "your" area. I could probably get by using something with the same tractor and implement (I am in sand), that you couldn't use due to the nature of the terrain, type of soil, etc. with the same tractor and implement. I realize there are generalizations, but even that depends on your particular use and area.

IslandTractor · Jan 16, 2007

Bill Barrett said:
It sure would be nice if there was a web site or chat board that had implement use / sizing guide for novices.

Try this overview from LSU. I found it helpful even though it doesn't give very specific sizing info etc.

Danno1 · Jan 16, 2007

.

Z-Mich,

There was a link on here maybe 9 months or a year ago to a *.pdf of a US Army manual for earthmoving. I have absolutely no recollection though of either the name of the thread or even what forum it was under (Owning/Operating?). Maybe someone else can help with the memory!

.

Z-Michigan · Jan 16, 2007

Danno1 said:
.
Z-Mich,

There was a link on here maybe 9 months or a year ago to a *.pdf of a US Army manual for earthmoving. I have absolutely no recollection though of either the name of the thread or even what forum it was under (Owning/Operating?). Maybe someone else can help with the memory!

I never thought to look for that, but since you said there is one I did some searching and found it - FREE - at:

Active_FM - Army Doctrine and Training Publications

Thanks for the tip!