setting a plow

[J-P]

I was thrilled when I found an Oliver 3x16 semi-mounted plow to pull behind my 1550 Oliver tractor but I'm not sure how to go about setting it up properly. What should the spacing be between the rear wheels of my tractor. Where should the front moldboard be in relation to the tractor tire? Should the center of the draft of the plow be in line with the center of the tractor? Are there any websites out there to get some information. Any help will be much appreciated.

 

[Hugh MacKay]

J-P: Yes it is important to have centerline of plow inline with centerline of tractor. 3 x 16" =48" and half that should be each side of tractor centerline. Basically 24" from centerline of tractor to inside of right rear tire.

If the plow doesn't have one, an onland gauge wheel at rear of a semi-mount plow is valuable. Bear in mind, on this gauge wheel, my experience has been 5 bottom, it may not be as important with 3 bottom. If plow wear parts are in good condition, your Oliver 1550 three point hitch will take care of good plowing. Let me know how the first furrows turn out. Always like to hear about good plowing.

 

[johns48jdb]

after the first round and you've started the second round your plow should be level in any direction.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The line of draft should be centered on the tractor. Line of draft is 1/4 bottom width to the left of center of the total cutting width of the plow. On a 3-16 plow, that is 4 inches to the left of the middle beam. Then set your furrow wheel within an inch or two of the front bottom right edge.

 

[RobMD]

You set the inside of the right wheel to plow one full bottom width. This is usually 26-32 inches from the tractor centerline depending on bottom width.

 

[J-P]

Thanks for the advice gentlemen. I will put it to good use.

 

[IHCPloughman]

I would say the center of draft on a three bottom is a little to the right (a few inches) of the shin of the 2nd bottom(when looking from the rear, obviously). Getting the line of pull parallel with direction of travel is nice but not necessary at all. This question could be almost stickied, as it comes up often. Take five minutes, search through old threads, and you'll find the answers to your questions. Getting the right wing of the front share in line with the inside of your right rear tractor would be a start, but needs to be fine tuned in the field for the front bottom to cut 16". No websites with all the answers, just us here.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You are right- I didn't follow my own advice until I sketched it on paper. Total cutting width is 48 inches, center would be at 24 inches. Four inches to the left would be 28 inches from the right edge, which is four inches to the right of the shin on the middle bottom.

 

[RandyB(MI)]

Another question then , Hugh? I'm pretty sure it is more than 24" from the center of a 1550 to the inside edge of the right tire even in it's narrowest setting. Now what? Also concerning a JD model B (late) with 2/14s (trailer plow) that means one bottom to left of center and one 14" bottom to right of center. That means right tire would have to be moved in so far you could rest your arm on it? Not being sarcastic , just trying to learn something here. I don't see as you are always going to have the option of adhereing to the centerline/draft rules. What about a 1-16" on an older "B"? Centered can't happen. Always appreciate your responses as you are probably as close to a "been there/ done that" person as we are going to find on here. Thanks in advance.

 

[Hugh MacKay]

B-maniac: To begin with I never suggested this applied to trailer plows. It only becomes a factor with trailer plows if the tractor is loaded with all the plows it can pull. For example my first plowing was Farmall 300 on 72" wheel tread, pulling a 2x14 plow. I had to set swinging drawbar around 6" right of center to make the plow align with right tractor tire. Ocasionally under very slipery conditions side draft became a problem pulling narrow front to the right. I went to 3x16 trailer plow behind the 300 and it damn well had to be centered.

Mounted and semi-mounted plows are a whole new kettle of fish. There is only a limited amount of side set in a 3 point hitch. 24" is a minamum for a 3x16 plow.

 

[RandyB(MI)]

Point well made. Not here to argue , just learn.

 

[RandyB(MI)]

Point well made. Not here to argue , just learn.