When do you let the 3ph stabilizers float?

[Farmwithjunk]

I can't think of instances where sway is desirable, but differences in implement hitch width may force adjustments to be made.

You want the draft arms to have the freedom to move side to side quite a bit when you're pulling a plow. (As was already mentioned...soil engaging implements)

If not, any steering corrections with the plow in the ground, however slight, would be almost impossible to make. Same goes with a mounted disc, subsoiler, ect. If a plow is set up properly, and the tractor is set at the right width, a plow will follow right in line behind the tractor without sway chains/bars/blocks.

 

[RobS]

You want the draft arms to have the freedom to move side to side quite a bit when you're pulling a plow. (As was already mentioned...soil engaging implements)

If not, any steering corrections with the plow in the ground, however slight, would be almost impossible to make. Same goes with a mounted disc, subsoiler, ect. If a plow is set up properly, and the tractor is set at the right width, a plow will follow right in line behind the tractor without sway chains/bars/blocks.

Hey, I can go home now! I've learned something new. All this occasional talk on plows makes me want to get one and try it out. Sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for the wisdom Farm.

 

[eanjay]

As I understand it, anti-sway bars or chains are there to stop the impliment attached to the 3PH from hitting the rear tires?

EanJay

 

[greg_g]

Arrow pointing to mine...

Uh huh. Your question made me think of vertical stabilizers. I never heard of floating the horizontal stabilizers. Interesting, but dangerous. I've got quite a few TPH implements, and I'd be worried about each and every one of them causing the lower lift amrs to strike the inside of my rear tire lugs.

//greg//

 

[Glowplug]

This started out as the most confusing thread I have ever read. Now that some of the terminology has been clarified it is informative.
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If a plow is set up properly, and the tractor is set at the right width, a plow will follow right in line behind the tractor without sway chains/bars/blocks.

I have heard this same type of statement from farmers on more than one occassion. It's like it's some sort of complicated art that requires years of apprenticeship to set up a plow. Perhaps it is, but I just wish someone would explain it. What is the proper way to set up a plow.

 

[charlesw]

What is the proper way to set up a plow.

Well... I suppose I'm interested in hearing this, too! And, hey, you're welcome to come over to the house and demonstrate your technique for me!

 

[grizer]

With turning plow, deside on depth, say 6", block left wheels up on 6" blocks on level floor. Align plow in straight line with tractor, (offset bar on front of plow), adjust lift links to have plow flat on floor. As you can see, this is position tractor and plow will be in when operating with right wheels in a 6" furrow. Offset bar on front of plow and top center link may have to be fine adjusted for plow to track as it should behind tractor.
leave slack in sway bars or chains to let plow move if you hit anything.

 

[Doc_Bob]

I don't think my hitch has all the features or parts you are talking about and
I think the 3PH in this photo is from a 8N or something old and may not reflect what we have today but I hope it can help clear up terminology.

I don't see from the photo the option of floating?
Bob

 

[charlesw]

leave slack in sway bars or chains to let plow move if you hit anything.

Well, but, see? That's just the thing about this! When else do you let the sway bars move? Yeah, yeah, when you're pulling something that might jump side to side when it hits something. Well, everything I pull can hit something! A box blade has teeth and these bite into the ground which is full of great big rocks!

 

[Doc_Bob]

. Align plow in straight line with tractor, (offset bar on front of plow), adjust lift links to have plow flat on floor.

With a three bottom plow, how do I know when the plow is aligned straight with the tractor???
Bob