Two-bottom plow always two-bottom?

maps · Mar 8, 2011

Do two-bottom plows always have to be used with both bottoms? Once my old North Carolina red clay pasture is loosened back up once, I'm fairly confident my Kubota 4400 would pull a two-bottom plow. I've seen several 12 and 14 inch plows on regional Craigslist; however, not too many single bottoms. I've devowered the videos on EverythingAttachments but couldn't guage feasibility. Is it possible to temporarily "convert" a plow to a single bottom? Thanks

sweettractors · Mar 8, 2011

maps said:
Do two-bottom plows always have to be used with both bottoms? Once my old North Carolina red clay pasture is loosened back up once, I'm fairly confident my Kubota 4400 would pull a two-bottom plow. I've seen several 12 and 14 inch plows on regional Craigslist; however, not too many single bottoms. I've devowered the videos on EverythingAttachments but couldn't guage feasibility. Is it possible to temporarily "convert" a plow to a single bottom? Thanks

You should be to run away with 2-12 inch bottom plows. Ken Sweet

maps · Mar 8, 2011

Ken, Thanks for the feedback. I've not done any plowing with the Kubota...latest plow experience is from an old JD-B when I was a knuckle-head ranch hand almost 30 years ago. Still figuring out what I can and can not do with the L4400. Pretty happy so far. Time to play in the clay!

Leejohn · Mar 8, 2011

That's a B7800!

oldnslo · Mar 9, 2011

maps said:
Do two-bottom plows always have to be used with both bottoms? Once my old North Carolina red clay pasture is loosened back up once, I'm fairly confident my Kubota 4400 would pull a two-bottom plow. I've seen several 12 and 14 inch plows on regional Craigslist; however, not too many single bottoms. I've devowered the videos on EverythingAttachments but couldn't guage feasibility. Is it possible to temporarily "convert" a plow to a single bottom? Thanks

Depending on how the plow is built you can some times remove a bottom. Presuming you are looking at 3PH models you would have to look at how the last bottom attaches and would removing it have any effect on where the 3PH attachments are. Does the front bottom have a long enough land slide to keep the plow straight? Looking at everything attachments Leinbach it appears the front bottom on th 2-14 does not have a very long land slide. The landslide bolt pattern may be the same so you could possibly move the rear to the front.

Roy

3nickles · Mar 9, 2011

I agree you should be able to pull two 14's. In heavy clay timing based on weather and seasons is everything.Up here I would use twice the effort in august (end of summer read;dry)than in oct read fall,moist or spring,but some times spring is too moist and the frost action on the heavy clay through the winter is helpful in crumbling the clumps.

sweettractors · Mar 9, 2011

Usually, If you have 28 HP + you can pull 2-12 easier than a 1-16. This also leaves a better looking plowed field. Ken Sweet

Pooh_Bear · Mar 9, 2011

I have a 2x16 plow I take the rear plow off
and just pull it single with my 8N.

Pooh Bear

Farmerford · Mar 9, 2011

I pull a JD 2-12 bottom plow that I bought from Ken Sweet with a Kubota L2900 GST. In sandy loam it will easily pull it in 4th gear at about 4mph, though I usually pull in 3rd to save my back from all the bouncing.

In harder clay the L2900 pulls okay in 3rd gear if I don't go over about 6 inches deep.

Your 4400 should pull it easily in any type of soil, although if you have a hydrostatic transmission it might slow a bit in heavy soil.

sweettractors · Mar 9, 2011

Here is a good presentation of some 2 bottoms we have running on Ebay. Look them over and make me a reasonable offer. Ken Sweet

Used 2-12 inch Massey Ferguson Turning Plow,Coulters - eBay (item 150565333732 end time Mar-20-11 10:02:18 PDT)

Used 2-12 Ford 2-12 Turning Plow With Coulters, Trip - eBay (item 150567610401 end time Mar-24-11 16:24:03 PDT)

Used Ford 2-14 Inch Plow with Coulters & 3 Point Hitch - eBay (item 150572012402 end time Apr-02-11 15:17:52 PDT)

Dearborn 2-12 Inch Turning Plow with 3 Pt Hitch, CHEAP! - eBay (item 150515502944 end time Apr-03-11 11:20:21 PDT)

Used Massey Ferguson 2-14 inch #43 Turning Plow, Sharp - eBay (item 150564849618 end time Mar-19-11 09:10:53 PDT)

Used Dearborn 2 Disc Turning Plow, Cat 1-3 Point Hitch - eBay (item 150563964559 end time Mar-17-11 11:51:55 PDT)

maps · Mar 9, 2011

Roy, Unfortunately I'm not sure how any of the plows I've noticed on Craigslist are configured. I currently live in Norfolk, VA but drive "home" to western NC every other weekend. Knowing I need a plow eventually, I keep an eye open for any incredible, too-good-to-pass deals between here and there. I'll be sure to pay attention to how each bottom is connected; although, it sounds like a moot point due to my underestimation of the L4400's ability.

