Power Required to Pull a Two-Bottom Moldboard Plow

[AK47]

Hello,

I just recently purchased a Kubota L3300 used tractor that is about 33 HP and has simple 2wd. I'd like to use it to plow about 2 acres of land to plant a few crops like corn and garlic. Before I go ahead and do that, I'd first like to find out if this tractor has the HP and weight to pull a 1 bottom plow let alone a 2 bottom plow on the first pass.

Anyone have any experience using these type of tractors for agriculture? Your input would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Looking4new]

Welcome to TBN from northern Ontario.

I had a Farmall C (20 hp) that I used to pull a two bottom breaking plow with no problems.

 

[ovrszd]

You've got plenty of HP. It's whether you can hook it to the ground or not. Not sure what your tractor weighs?? Also, are you talking about a 3pt mounted plow?? If so, it'll help with the traction problem versus a pull type.

According to TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors your tractor weighs 2610-2765lbs. You should be fine with a 2 bottom plow. If you've added rear tire fluid or have wheel weights to boost that weight it will handle it even better.

 

[zionview]

Our full size farm tractors required about 10- 12HP per 14" bottom when we were plowing. Now I pull a single bottom 12" with either a B8200(Ags) or BX2200(turfs) with no problems. I plow in 4WD and do not add any weight, other than keeping the loader on the BX, cause I'm too lazy to take it off. An L3300 should handle a 2-bottom with ease, and maybe a 3-bottom in good conditions.

 

[AK47]

Thanks for the quick responses and appreciate the welcoming. I also wanted to point out that the land I'm using is a very hard clay soil so I'm not sure if that will significantly impact the ability of the tractor to plow through that soil efficiently. I also have a loader on the front which worries me about the tractors ability to pull a two bottom plow due to traction issues.

 

[Looking4new]

I would stay with a 2 bottom. It might take a little longer, but you wont have any problem.

 

[jeff9366]

I pulled a 2-12 Ford 101 behind my Kubota B3300SU through rock free, sandy loam, with no particular problem but it had four wheel drive and R4 tires.

Pulling a moldboard plow is high draft force work.

I am doubtful you can pull a two bottom plow with two wheel drive, through clay.

I think you will need to restrict yourself to a single plow in clay. For two acres a single bottom plow is not that great a restriction. With a single plow you can go to 14" wide moldboard, which will be a limited compensation.

 

[zionview]

I would stay with a 2 bottom. It might take a little longer, but you wont have any problem.

Agreed. Knowing you have clay, you'll be happier with a 2-bottom. And the loader is a help, not a hindrance. It'll act as a fulcrum to aid traction. We added front end weights to our tractors when plowing, except for the loader tractor. It didn't need any. Watch your rear wheel slippage-you may need some wheel weights, or calcium in your rear tires. Or just put her in 4WD and give it a try!

 

[wmonroe]

Are your rear tires loaded? If not I would get rim guard in them and then hook up to the 2 bottom and go.

 

[jeff9366]

Hello,

I just recently purchased a Kubota L3300 used tractor that is about 33 HP and has simple 2wd.

OP's tractor has two-wheel drive.