3 bottom plow

2tractors · Nov 22, 2013

Read that a to 35 would handle a 3 bottom plow and always thought the 2 was all it could handle, anyone ever ran a 3?

Gearhead210 · Nov 22, 2013

A TO-35 owned by a couple guys that used to farm our ground originally had a 3 bottom on it when they bought it- the old rigid bottom plow. Those may have been 12" bottoms (not sure??) but they said it wouldnt pull it in their heavy clay without spinning, they had one set of wheel weights on rear and inside front wheel weights. Previous owner had sandy ground. Ive got 2-14's behind my TO 35 and if you set it deep, it is plenty for it. I personally would stick with two and go a little faster, it will "throw" the dirt over a little harder.

Max in Mich · Nov 22, 2013

I live on my family's centennial farm where our Dad bought a new TO-35 in April 1955 for $1995.00 and a 3 14" plow for $275.00. We still own the tractor, which is mostly original, as well as the plow. I did a fair share of plowing in my youth and cannot remember a time when the 35 could not handle it. I have a vivid memory of plowing in a field with a neighbor who was using an International 300 with 2 16's and I kept catching him until he finally let me pass on the head land. I still laugh thinking about it.

Jason S. · Nov 22, 2013

A TO-20 was a two plow tractor, the TO-30 was rated to pull three in most soils, so I can"t see a reason why a TO-35 with slightly more horsepower and better gearing couldn"t handle three. I pull two 14" with my TO-20.

maxwell99 · Nov 22, 2013

we have had this TO-35 since new 1957, it was painted cream and gray when new,

it came with this set of 3x12" plows, the plows were gray when new.

however, in west KY dirt as it has gotten older it might have been better served with 2x14" or 2x16" plows.

The three plows are well balanced and follow the tractor almost like a trailer with both lower arm check chains loose. I think the 3x12's plows were a full load for this tractor,

The three plows do a good job of plowing. In this picture I had just installed new coulters on the plow, they are now readjusted down around 1" from the plow.

However, my suggestion, if I were buying a set of plows for a 56+ year old TO-35 Ferguson tractor.

I would buy a 2x14" plow, I think you will better served, if you are really going to use them.
Remember, this tractor is old and there is no reason to push it to the max: gears, motor, clutch, engine, lift system.

Good luck,

2tractors · Nov 23, 2013

I"ve got about 1 inch of topsoil here and then red clay so the 2 it is, thanks all.

maxwell99 · Nov 23, 2013

good move on your part,

I now use this set of plows most years to break my 3 or 4 small truck patches, just because I have one,

"MF #64 disc plow" with the bent tube main frame and it's fun to use, (not too many of these around)

disc plow's leave the ground a little rougher, but pull so much easier, also if you have roots or other items hidden under ground they just roll over the obstruction. The older type plows will hang the tractor, newer trip plows work much better to protect the tractor and operator from a gut busting jolt.

John(UK) · Nov 23, 2013

A TO35 will handle a 4 bottom plow if the ground is right, a 3 bottom plow is fine with a TO35 Here's one with 4 bottom plow John (UK)

Boss Hog · Nov 24, 2013

As a kid we had a 3-12 plow for our TO-35. We used it for many decades, and it worked fine. We ran in first gear in high range.

Only trouble I recall was in clay soil. But that's tough for just about anything.

At one point Dad bout a 3-14 plow. It worked if you ran in 3rd low. I thought it was too much for the tractor most of the time. He ended up selling it after a couple of years.

Still have that 3-12 plow. But everything is no-till now, so I hardly ever get to use it.

Tony in Mass. · Nov 25, 2013

I have come to the conclusion..... that... the three things that determine the performance of a plow (plough) is just like the three things that determine the value of a house...
location
location
location

3 bottom plow

2tractors

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Gearhead210

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Max in Mich

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Jason S.

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maxwell99

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2tractors

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maxwell99

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John(UK)

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Boss Hog

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Tony in Mass.

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