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Massey Harris & Massey Ferguson Tractors Discussion Forum
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Tractor HP / plow question

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Darrell Grace

01-14-2004 19:20:49




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We would like to use our MF 261, diesel, 2 WD tractor to pull a 3 bottom plow in heavy unbroken gray clay. The tractor is rated 60 HP at the motor.
In this area (TX Gulf Coast) the clay we have is very hard. undisturbed or compacted it will stand up under a surface load even when wet. This is why we want to roll the clay over to our road and leave a swale on one side for drainage.
We just dont want to buy the plow and find out the tractor can't pull it. Any thoughts on the matter??
Darrell & Grace

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tinman

01-15-2004 20:07:09




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 Re: Tractor HP / plow question in reply to Darrell Grace, 01-14-2004 19:20:49  
We used a 3x14 slat bottom plow in our blue clay. The 560 could pull it easily.



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Bill

01-15-2004 12:01:46




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 Re: Tractor HP / plow question in reply to Darrell Grace, 01-14-2004 19:20:49  
How many acres are you planning to plow?

Bill



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Joe Ferguson

01-15-2004 07:05:05




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 Re: Tractor HP / plow question in reply to Darrell Grace, 01-14-2004 19:20:49  
Hi Darrell

I bough a MF-135 few years ago and a 3 bottom plow
was in the deal. I found that 3 bottom is little
heavy for the 135 in the soil we have here.

I simply removed the rear one to make a 2 bottom
plow and spare parts... and if one of these days
I buy bigger tractor i will reinstall it.

HTH

Joe Ferguson



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MF

01-15-2004 06:54:45




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 Re: Tractor HP / plow question in reply to Darrell Grace, 01-14-2004 19:20:49  
Could you rent one, or borrow one? Any 'farmers/gardeners' around that still plow? Might ask them. We pull an MF 82 3 bottom-14 inch with an MF 255, in heavy clay it slows it down but not out. Your tractor is similar but the weight may be different, we have fluid in tires and front weight. I would look for a 2 bottom plow, 14 inch cut, then you'll have plenty of power/weight for the job. Also, this is not that "caliche"? clay is it? May need a dozer if it is.

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Darrell Grace

01-15-2004 10:16:50




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 Re: Re: Tractor HP / plow question in reply to MF, 01-15-2004 06:54:45  
Our clay is a gray clay with just a bit of very fine grain sand in it. I think this sand is what sets it appart from what is called 'black gumbo'. I did a settlment test and the sand was less than 10% and very very fine grained.
This clay resembles a brick in hardness when it is dry. When it is wet it is not mushy but can be slick. It is only mushy when it has been worked recently.
The US soil survey has a $10 word that names our clay that I can not recall.
No there are no places that rent much of anything hereabouts. Even the tractor rental place welded their box blades on the tractors so the renter could not use them to mow with. This 'logic' fails me but that is what they do.
The idea of just taking one blade off is a pretty good idea.

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MF

01-15-2004 19:18:32




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 Re: Re: Re: Tractor HP / plow question in reply to Darrell Grace, 01-15-2004 10:16:50  
When you plow I would suggest that you do it just prior to it drying out to the rock hard status, but after it has some moisture in it. I've found that it will turn over better when it barely holds together when you grab a handful and squeeze it. If it stays in the same shape when sqeezed then it's too wet, if it "crumbles" when you let go of it, it's probably too dry. Somewhere in between is the desired result, or slightly "damp" vs. wet or dry. Good Luck and tell us how it turned out. Also, when plowing with an MF, use the "Draft" control to prevent the plow going too deep, it may take some 'experimenting' to get the right depth. Too deep may be too hard to pull and bring up some undesired sub-soil, too shallow and you'll only scratch the topsoil.

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MT Pockets

01-15-2004 15:30:09




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 Re: Re: Re: Tractor HP / plow question in reply to Darrell Grace, 01-15-2004 10:16:50  
Darrell& Grace, I can tell you with certainty that you have enough HP for a three bottom plow. If the soil is too hard, it may spin the wheels but you won't overload the engine unless you use too high a gear. Thanks. MT Pockets.



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