Tractor Plow Setup

[lonesome]

I have 1941 JD- B and an early '40s two bottom plow (2x12). How much offset do I need on the farrow wheel of the tractor? Currently I have the rear wheels set as wide as possible, will this work or do I need to bring narrow them in? I do remember as a kid dad always slide the rears in for plowing, I just can't remember how to figure how much to move them. Thanks in advance for any thoughts and info.
Steve

 

[beenthere]

Slide the furrow wheel in so you have about 1-2" over to the trailing plow (such that there is about 1.5" of un-cut dirt that will hold the 12" 'cut' that will then fold over into the furrow). It's pretty straight-forward mechanics to get a plow to work, but can be confusing if not done before. Some trial and error runs will help you get the drift. The 'left' wheel on land will not be as important, but the one in the 'furrow' will affect your alignment with the furrow and plow. One could move the drawbar if a swinging one, and position the plow to the right place, but then the plow will want to pull or turn the tractor and you have to almost ride a brake (not good) to hold a straight line.
Let us know how this sits and how the trial runs go. Wish I could give you a hand to set it up. Easier to do than to write it.

 

[OrangeGuy]

Beenthere pretty much hit the nail on the head. Your Dad probably moved the rear wheels out for cultivating 40" rows (center to center of the rear wheels would have been some-where near 80", much too wide for plowing).

My grandfather taught me to align the tractor and plow in a straight line and then move the right rear wheel to within 12" of the point of the plowshare. We also always moved the left wheel by the same amount to get an even pull with the tractor.

Make sure that your plowshares are sharp and good luck plowing. Hope you do not have too many acres, 2-12 behind a JD B will be slow going.

OrangeGuy

 

[lonesome]

Thanks much to you and beenthere, good information provided by both of you. The area I'll be plowing could probably be done faster and cheaper with a tiller, but how much class is that when you have a tractor and plow in the shop? Plus I get the joy of listening to a "Johnny Popper" under a load! I have posted this same question on ytmag.com and got the same answers, seems like on the old tractor a 60" tread on the rears was recommended for both plowing and culavating. Thanks again. Steve