Tandem Disc Harrows

[firefighter9208]

A bit of an update. I was looking to make the trip up north to look over the disc harrows and I find this notice on the web page.

"For Wholesale Dealers only at this location!"
See the link below.

Lowey

Sorry, I guess their dealers were complaining about everyone going straight to them to buy implements. I bought my disk back in October or Early November. I hope I can still go there to buy parts, as they have really good deals on parts.

Chris

 

[sunspot]

I may go there anyway. That way I can see the different models to do a comparison. If I have to go to a reseller afterwards, so be it.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb25/Bigboy1mf/mf254.jpg

Here's my favorite type of 3-point mounted disc. Massey Ferguson #25. They were made from late 50's through late 80's. Adjustable gangs from operators seat, and enough built-in weight to get the job done. They are the best mounted disc I've ever used. Great leveling action too.

 

[Harold_J]

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb25/Bigboy1mf/mf254.jpg

Here's my favorite type of 3-point mounted disc. Massey Ferguson #25. They were made from late 50's through late 80's. Adjustable gangs from operators seat, and enough built-in weight to get the job done. They are the best mounted disc I've ever used. Great leveling action too.

You're right, these are very good. Yours in the picture is nice because it has the wider frame. They level pretty good because the gangs kind of float on ball joints and the back has some float independent of the front. Also I believe ths spacings were 6.5", which makes a nice seedbed. For anyone working plowed ground for a seedbed I would say stay away from 9" spacing, try to go with 7-7.5" front and back if that's what's available.

QUESTION ABOUT THE MODEL #25: What do you do when the white metal bearings are worn out? After they wear to a point the blades will rub on the frame. I would like to fix mine up but the last time I looked the parts were astronomically priced, you could buy a decent new disk for the price of the bearing parts. I used to know a place that cast the bearing parts, but no more. From Agco each bearing piece might be running close to $100.
Any ideas?

 

[CDsdad]

I've got a 6 1/2' Howse. I don't care much for their mowers, but the disc has performed and held up well and weighs 850 lbs or 42.5 lbs per blade. To get it to cut and break really well the rear gangs have to be set at the max angle. It's been good for me for gardens and deer patches.

And a little 2,4D on those gum trees will take them out.

 

[sunspot]

Well, it just so happens that I stopped by a tractor dealership on my way home from work and they had a TH series 8' disk with 22" notched blades with 9" spacing, tubular gang hangers and beefy pillow block bearings. It weighs over 1100 pounds in that configuration and the dealer had it priced at around $1700.

You got a very good price . I was quoted $3,150 for a TL and $2,000 for a TH that is smaller and lighter than the one you bought. Tufline may be a very good brand but it's not in my budget

 

[Eastinlet]

I by chance found a nice looking offset disk here:

http://www.unverferth.com/ustmax.php

I expect it's pricey, but it certainly looks heavy duty and has some nice features. The 6' model weighs in at 1805 pounds.

I've got a KK 6' that has been satisfactory for my needs, but if I had the money and HP I think I'd take a look at the Maximus disk.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

You're right, these are very good. Yours in the picture is nice because it has the wider frame. They level pretty good because the gangs kind of float on ball joints and the back has some float independent of the front. Also I believe ths spacings were 6.5", which makes a nice seedbed. For anyone working plowed ground for a seedbed I would say stay away from 9" spacing, try to go with 7-7.5" front and back if that's what's available.

QUESTION ABOUT THE MODEL #25: What do you do when the white metal bearings are worn out? After they wear to a point the blades will rub on the frame. I would like to fix mine up but the last time I looked the parts were astronomically priced, you could buy a decent new disk for the price of the bearing parts. I used to know a place that cast the bearing parts, but no more. From Agco each bearing piece might be running close to $100.
Any ideas?

Hmmm. My first instict would be to find another disc that could be bought CHEAP as a parts donor. Maybe one with a broken frame/worn out disc blades/ect. They appear in dealer back lots and at auctions quite a bit. The boxings have to be absolutely trashed before they're worn to the point you have to give up on them.

I've been able to find a few #25's at auctions, in GOOD condition, for under $400. I bought a junker 3 years ago for $110. I got a complete set of scrapers, 3 good axles, 5 of 8 bearings in good condition, and 400lbs of scrap iron out of the deal.

Then there's the "poor people have poor ways" method. I saw my dad split bearing, wrap the spools in leather strips, re-assemble, grease, and run them several more years on a couple occasions.

The #25 in my picture has 7-1/4" spools. You're correct about their ability to allow each gang to float independently. There is also a way to "lock" each gang so that it becomes a rigid frame too. The picture WAS an 8'-10" model at one point. (as pictured) I cut down the axles, removed one blade and one spool from each gang to end up with a 7'-6" version. Much easier to haul with it now being under "legal width".

It's sitting in front of the shop door now too. Sometime in the next week or so, it gets the royal treatment. Dsimantle, sandblast, prime, paint, and decal.

 

[RobJ]

Boxings will remain servicable long after wear becomes evident. For a disc that'll see ocassional use, I personally would prefer the boxings. The deal with wear/dirt/water/rust/abuse in a much more forgiving manner.

Like this?

Rob

 

[Farmwithjunk]

As a point of interest, just last week, I walked through the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville Kentucky. Woods had a nice display. In addition to their standard line of mowers and such, they had on display a new product in their line. A heavy duty 3-point disc. It looked to be VERY well made. Plenty of built in weight. Comparing it to the majority of 3-point disc's available these days, I'd rate it about a 8 (out of 1-10) No price info.