what can the gravely rotary plow do?

[RichardTX]

trying to find info on mounting up the dually wheels... like how??

At Oldgravelys.net the instructions for almost every accessory that Gravely made is there.

Here is the dual wheel manual.

http://oldgravelys.net/pdf/Dual_Wheel_Kit_Instruc_0473.pdf

I at least partially deflate the tires before putting the dual wheel adapter on. I don't trust those wheels with just 3 bolts holding them together.

Sometimes the bolts holding the wheels together have to be moved so that the valve stem is not being smashed by the wheel spacer.

 

[twrighthere]

Richard.. thanks, when I was trying it, it just seemed to simple.... but now seeing the instructions, i guess, yes it's that simple...

thanks again..
I am sure I will be back with several more questions.

 

[twrighthere]

getting ready to play with the rotary plow this weekend.. I see that it can be pivoted for a "shallow pass" is this recommended. the soil it will be working in is likely considered (loam, organic for first 4 inches,, then in some parts will be clay...

? just take it slow and steady??? if it begins to walk off in a direction other than straight do I need to adjust the angle (pivot?) of the shaft/blades>>

I don't have a dirt shield,, but I am not overly concerned where the soil will end up, actually the more spread about the better,,

but if I end up needing one, anyone retrofit their own design,??

 

[RichardTX]

I don't use the dirt shield.

When experimenting at first, here are a few tips

- stay away from the handlebars.
- use at the lowest and slowest speed possible. Slightly above an idle is good.
- the angle determines if it will plow straight or pull to either side.
- read the old L tractor manual and the other owners manuals carefully.
- look at Gravely published pictures of the plow in action to determine approximate settings.
- start shallow
- If you hit a rock or root the tractor will buck. Stay clear of the handlebars.
- Make sure the attachment safety clutch is working.
- Make sure the gearbox has gear oil in it.
- The rotary plow has so much torque it will pull 20ft of 3/4" conduit out of the ground in about 1.3 seconds.
- The front wheel height also determines the depth.
- The front wheel offset determines how much dirt is going to be removed on each pass. Less is more when learning.
- Once the angle is set right, it will likely never need adjustment.
- The plow works slowly. Look at what it is doing compared to a standard plow. It is not only turning the soil, it is also breaking it up and moving it further. In short it is doing 3 operations at once. Plowing, discing, and cultivating.
- Let the tractor do the work. Once you get it set up, all you need to do is to be there to stop it if it hits a rock, etc. See picture below.

Note the offset of the front wheels.

 

[twrighthere]

richardtx,

thanks for the tips, looking forward to getting the hang of it.

 

[RichardTX]

Here is a link that I found that might encourage you.


Rotary plow, So easy a Girl can do it!

The #1 rule I have is if I find myself having to actually work at keeping the tractor straight, something is wrong.

Having said all that, there are some patches of soil around my home that nothing can penetrate. The Gravely can't, a pick can't, nothing can. Well actually a pneumatic jackhammer/air chisel or a backhoe can but that is not exactly plowing. I am not making this up or exaggerating either. The neighbor's lot a block away has nothing but this hard almost concrete soil. As a result he had to have a mechanical septic system put in. The soil will not allow water to pass through.

May the skies be always be blue, the sun warm, and all the soil you plow be sandy loam that is free of rocks and roots.

 

[RichardTX]

Let us know how things work out for you.

 

[twrighthere]

back with more questions,, the "tilt adjusting"plate ,, I take that it attaches to the left upper and lower mounting pto bolts/holes to that the rotary plow housing is actually slanted down to the left??

also I put on the dual wheels, but I wonder does that rob the tractor of torque? it seemed to just about pull me across the ground when single tires,, but now with the dual it seems like I could hold it back??

anyone out there rig a hitch or extension to tow an husky garden cart behind it, while sittting on it, I know the actualy gravely are set up but wondering if I could rig something up..

 

[RichardTX]

Dual wheels put more rubber on the ground but sometimes that is not what is needed. For maximum traction in soil the 4.80-8 single luggers are about as good as it gets. When pushing snow, then duals with chains rule. For mowing with a 50" deck out front, then dual turf tires work good. When I use the rotary plow I use single luggers or snow tires.

Based on your description of the plate, it sounds right. I will take some pictures of my rotary plow setup and post them later.

This may help

http://oldgravelys.net/pdf/Rotary_Plow_OldStyle_Own_Man_0774.pdf