Plowing
Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2022 3:50 pm
Since we had a recent discussion on plowing I thought I’d share how I set my plow up. First the disclaimers. I’m not a plowing expert. There are plenty of good videos out there showing plow set up. This is how I learned to do it and it works for me, your mileage may vary. I use a Farmall M to plow, but your plow will be matched to your tractor so I don’t think tractor size or type really matters. Now on with it!
After I mount the plow I pull the outside side wheel, that is to say the wheel that WILL NOT be in the furrow, up on a block to represent the depth I want to plow. If I want to go 6” deep I pull up on a 6” block Next I lower the plow to the ground and level it as best I can front to back, and side to side This is my base adjustment. Then I head to the field and start my first pass. If I’m not happy with it I make adjustments from there till I am.
Here are the results I get in dry ground. It’s certainly not competition worthy, but fine for my garden. After looking at the job @Harry did I think his work was better!
Once I’m done I scrap the plow off and coat with oil and then spray what ever cheap spray paint I have laying around on it so it doesn’t get rusty. A shiny plow is your friend! A rusty one will pull hard and you won’t be happy with the results. I also try to hold a moderate speed, it helps the dirt roll off the plow.
Now here a tip on what not to do. Don’t leave your good 15” adjustable wrench on the tractor while you plowing! Thank goodness I have a metal detector because the wrench fell off the tractor and I plowed it under!
I found 2 nails, a shotgun shell hull, and a waded up piece of wire before I found the wrench. That’s the end of my plowing ramble, I hope there’s a useful tip or two in there! I’m curious to know if you guys have a preferred method for plowing.
After I mount the plow I pull the outside side wheel, that is to say the wheel that WILL NOT be in the furrow, up on a block to represent the depth I want to plow. If I want to go 6” deep I pull up on a 6” block Next I lower the plow to the ground and level it as best I can front to back, and side to side This is my base adjustment. Then I head to the field and start my first pass. If I’m not happy with it I make adjustments from there till I am.
Here are the results I get in dry ground. It’s certainly not competition worthy, but fine for my garden. After looking at the job @Harry did I think his work was better!
Once I’m done I scrap the plow off and coat with oil and then spray what ever cheap spray paint I have laying around on it so it doesn’t get rusty. A shiny plow is your friend! A rusty one will pull hard and you won’t be happy with the results. I also try to hold a moderate speed, it helps the dirt roll off the plow.
Now here a tip on what not to do. Don’t leave your good 15” adjustable wrench on the tractor while you plowing! Thank goodness I have a metal detector because the wrench fell off the tractor and I plowed it under!
I found 2 nails, a shotgun shell hull, and a waded up piece of wire before I found the wrench. That’s the end of my plowing ramble, I hope there’s a useful tip or two in there! I’m curious to know if you guys have a preferred method for plowing.