2 bottom or 3 bottom

[Wisfarmer82]

Hi guys,
I have a 861 diesel with worn done 13.6-28 tires that have fluid in them. Iam wondering what is the best plow to get a 2 bottom or 3? I have heavier ground. Thanks, Jon

 

[Dean]

I would look for a 2X14 unless you have good ground and/or good tires, plenty of ballast and properly working draft control.

Dean

 

[Royse]

Plows vary a lot on soil and plow condition, so I would agree with Dean.
One additional thought, if you can borrow one from a friend or
neighbor to try it out that would certainly help let you know.
The tires will only get worse until replaced, so keep that in mind.

 

[old]

I have an 841 and also a 2 bottom 16 plow and it is all it wants in the heavy black clay we have here in Missouri. So go with a 2 bottom and go for it. Better to be able to use a higher gear and do a good job then to use a slower lower gear and get by

 

[WayneIA]

If your tire tread is practically gone, the results will be close to the same. Actually, the draft system will work better with a 3 bottom than a 2 bottom plow.

 

[Matt in TN]

Buy a Ford 3 bottom. If your tractor won't pull it, you can take the rearmost bottom off.

 

[NoNewParts]

(quoted from post at 00:17:06 07/11/13) Hi guys,
I have a 861 diesel with worn done 13.6-28 tires that have fluid in them. Iam wondering what is the best plow to get a 2 bottom or 3? I have heavier ground. Thanks, Jon

2 bottom
while I'm usually a 'more is better' kind of person,
with plows, I go the other way.
whatever the tractor is rated for, I go one less, or
smaller size. tough clay here too
I'd rather have a fast easy plow, than fight it the whole time.
with your 8** series, I've only had gas ones, but they are
more powerful than the tires pretty much all the time with a too big load.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Buy a 3 bottom.
With chains the tractor might pull it.
Like Matt says if the tractor wont pull it you can drop one though the center bottom is easier to drop than the rear one.
3 bottom usually go for the same money here as a 2 because the guys with Ns and Jubilees know they can't pull them. Often they are cheaper.

 

[Tim Daley(MI)]

600/800 Series tractors were designed as 3-bottom plow machines. N-Series tractors are 1 or 2 bottom pullers.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

50 years ago was the last time I used a plow. Dad had bought a Ford 6000 in the early 60's. The tractor was so bad, ford gave us the newer model.

That said, at the time we only had a 3 bottom plow. The 6000 would pull it so fast we would pull a section of a rotory hoe behind the plow. If the moisture was just right, all we had to do was plow and plant. The dirt was moving so fast, it like broke up and leveled itself.

Again, that was 50 years ago. But I remember the clay soil looked good by going faster. Can't remember is you can get a 2 bottom 16 inch plow, but you could go flying with it, may even do a better job.
George

 

[souNdguy]

soil been worked anytime recently?

got other tools like disc? etc?

 

[flyingace]

external_link sez 3 14".

 

[Royse]

(quoted from post at 19:03:05 07/11/13) external_link sez 3 14".

Ford literature probably says the same.
Soil type and bald tires may say otherwise!

 

[Dean]

Bingo.

My very good 860 with very good tires, full heavy weight sets F & R, and properly working draft control has all it wants with a 2X14 plow in much of my ground, though it could, no doubt, handle a 3X12 and probably a 3X14 in my bottom ground.

Dean

 

[flyingace]

(quoted from post at 16:08:17 07/11/13)

(quoted from post at 19:03:05 07/11/13) external_link sez 3 14".

Ford literature probably says the same.
Soil type and bald tires may say otherwise!

I'm just passing on information, not making a judgement.

 

[Wisfarmer82]

My tires are maybe 20% and the soil we have here is silt loam there's 10-12 inches of top soil and then red clay under that. The ground hasn't been plowed in years I don't have a disc or anything Iam looking for a disc or drag also

 

[Royse]

(quoted from post at 20:21:45 07/11/13)

(quoted from post at 16:08:17 07/11/13)

(quoted from post at 19:03:05 07/11/13) external_link sez 3 14".

Ford literature probably says the same.
Soil type and bald tires may say otherwise!

I'm just passing on information, not making a judgement.

I meant no offense flyingace, I was pointing out that there are variables.

wisfarmer82, I stand by the "borrow one to try" statement if you can.

If you want to try taking the rear bottom off, make sure you can
still mount the tail wheel/rolling landside back on the plow.

 

[Ultradog MN]

20% isn't going to allow the tractor to put it's full hp to the ground. You could improve that some by putting tire chains on it but I doubt you'll pull 3.
You don't say where in WI you're located but I know where there's an old 7-8' 4 gang pull behind disc for sale. Just so of Cambridge MN.
I looked it over a few weeks ago and the discs and bearings are all good.
Not mine but a fellow I bought a mower from had it.
You could probably get it for $250-$300.
Email is open if you're interested.

 

[Wisfarmer82]

Iam located in merrill that's 12 miles north of wausau