Plowing new ground.

[Farmwithjunk]

Another day.... and another chance for someone to screw up. I ordered the landslides a day before the shares. Shares show up today. I call (generic mail order house) for a tracking #. (I had them check stock on Jan 2nd when I ordered. They had several. I ordered 2) No tracking #. No shipment. No parts in inventory. Back ordered until Feb 24th. I'm not happy. We'll get back to this later.

Called Massey dealer with part #. He'll have 'em in hand thursday afternoon. With shipping, oem parts were $14 more than "generic" aftermarket. And that aftermarket part still needs some work (with a die grinder) to allow the tail wheel to bolt up correctly.

Call (Generic mail order house) and cancel previous order.

See how much trouble overhauling a simple plow can be?

But we did bolt on a few parts. And now the plow is hooked to a tractor.


Pic #1. Looking back from operators seat.

Pic #2. is the bottom without a share.

Pic #3. same bottom WITH a share.

Pic #4. head on look at rear bottom.

Pic #5. Hitched to the 150.

Bolt enough plow parts to anything and soon enough, it starts to look like a plow.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Dear diary.....

You ever have "one of those days"? This was the 3rd one so far this week. And it ain't over yet!

My "generic mail order house" (I'm not mentioning their names while I'm mad) told me yesterday that they put my parts on back order until late Feb. I ordered oem from AGCO. When I get home TODAY, UPS had left 2 landslides FROM THE SAME PEOPLE WHO TOLD ME YESTERDAY THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY MORE. The AGCO order was UPS red and can't be cancelled. Oh well, spare parts.

So, off to the shop. I unpackage the landslides, and something IMMEDIATELY stuck out as odd. EVerything was completely BACKWARDS. Now leave it to luck that I just recieved something today that I bought on ebay. A 1972 Massey FErguson dealers "parts interchange" catalog for all their plows from 1957 to 1972. The part # on the landslides I recieved today, in addition to NOT being the part #'s I ordered, are for a LEFT HAND plow. (Maybe left hand portion of a 2-way plow)

I ORDER a certain part. They repeat the correct part #. They BILL me for the correct part #. They SEND me whatever. Here is what I've been sent so far. (Pic#1) The primer brown one at the bottom is a worn landslide like I need. The rest of these things don't even closely resemble "correct". The boys in Iowa have to pay return shipping and a full refund. They don't seem to mind a bit. Maybe that's why plow parts are so expensive these days.

Oh well, shop's cold. The Mrs. wants to go out to eat. No progress today.

ps. the final decal arrived via USPS today!

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Bill,
That is really amazing ! Its almost like send him something while we have him on the phone, if its correct great, if its not we wont hear from him until he realizes he has the wrong parts In the mean time he is off our back

Keep the faith

 

[RobS]

Now I know why I don't get into restorations! Just kidding, your progress is fantastic even with the part snafus.

Historical note: About a mile from where I currently sit is the site of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works where the first successful moldboard plows originated. Mr. Oliver discovered the right metallurgy to make the plow work. There are some MUCH older plows than yours in our local historical museum. Cool stuff!

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Pic#1. This is a coulter,
Pic#2. This is a tailwheel
Pic#3. This is the illusive LANDSLIDE!

The plow is completely assembled. I was beginning to doubt that was going to happen. I managed to pull the tractor outside long enough to take the leaf blower to the shop. Then it started raining. Back inside for now. (We're predicted to be getting 2-1/2 to 3-1/2" of rain between now and Sunday morning. Then it turns cold)

I'll start taking the necessary pictures to support instructions on basic set-up over the weekend. Doubtful we'll be turning sod any time soon.

(Rain threw me for a loop. I didn't get a picture of the complete finished plow. It looks good! I'm pleased.)

 

[Gizmo36]

That is a nice plow,I like old turn plows an old disk tillers It just take more hp to pull the tillers.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The rain stopped for a while. (It's already started again) I managed to get a few outside pictures of the assembled plow. I sure didn't go to get all the shine on the moldboards intentionally. I used hardener because of poor drying conditions. (cold and damp) Oh well.....

Here's 3 pictures.

Next we do a basic set-up.

 

[RobS]

Look like brochure pictures! Great job, can't wait to see it in action.

 

[Glowplug]

Farmwithjunk--I don't mean to divert off topic. But have you ever heard of "Plow Chief" plows? I'm wondering if they're worth anything. Do you think this one looks like it's in decent shape? You can send me a PM if you'd rather. Thanks.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Farmwithjunk--I don't mean to divert off topic. But have you ever heard of "Plow Chief" plows? I'm wondering if they're worth anything. Do you think this one looks like it's in decent shape? You can send me a PM if you'd rather. Thanks.

I sent you a PM, but for the rest of those interested, "Plow Chief" and "Super Chief" were International Harvester plows. Good, heavy duty equipment, but SOME parts are getting downright impossible to find.

Also, for those interested, I'm still working on my plow tutorial. I've been a little under the weather for the last few days and haven't been anywhere near the shop. Stay tuned!