Plowing woes with old plow!

TillerofdaEarth · Jan 16, 2008

I borrowed this old Oliver 3 bottom, 16" plow from a co-worker, and have since broken a coulter hub, which I had repaired at a local weld shop. Then I broke a rock share and have been on a two day hunt, with no luck finding replacement shares.

Tractor supply has some shares that match the bolt pattern, but do not match the moldboard and shin, see pics of what I'm talking about. It's like the holes in the new shares were stamped 1" off. The old and new shares were the same length but did not fit the same. I returned the new shares back to TSC.

I have included some other pics that may help some of the Gurus on this site identify the Model#. The old plow was doing a nice job of turning this 5 acre sod field before the share broke on the last pass. Still have 7.5 acres to go and weather susposed to turn bad.

Any thoughts or ideas appreciated!

Farmwithjunk · Jan 17, 2008

I'm not up on the model #'s of Oliver plows, but they were (are) about as good a plow as ANYONE ever built.

You can use those new shares. Cut off the excess (w/ a torch) and use a grinder to shape and sharpen the edge once you have it cut. For some odd reason, MOST replacement shares I've bought in recent years will be too long/too short. Ford plows (late 50's and on) were made by Oliver (White) or Pittsburg Plow. They used a share very simular to the Oliver plows. You MIGHT get lucky and find a Ford share that'll fit also.

Where the share is a little short on the back end doesn't really matter . It became popular around these parts to use 12" or 14" shares on the next size bigger plow. That saved a buck and in some cases, actually made the plow pull just a tick easier. Massey Ferguson even offered as an option on some models of their plows, what they termed a "clipped wing" share. Cross the part #'s and it was evident they merely used a 12" share on a 14" plow/14" share on a 16" plow, 16" share on an 18" plow.

Egon · Jan 17, 2008

Sounds like Farmer has got the problem solved.

I was gonna suggest trying it with the share extending an extra inch. It may be off from the coulter but may work depending on your soil.

TillerofdaEarth · Jan 17, 2008

Thanks FWJ, I will probably end up torching and welding a share to fit like you suggested. As you also mentioned, I had read were Oliver built plows for Ford and may try that route. Problem I am having is finding a real dealer who carries equipment parts and not just tractors.

You are right also about this Oliver plow being well built. It is a little brute piece of equipment!

oliver28472 · Jan 17, 2008

If you have an AgCo dealer nearby you may get some help there. With MF being owned by AgCo maybe there too. Another good website is ytmag.com. Lots of help there in the Oliver forum.

Farmwithjunk · Jan 17, 2008

Forgot about these folks. I posted their link a few days ago. Good supplier of parts for older plows Crescent Forge & Shovel -Tillage Tools

TillerofdaEarth · Jan 17, 2008

Well I am back in action! On the advice of FWJ, I went back to Tractor Supply and repurchased a set of shares that they carry for Oliver plows.

I mounted the shares on the plow, and then cut off the excess overhang on the point end with a torch.

Got about 2 hrs of plowing in this afternoon and its working great. Could use just a tad more moisture but will make due with whats available.

I would still like to know what Model plow this is for future reference, so if anyone has any guesses I would like to hear them.

Thanks all, Tiller.