Allis Chalmers 8' lift disk cutdown project

Would there be a set of directions anywhere for cutting an AC disk down? I don't think I understand how the disk is assembled, let alone what would be involved in putting the axle back together, shorter.

It's a very simple disk with no adjustments apart from the tensioning spring at the top. It has serrated cutters forward and round disks aft.

What I'd really like to know is how big a job it is, and if it's worth doing. The disk is rusty, but seems intact. One bearing seems to have been replaced, but everything except the tension spring adjuster at the top turns easily. It will take some freeing-up.

One, a TO35/MF35 might handle an 8' disc on fairly level ground, good soil, ect. Around these parts, put an 8' disc behind a 35 and you might as well have a couple boat anchors hooked to it. Tractor weight and traction are the reasons. Power is more of a minor consideration.

My MF150 dynos at 47 hp. It's weight is approx. 5500 lbs. That's more power and more weight than a typical 35. It's got new tires. That 8'-10" MF disc was no issue on level ground. When I started discing a hilly piece of clay ground I own, it would slowly start spinning until it almost came to a stop as I went up a few hills. After removing one disc per gang, she pulls like there's nothing back there on the same ground.

There is a good arguement for selling that disc and buying another smaller one. Sounds like a plan. But. You KNOW what you have with the one you've got. It appears to be a good solid disc. Who knows what or when you'll find another one as good, only smaller.

In recent years, with all the "ranchette" farmers, food plot growers, ect, small implements sell better than big stuff in many cases. It's not far fetched to imagine paying MORE for a 6' or 7' disc than you can sell an 8'er for.

So, I'd try what you have. If it works, go with what you know. If your tractor struggles with that 8'er, you might take a quick look around to see what's available in a smaller disc, but it sure won't be the end of the known world if you decide to cut that one down a bit.

Cutting a disc down is simple, inexpensive, and you end up with a few spare parts. And... It's as simple as getting new longer axles to turn one into a BIGGER disc if that ever becomes an issue.

I'm hard pressed to know why your tractor is having a hard time pulling an 8 foot disk.

--->Paul

That is a great looking AC 8 ft. disc.

You would have to beat me with an ugly stick before I would start cutting up on that disc.

1. Can you add some weights to front of your tractor if you cannot keep front end on the ground. If disc has sealed bearings I believe you can pull it find.

2. Again, if your tractor and the new disc just do not get along, you can sell that disc, then get one both you and your tractor can live with, they still make disc everyday.

So far I have never run out of power with the MF35. As well as starting much better, its engine seems to have a lot more torque than the 414 International diesel of the same vintage which my dad had for years. Mind you, I've kept the 35 to a 5' snowblower and a 5' bush hog.

I'm pretty sure the back gang is set up the same as the front, that is with two disks outside the bearing carrier.

My neighbour looked at the disk today and suggested I try using it as is, only I should stay out of wet ground for a while or I'll sink the whole rig.

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It helped having a lathe when I was threading the axles. That can probably be done at a reasonable cost through a machine shop.

OR

Cut off the end opposite of the threads. My MF axles have a welded plate at that end, but most disc axles have a swaged end that fits into a cast iron "bumper"

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Where are you located, Hugh?

You can 'simpley' unscrew each blade axel, take off the outside disk blade, put in a washer or spacer the same width as a disk blade, and screw it back together. There would be no 'cutting' involved, only bad part is if you need to get next to a fence or crop & the axle will stick out a bit, but really shouldn't be a problem.

I highlighted the word simpley because that can be a bear of a job, but is straightforward.

--->Paul

Rod,

Yes it can be done, however, it a big job as each axle will have to be cut off and some type end plate rewelded to axle.

If you have to pay for any of this work to be done I believe you would be better off selling this disc and buying one that is better suited to the little tractor.

I have a Altas 6 ft heavy duty disc for my TO-35 it has slotted blades front/rear, tractor handles it fine and it cuts great.