Disk Plow

[Lynn Patrick]

Got a chance to pick up a 2 disk plow. It's missing a tail wheel - if it ever had one! How necessary is one on a disk plow? I have NO experience with this type plow so would appreciate any info from those who do!
Thanks!

 

[Ultradog MN]

I had a Dearborn disc plow like the one below for a couple of years.
Was told it was just the ticket for deer plots in our rocky, rooty soil here.
It did not do nearly as good a job of plowing as my moldboard plow does. Didn't turn the sod over well and did not dig very deep. I just didn't like it. Plus the way it has to be mounted - up close behind the tractor - it bent my fender when I raised it. Grrr
So I sold it and wont buy another one.

Thanks to Ray for the use of his photo.

 

[sotxbill]

use the bigger ones.. and adjustment and speed are critical to getting them to work correctly. The three disc are a lot longer, and were drag plows. Very very heavy, long tail. Usually takes a big tractor as they try to turn the tractor sideways... used em on a super M and 4020 with good results back when I was much younger and dumber.. now I'm just old and dumber..

 

[Merton Canady]

Tail wheel is needed to keep the tractor from turning sideways.

 

[ShepFL]

I run a similar one behind my Oliver 550 and love it.
Soil here in FL is sandy to sandy clay loam. It can
easily bury itself if no gauge wheel.

Down here we call them new ground plows as they cut
thru roots etc. vs. mold board plow getting points
stuck.

 

[Dean]

The tail wheel is absolutely essential on a disc plow.

Unless you are using a much bigger tractor than necessary for the size of the plow, the disc plow will push the rear of the tractor sideways without it.

Even with a tail wheel a disc plow will force the tractor sideways if tractor size and/or weight is marginal for the plow.

Dean

 

[Lynn Patrick]

Thanks to all for the info. This is just like the one UD pictured, only missing the wheel & no paint!

 

[William Fissell]

Yup, tail wheel essential and doesn;t do as nice a
job as the moldboard. I also have that exact plow,
I think a Dearborn 10-80. I use mine for new ground
or a first pass in the spring if I am worried that
the frost has tipped up new rocks. The scrapers,
not pictured, are also essential.

 

[Tom in Mo.]

Gotta have the tail wheel. The one pictured has had fenders welded on to the brackets that normally would mount the disc sweeps. The sweeps are very helpful at keeping them clean and making a nicer looking furrow.

 

[wellmax99]

Lynn,
you need a trail guide wheel on a disc plow in order for it to work properly.

I have used my old MF 64 disc plow for years and I enjoy using it. It will plow out roots, roll over rocks, etc: They leave the ground a little rougher, but ok with me, as I like that for fall garden breaking.

for use on a small tractor a disc plow must have the trail wheel: the large disc pull the plow to one side, the rear guide disc stabilizer holds the plow straight.

In my opinion, the main reason you see an old disc plow for sale, the rear guide disc blade worn down and would not hold the plow straight, in this situation the plow is hard to use.

my friend and I have two of these old plows, both had to have the rear guide blade replaced.

 

[Lynn Patrick]

Thanks guys, for all the info. I think I'm going to pass on it, but in case anyone is interested it's on St Louis crgslt, http://stlouis.craigslist.org/grd/4820645200.html or just search "disk plow".
I talked w/him on the phone & he wants to get rid of it pretty bad.

 

[Rob Mo.]

I've been looking for a good disk plow to put behind a Ford 900. After reading these posts, I learned alot, but I do raise the question to whether or nor you can still get the disc' anymore?