Spring tooth harrow plan..

[Billybuck]

They want $250 for the harrow. Since the metal is in darn good condition, I'm not going to haggle, especially since it is 3 point modified. Biggest problem is the points are worn to rectangular shape. Harder to pull and won't leave the soil as well tilled or dig effectively. My plan is to use a high speed cut-off wheel to cut the tips to points. Figure it will take only a minute or two to cut a point so an hour all in for 25 shanks. If I wear those out in my use, I'll then pull the shanks and have holes bored to receive replaceable points and pick up the lost length in the process. Any words of wisdom on this plan of attack? The harrow probably won't see more than 10 hours of tow time a year for the ground I'm working behind my 47 8N.

 

[Brent 41 9N]

Is it a single row 6 tooth spring. If so you can buy them in good condition for that price. If you want it you will have a hard time drilling the hole for the replacement points. Those springs are HARD!!

 

[Billybuck]

No, this is not a cultivator but a spring tooth harrow. Three sections shackled to each other and to a common tow bar, much like this link picture. This one does not have bolt holes for replaceable points. I do expect the steel to be tough, though I expect the cut off wheel can tackle it (or maybe a couple of cut off wheels!) I would take them to a machine shop to have the holes bored if necessary.
Untitled URL Link

 

[Ultradog MN]

I wrote you a nice reply and just as I was about to post it we lost power for some reason and it is gone.
Don't cut your shanks. They wear out quick enough as it is and I don't think sharpening them will make much of a difference anyway.
I'm always suspect about impliments that have modified to fit on a 3 point. And vice versa.
Got any pics of this harrow you can post? The price you quote is in the ballpark for that tool but the mods have me wondering.

 

[BillM (OH)]

I would not bother fooling with it - it'll work fine without sharpening the teeth.

 

[jimNCal]

#1, the 'drag'(horse drawn) type springtooth/cultivators you are looking at are cheap enough to do whatever 'modifications' you want and still be ahead. WE do it all the time on our place.

#2, you won't EVER wear out the springs @ 10 HOURS per YEAR! & are absolutely correct in thinking you WON'T be able to put holes for the replaceable 'teeth' in the springs......FORGET about it! This IS a TORCH job!

#3, you really only NEED 2 rows and a 'drag'/leveler in MOST soil conditions so go ahead and cut it down to that prior to serious use. Save the other half dozen springs for replacements, OR build another for 'resale' when you pick up a second or third set. WE do this as a matter of routine to keep the cost of cultivators down next to zero.

 

[Mad Farmer]

I just paid $150 for a Ford 3-point spring tooth that still had original paint on it, but had two broken teeth/springs, that were neaty matched by a junked drag behind harrow.

I'd look around for some junker harrows for teeth/springs.

If you have a means to work metal, trailer leaf springs will work too.

 

[36 Coupe]

Spring tooth harrows are known for bringing up many new stones so go easy using one.

 

[Billybuck]

Coupe - stones are a real rarity around these parts. Rich loamy soils; 150 bu corn/ac. Just might be a harrower's dream! Or a guy looking for a monster whitetail. Thanks for the warning though. Might help me find some arrowheads too.