top link length recommendations

[Ishmeal]

I've got the plow somewhat setup on the the hitch of my 2N and I am not sure of the length of top link to purchase. The span between the upper connection points is about 25" with the plow sitting on level ground. Tractor Supply sells an 18 the 26" top link. Would this be a sufficient amount of adjustment or would a different length be recommended? Thanks.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Your life would be easier if you break new ground w/ a single bottom plow & if your N has wheel weights.

Set your top link at 25 1/2 and front tires at 52.

Park your tractor and plow on LEVEL ground. Lower the plow until the point on front bottom just touches the ground and then turn your right hand adjustment link
until back point just touches.

Then plow your first furrow(s).

Next, set the right rear tire in first furrow and again lower the plow. Set the front point until it just touches, and again level the back point until it just
touches the ground.

The plows should be set properly.

In a perfect world, plow in second gear, 3/4 throttle.

6 to 8 deep is enough on new ground.
75 Tips

 

[Ultradog MN]

You would do well to get ahold of the
Ferguson plow book.
I believe it is available for download on
the little N Tractor site.
When I first tried plowing with my 2N it
helped with all the settings and had a Lot
of other useful information.
I agree with Bruce in that depending on
your soil you may not be able to pull two
bottoms. I tried it with a 2-14 plow and my
tires just spun.
So I added rear wheel weights. That helped
but it was still to much for my N in our
claey loam soil. Then I found a 1-16 plow
and that was a great combo. I could plow
deeper and could run in 2nd gear - instead
of first which turned the furrows over
better.

 

[Mad Farmer]

Why not just get screw type adjustable link? I use that on all my 3pt hitch attachments.

I've had my 9N 35 years with the original 2-bottom plow it was sold with. Broke ground 2nd gear is fine, fresh sod I use 1st. No weights or loaded tires....

Never had the plow manual, I should get one......but I've figured out how to set the plow up.

Besides top link you need the leveler adjustment correct.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

Once again, you really need the essential manuals to read before attempting to use any machinery. It doesn't matter which tractor model you have, but each plow is set
up differently. The TOP LINK setting will vary depending on how you want to set plow depth. 25 center to center is the initial setting as stated in the manuals. Now in
your picture I can tell you have the early Ferguson-Sherman Plow so the turquoise PLOW MANUAL as shown is the one you want to get. Used original copies are always on
ebay and some suppliers sell repops. Good plowing is an art. You use the TOP LINK, lower lift arms, lift arm adjusting lever, and the plow cross shaft to set up the
plow correctly. The plow must have good sharp points and the rolling landside (tailwheel) in order to function best. If your plow has the optional coulters and/or
jointers, don't worry, they aren't needed to plow with, and I suggest to remove them for now til you get the plow operating correctly. The good news is that PLOWORX now
makes points for these older Ferguson-Sherman plows. I haven't checked on prices so be prepared for sticker shock. You don't use stabilizer bars with a 2-bottom plow.
Best ground speed is to use 2nd gear at 3/4 throttle. Always look ahead, and avoid reaching back to see where you've been -this will cause you to veer off and a crooked
furrow. The manual will detail how to first set up your plow. FWIW and FYI, I also showed the later Dearborn Moldboard Plow (47-50) and Economy Plow (50-54)
instructions, as both are in their respective 8N OEM Owner/Operator's Manuals.




FORD N-SERIES TRACTOR PLOWING INSTRUCTIONS MANUALS:

*FOR EARLY FERGUSON-SHERMAN PLOW:

*FOR DEARBORN MOLDBOARD (PRIOR MODEL) PLOW:

*FOR DEARBORN ECONOMY PLOW:

Tim Daley(MI)

 

[Ishmeal]

Thank you for all the info. I am not looking to brake ground. I've owned this tractor for serval years and been working on it. The plow was more for a test of the hydraulics. I wanted to see how well the system would maintain it's height. Not so good... The plow raises well with no problems. Not sluggish, slow or straining. I measured about 13" from the bottom of the plow to the ground, within 45 minutes or so the plow had settled back down. I don't like to guess but my first thoughts are the lift cylinder may be leaking. ? I am not certain of how to test all of the components. That's the next project on the list!!

 

[Ultradog MN]

A 45 min leakdown is not bad. If you think
about that system the pump puts out about
2+ gallons per minute.
The lift cylinder only holds a pint or
maybe 1 1/2 pints when the lift arms are
full up. So there is plenty of flow for the
lift to operate normally.
I would not bother to fix it but your call
there.

 

[Smokeonthewater]

Sounds like a non issue to me

 

[Ishmeal]

(reply to post at 07:34:39 10/01/21) [/quot

I was happy to see that the plow stayed up for as long as it did. I didn't expect it to stay raised for a week but was glad it didn't hit the ground it 5 minutes. It wont be doing a ton of heavy lifting so I will just leave it be. Thanks for the advice.