IH 2 bottom plow

[bedrock1234]

I have a IH Plow that is carried by the front tires. The part number on the main beams is IH PO23403A, and IH PO 23403A. I am told it is a Little Genius, but my question is what modle is it?

 

[georgeky]

All Little Genius plows are model number 8.

 

[Hugh MacKay]

bedrock: Several different Little Genius plows would have used those same beams. George is not quite right, although 90% of them were probably No. 8. there were also numbers 3, 4, 5, 10, 12 and 15. Bear in mind there were also numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 Little Wonder plows. There were numbers 8, 14, 15 and 16 were called only IH Tractor Plows. That covers all trailer plows between 1930 and 1960.

There are some noticable differences. Models 3, 4 and 5 were chain lift. the 4 and 5 were orchard models with levers mounted backwards to avoid catching tree limbs. The 10 and 12 were noticable heavier than the N0. 8 and were available with a tandem hitch, and available in 2, 3, 4, and 5 bottom, plus cranks had replaced levers for adjustment. The 15 was a bit of and oddball, as there were Little Genius 15s and 15s not called Little Genius. Both 15s were heavy deep tillage plows.

There is also another little kink in this whole plow model subject. There was a No.8 Tractor Plow, built at Hamilton Ontario. It differs from the Little Genius in that it has adjustable frame for various cutting widths. The Little Genius has diagnol cross members whereas the No.8 Tractor Plow has perpendicular cross members between the beams. They also use different lever systems.

It almost takes a photo to be 100% certain on IH trailer plows of this era.

 

[Bret4207]

The IH Little Genius is about the best trailer plow ever built. Set it up right with good points, etc and you have about the best plow made on wheels. I have a 10"x2 bottom with the jointers. If the dummy on the tractor gets his crap together they turn out a field that looks like something from the World Plowing Expo. Just wonderful plows!

 

[georgeky]

Hugh, I should have said almost all. You are right there were some others, but very rarely run across any of them.

 

[Hugh MacKay]

George: The figures I have say 67,000 No.8 Little genius were built between 1928 and 1960. The No.8 Tractor Plow built here at Hamilton was basically the same plow except for the cross members and levers and close to 30,000 of those, I think that production started after WW#2. I don't see more than 10,000 of all other Little Genius combined.

There were about 50,000 Little Wonder plows all models built. The No. 14 was 1,500, 15 non Little Genius was only built in 57 and 58 no numbers and the 16 was 8,500 units. So the No.8 was quite dominant in IH circles.