2 bottom plow

Thageneral81 · Jan 25, 2017

Does a 2 bottom plow for a 3 point hitch need down pressure from hydraulics. I ask because I have a massey harris 30 and it doesn't have a 3 point hitch or hydraulics but I plan to attempt a build of a hitch using a winch. However if the plow needs hydraulics, I am better off knowing now before I waste time and money. Excuse my ignorance as I am new to the mechanics of agriculture.

rrlund · Jan 25, 2017

No. They need to float.

RM-MN · Jan 25, 2017

If the plow won't pull itself into the soil the soil is too hard for plowing or the shares are too dull.

David G · Jan 25, 2017

Answer is no, also will need tailwheel if tractor does not have draft control.

rbhuntn · Jan 25, 2017

(quoted from post at 08:51:43 01/25/17) Does a 2 bottom plow for a 3 point hitch need down pressure from hydraulics. I ask because I have a massey harris 30 and it doesn't have a 3 point hitch or hydraulics but I plan to attempt a build of a hitch using a winch. However if the plow needs hydraulics, I am better off knowing now before I waste time and money. Excuse my ignorance as I am new to the mechanics of agriculture.

Don't feel alone here. I have been around tractors all my life mostly for hay and brush hogging. I bought and used my first 3 bottom plow in 2016. The great people here took time to give me a ton of information, good tips and other things that I needed know before my first plowing experience. While not an expert and still learning if you are willing to listen to what these highly experienced folks have to say you will learn a lot.

See these web links for videos of my first time plowing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe5cuhq8E5w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXWSwves0XE

After several of these fine folks watched these videos of my plowing they informed me of what I need to do to get my plow adjusted correctly for next time.

My tractor has no down pressure. I have bought new shins and shares for the plow that I will get on before I use it again.

Hope this helps.

Tractor - Mahindra 4550
Plow - MF Model 66 3 bottom

jCarroll · Jan 25, 2017

this will be a challenging project.

a 3pt plow puts a rotating moment on the tractor that tends to tip it backwards.
Your hitch will have to resist this force for the plow to run level.

If your objective is to plow an acre or two for sweet corn, trade your 3pt plow for a pull type.

If you want to weld, scratch your head, and cuss - you have the perfect project.

Good luck, and stay safe!

Dick L · Jan 25, 2017

Go to youtube and look at some draft horse plowing videos. All plows work the same, even the walking plows. I want to make a sulky plow to use with my miniature horse team. I watch the different plows and how they are made. Watching those videos for how the plows are set up should help understand how your plow will work. I think I have watched every draft horse farming videos on youtube as well as horse pulling. I have been plowing since the 1950's but never with horses. I hope to one of these years.

LA in WI · Jan 25, 2017

Another thought for you:
1. Don't alter your MH30, you have a good old tractor that is not real common (but not rare) and it was built in the trailer plow era. You might end up some day regretting what you did to that tractor.
2. Find a good 1 bottom 14" or 16" trailer plow, or a good 2 bottom 14" trailer plow. The "30" is rated at 21 drawbar HP so you want to make sure you stay small enough to plow without making the tractor work too hard.

In Wisconsin we rarely see a MH trailer plow at auctions (they are more common in the East) but an IH #8 Little Genius or #44 JD plows are very common and will work behind any old tractor.

I would look for a 1 bottom 14" or 16", an excellent choice would be a 2 bottom 12" trailer plow but those are very hard to find.
Depending on where you live, I might be able to find you something. I'm retired, and can't resist farm auctions with old machinery.
LA in WI

chuck t · Jan 25, 2017

(quoted from post at 08:51:43 01/25/17) Does a 2 bottom plow for a 3 point hitch need down pressure from hydraulics. I ask because I have a massey harris 30 and it doesn't have a 3 point hitch or hydraulics but I plan to attempt a build of a hitch using a winch. However if the plow needs hydraulics, I am better off knowing now before I waste time and money. Excuse my ignorance as I am new to the mechanics of agriculture.

Don't need down pressure from hydraulics, but need down pressure from something at the top of 3 point hitch of the plow to keep it in the ground. I once tried pulling a a three bottom plow without a top link. First one hit the ground, and thing rolled up. The last one came up right at me

MikeinKy · Jan 25, 2017

You don't need or want down pressure, and the tail wheel has nothing to do with draft control. Some plows have tail wheels and some plows have long landslides. You need either draft control or a land wheel.

2 bottom plow

Thageneral81

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rrlund

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RM-MN

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David G

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rbhuntn

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jCarroll

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Dick L

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LA in WI

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chuck t

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MikeinKy

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