Disc Harrow Size

gossman · Mar 29, 2011

Hi folks, I've been looking for a disc harrow for my 51 8n but I'm not sure what size is appropriate as I haven't used one before. My garden area is about 70ft x 70ft and I just don't want to deal with a rototiller.

I'm thinking the heavier the better but obviously there is a limit with the 8n. Below are some examples I found poking around Craig's List. I'm not sure if there is enough info with these but any thoughts on these with regard to size and performance would be greatly appreciated. Again, this is for a 8n:

Also, do the harrows with the notched front blades cut up the soil better than the smooth blades?

<ol><li><a href="http://westernmass.craigslist.org/grd/2262761508.html">Dearborn Disk harrow</a></li><li><a href="http://maine.craigslist.org/grd/2288114239.html">Ford Disc Harrow</a></li><li><a href="http://maine.craigslist.org/grd/2263212751.html">Another Disc Harrow</a></li></p>

Colin King · Mar 29, 2011

I believe you"ll be happiest with the performance of that Ford disc. It"s a good size and you can easily add weight to it, if needed. It"s not a bad price, either.

The front notched blades are used for cutting field debris.

Have fun in the garden this year with your new disc!

Colin, MN

Ultradog MN · Mar 29, 2011

I agree with Colin.
The first one is a pull behind - tough to transport.
The 3rd one is an old Love brand disc with wooden bearings that are no longer available anywhere. (and probably worn out)
The second one is a Ford model 201 Flex-O-Hitch and bearings are available from shoupparts.com and other places. Your N should lift and pull it fine.
I have that same disc in an 8' model (lil bigger tractor) and like it. Not a bad price either. That size is hard to find.
Check the bearings BEFORE you buy it. If you don't know how just ask.

gossman · Mar 29, 2011

Thanks for the input guys! Regarding the bearings: Is there a way to inspect and determine if they are worn without taking it apart? If I elevate the unit somehow, can I spin the discs and feel for play?

Thanks again!

duey · Mar 29, 2011

I have a disk like #3, with hardwood bearings... I had a fella make new bearings from hard maple, worked out really well... If I recall, the bearings are held in by the GREAE ZERK...

It got painted Ford Blue.. and works great. Easily adjusted, when set so the gangs are parallel, it can be rolled around by hand..

I like it..
duey

lha · Mar 30, 2011

I have a 5'er of the 3rd type,and it works well.It has hardwood spacers/bushings,and they can be replaced with pcs of pipe,and washers,or at least I've seen them on others.If I need a spacer,as I have a lathe to turn them,and a forest at my disposal for wood.My '41 9n lifts and pulls the disc easily and very effectively.---lha

8N'r--WI · Mar 30, 2011

Jerry----I bought a cheap Love Disc a few years back(bearings shot) that still is "ok" to use.

Paid $100 for it and figured I could get some of this companies composited bearings made for it...

Cost to make at that time was over $60 per bearing ......still using the worn out ones:>)

Tim
Wood Bearings made to order

Ultradog MN · Mar 30, 2011

A couple of ways to check bearings. Easiest is to lift it with the 3 point. Gangs should turn freely and not have much up/down movement in the bearings. You can't always lift them with a tractor so bring an 8' 4x4 and a block of wood along. Use the 4x4 as a lever and lift up on the frame (not the axle)and see how much up/down movement there is in the bearing. Some guys have had good luck making new wooden bearings for a disc on a lathe. But I have also seen the spool - the part that turns in the wood - so badly worn out that they crushed when you tightened up the gangs. A lot of the older discs used a 7/8" square axle and no bearings or spools are available for them that I have found. That Ford 201 would most likely have the more modern 1 1/8" square axle and bearings are available for that size. Also easy to find disc blades with 1 1/8" square holes in them. 7/8" blades are harder to find.

Ultradog MN · Mar 30, 2011

Ouch!
Doesn't really surprise me though. Those wooden(or plastic/nylon) shells wouldn't be easy to make without some specialized equipment.
I had to put 4 new bearings in my 201 they were about $20 ea.

Anonymous-0 · Mar 30, 2011

I woud suggest that you plow your garden first before you disk it. Discing alone will cause a compacted layer about 4 inches down.

I have a 201 Ford disc also. Good disc.

As an alternative at home we always plowed the garden then used a spring tooth harrow. Gave a little better finish in our sandy ground.

Disc Harrow Size

gossman

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Colin King

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Ultradog MN

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gossman

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duey

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lha

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8N'r--WI

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Ultradog MN

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Ultradog MN

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Anonymous-0

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