Plow and Tire size questions

I think I got a steal on a JD 3 point- 4/3-16" bottom rollover(spinner) plow. Similar to a model 4200 or 4600. Now, I have no illusions that my SMTA will pull all 4 bottoms, but it's a simple task to switch the 4th to the 3rd and break off the rear end of the frame. So I end up with a 3-16" plow.
My question is, will my SMTA pull the 3-16" in this not-so-easy to plow ground?
My second question is tire size. I currently have worn out 16.9's, and am thinking of going to a 15.5. is that a good idear?
I should mention, I'm not planning to plow over 10 acres a year with this outfit. Market farming...
Thanks for the input!

Ben

Yes, you will be able to pull three NO problem. You may be able to pull all four. Don't let the downers on this site tell you that you can't. For one thing, who's to say you can't plow in second? My tractor could pull three 14's all day long in third and probably in fourth if I could keep my but in the seat.

How big are your rims!?! My SMTA only has 11 inch rims therfore a 13.6 is the biggest tire you should go. I am a biggest possible tire...I would do that.

Depending on your ground 3/14 will be plenty we live in ohio with 3/14 you will be in 2 2ta at best. 15.5/38 if rims are 14 in will be best

I think the rims are 38x14. The 16.9 that are on it now don't bulge dramatically, but honestly, they just look kinda silly on that tractor.

Thanks, Ben

If you decide to reduce that plow DO NOT CUT THE FRAME IF AT ALL POSSIBLE in case you get a bigger tractor and want to put the bottom back on the plow. That tractor might be able to pull a 3Pt. 4 bottom because a mounted plow pulls easier than a trailor plow. Try it as a 4 bottom first. With only 10 acres to plow it would not be that big to plow in first gear and would be less hassel than taking a bottom off and you would still have a factory original plow. Armand

Cut the frame of a perfectly good plow? I? NEVER? Sacreligious! One of the things I like about this plow(aside from the fact I'm only paying about 1/3 what I've seen them advertised for) is the fact that the part of frame that the 4th bottom is attached to simply unbolts from the rest of the frame. That way, if and when I get a bigger tractor, Bolt er back together, and away we go! But for now, I'll prolly try runnin er with 3...

Ben

Probably a silly question but since the SMTA doesn't have a 3 pt hitch I'm assuming you have an aftermarket one on there?


With out any sort of draft control do you think that's going to make it harder to use?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

K

I am in the process of fabrication on for my MTA and my M. Once I get the design perfected, I'll market them. I know I'll get chastized... But I think the 'leading aftermarket' 3 point hitches(Saginaw) just look plain klunky. I'm sure they are darn fine pieces of engineering. But. I gottta think I'm not the only guy around who would like to see a little "cleaner" looking hitch for these handsome old tractors.
As for the draft controll, I'm sure it will be a bit of a handicap, but since I've done very little plowing with draft controll tractors, I won't really know any better.

Ben

(quoted from post at 09:48:37 12/13/09) Probably a silly question but since the SMTA doesn't have a 3 pt hitch I'm assuming you have an aftermarket one on there?


With out any sort of draft control do you think that's going to make it harder to use?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

K

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I have the same reservations here as kopeck. Without draft control, the 3 point will work for some things, but when you are pushing the limits of what that tractor is capable of (with 3x16s), you will need draft control. If your land is flat and the soil is the same throughout, it might not be as bad. Those aftermarket 3 points have their place, but not for heavy tillage tools.

Back in the day we pulled a #16 3x14 plow with a '54 SM that had 4 1/8" Fireraters. Most of our ground was Sable & Ipava loams which are fairly black ground. The Sable was especially hard pulling. We plowed 10" deep, tractor had duals on the land side, 8 weights on the furrow wheel & rear tires were full of calcium. 2nd gear was normal plowing gear & in places we would have to stop & shift to 1st gear. Also had a 450 with oversize pistons that we pulled a mounted 3x16" IH plow with. Tractor basically settup the same as the SM except the 450 had 15.5s. Other that a slight difference in ground speed in 2nd gear & being able to pull the TA back in the tough spots that two tractors pretty much ran together when plowing. In a 12 hr day the 450 might make another couple rounds

I have a SMTA that I bought to play with a few years ago. Tractor has 14.9s, 418" M&W power dome pistons, M&W crank, & M&W governor. I picked up a IH #60 4x14" last winter for it from an old timer who pulled the plow with a '52 SM on light soil about 6" deep. I haven't got a chance to use the plow yet but have reservations about the SMTA being able to handle it.

I wouldn't worry about not having draft control. I have been plowing since the late '50s & of all the tractors I have plowed with that had some sort of draft control, from the 450 up thru CIH Magnums & JD 20 & 40 series, I never did use it. Personally, I never could figure why someone wanted to raise their plow up when they hit a tough spot. Always figured the hard spots were the places that needed plowed the deepest. If your tractor won't pulla plow thru those spots you eithr needto gear down or get a bigger tractor or a smaller plow. JMO

Had a friend that had a JD spinner plow only 3-14s. We were plowing some really hard ground up a fairly steep hill and he was using a JD 730D. He couldn't get enough traction to pull it uphill - only down but when he tried to drive uphill with the plow up, the front of the tractor would come off the ground and he had to back up. Those plows are heavy.
Here, 3-14's would be a pretty good load for an M in ideal conditions, but out soil is really hard pulling.

(quoted from post at 09:29:34 12/13/09) Also had a 450 with oversize pistons that we pulled a mounted 3x16" IH plow with. JMO

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Out of curiosity, what size pistons did your 450 have? From the factory the 450 had 4.125" pistons, C281 engine.

SMTA Worked engine pistons, sleeves, cam, carb.and head . 3/14 Oliver drag plows limestone ground. 3rd gear everywhere. But you will use less fuel in 2nd wide open and get about the same work done without breaking stuff.(lesson from Dad) A mounted plow pulls a lot easier.