Ken, Thanks for the info and for the eBay links. From the ~$200 plow photos I've seen on Craigslist compared with the pieces you've show, I certainly see the variablity of what is out there.

Dave

sweettractors · Mar 9, 2011

maps said:
Roy, Unfortunately I'm not sure how any of the plows I've noticed on Craigslist are configured. I currently live in Norfolk, VA but drive "home" to western NC every other weekend. Knowing I need a plow eventually, I keep an eye open for any incredible, too-good-to-pass deals between here and there. I'll be sure to pay attention to how each bottom is connected; although, it sounds like a moot point due to my underestimation of the L4400's ability.

Ken, Thanks for the info and for the eBay links. From the ~$200 plow photos I've seen on Craigslist compared with the pieces you've show, I certainly see the variablity of what is out there.

Dave

With moldboards at $150 each and points at $28 each and landslides at $14 to $28 each and shins at $14-$16 each and when a plow is missing Coulters and you cannot find or buy them at $75 each, used plows being sprung and the trips and frogs being wore out.. A craigslist plow will wind costing a arm and a leg by the time you get it up in shape. Ken Sweet

Chilly807 · Mar 9, 2011

You may get lucky and find something like this one. I didn't pay a lot for it, a bit of work and it's in decent shape again. Your 4400 should have no trouble with a double bottom , my 3400 pulls the 2-12 MF plow shown here pretty easy.

In my opinion, unless you're plowing a lot of ground regularly, you can make do with an older plow as long as it's complete or repairable. Like Ken said, parts for older plows might be hard to come by.

Sean

boatyard · Mar 9, 2011

While you gentlemen are on the topic of bottom plows, may I ask a question?

How about a single bottom plow?

I have a New holland TC35A geared tractor. My neighbor has a nice,[16?] single bottom plow at a fair price. $350. I have a modest garden that I get plowed by the dairy farmer who cuts the hay on my 5 acres of hay fields.I would like to be able to do the work myself,on my schedule. I have also rototilled the garden. The garden is a bit big for the tiller, IMO..

Is there any reason not to use a single bottom plow other then the fact that a two bottom would be faster? I own a 3PH disc harrow.

Chilly807 · Mar 9, 2011

Other than that I find $350 a bit steep, a single bottom plow is just a bit slower than a double. Most of us aren't in that much of a hurry anyway.

Sean

sweettractors · Mar 9, 2011

Chilly807 said:
You may get lucky and find something like this one. I didn't pay a lot for it, a bit of work and it's in decent shape again. Your 4400 should have no trouble with a double bottom , my 3400 pulls the 2-12 MF plow shown here pretty easy.

In my opinion, unless you're plowing a lot of ground regularly, you can make do with an older plow as long as it's complete or repairable. Like Ken said, parts for older plows might be hard to come by.

Sean

That is a nice plow and will do you a fine job until you break a point or moldboard. Parts are not available for the 2 piece setup. Ken Sweet

sweettractors · Mar 9, 2011

boatyard said:
While you gentlemen are on the topic of bottom plows, may I ask a question?

How about a single bottom plow?

I have a New holland TC35A geared tractor. My neighbor has a nice,[16?] single bottom plow at a fair price. $350. I have a modest garden that I get plowed by the dairy farmer who cuts the hay on my 5 acres of hay fields.I would like to be able to do the work myself,on my schedule. I have also rototilled the garden. The garden is a bit big for the tiller, IMO..

Is there any reason not to use a single bottom plow other then the fact that a two bottom would be faster? I own a 3PH disc harrow.

Measure from the center of your drawbar to the inside of your right rear tire. If you don't have 27 inches, the 1-16 will worry you to death. Ken Sweet

maps · Mar 9, 2011

Gotta love wisdom!

Ken, appreciate you putting potential plow rehab in perspective. Real considerations for a guy who hasn't touched a plow in forever and doesn't quite have the time to invest in many extracurricular projects yet.

Dave

boatyard · Mar 9, 2011

Thank you Ken, I will make that measurement.

Barry Bowen · Mar 9, 2011

Some general rules on moldboard plows. They are intended to go half as deep as they are wide. In other words, a 12" plow is only ment to go down 6". IH and JD plows are the easiest older plows to still get parts for. Dealer still handle, and other places like A&I or Agrisupply will have all you need. Many of the IH 16" bottoms use some left hand bolts for the shears, no real reason, they just do. IH does a better job turning over the soil. If you get a chance to look at the two brands side by side you will see the the moldboard on the IH turns forward and shatters the ground much better. The JD will trail off and leaves the furrows standing up and much harder to disc smooth. What ever you get, try to get one with trip bottoms. All you have to do is stop, back up to reset, and start plowing again.

Along the MD/PA line between Baltimore and York, a good 2 bottom JD 14" trip, with culters and guage wheel will bring 300-600.