Moldboard plowing

[Youngfarmerboy]

When I use my single bottom moldboard plow - tractor rpm is at 1500 or less. Exactly as RickB indicates - less on how the tractor runs - more on good plowing skills. My tractor will run at 1500 rpm until it runs out of fuel with absolutely no damage to the tractor. Plowing a straight row - that's a whole 'nother thing.

Ok thanks

 

[Youngfarmerboy]

Operating at low rpm doesn't necessarily mean it is lugging. A 5000 is a 4 plow tractor in most soils and could handle 5-14"s in a lot of conditions. A 3 bottom most likely isn't taxing it much depending on what gear Grampa is using.

He uses 2nd gear at around 900 to 1000 rpm I think pretty low

 

[Tx Jim]

Operating at low rpm doesn't necessarily mean it is lugging. A 5000 is a 4 plow tractor in most soils and could handle 5-14"s in a lot of conditions. A 3 bottom most likely isn't taxing it much depending on what gear Grampa is using.

How difficult the soil is to plow & depth of plowing will also determine amount of power required to pull a moldboard without lugging engine rpm's down. Due to the fact I've drove tractor pulling a moldboard plow over several 100's of acres I'd welcome that 5000 to come plow soil in my neighborhood with engine idling with 3 bottom moldboard attached & plowing with a 5 bottom plow on 5000 is out.

 

[Tx Jim]

He uses 2nd gear at around 900 to 1000 rpm I think pretty low

I think 2nd gear @ 1000 engine rpm wouldn't roll soil over correctly. Does this 5000 have gasoline or diesel engine?

 

[RickB]

How difficult the soil is to plow & depth of plowing will also determine amount of power required to pull a moldboard without lugging engine rpm's down. Due to the fact I've drove tractor pulling a moldboard plow over several 100's of acres I'd welcome that 5000 to come plow soil in my neighborhood with engine idling with 3 bottom moldboard attached & plowing with a 5 bottom plow on 5000 is out.

This isn't a pissing contest Jim. There's no doubt soil conditions vary, which I included in my reply. I plowed a couple hundred acres a year for a couple decades myself. Not an activity I am unfamiliar with.

 

[Tx Jim]

Rick
I'm not in any type contest merely expressing my opinion!
I've never read in a tractor operators manual where it recommended operating a tractor engine at a few 100 rpm's above idle speed for pulling a plow more especially a moldboard plow BUT MAYBE you have read that statement. I know yrs ago JD recommended not lugging engine below 1500 rpm's but don't know about Ford tractors.

 

[Youngfarmerboy]

I think 2nd gear @ 1000 engine rpm wouldn't roll soil over correctly. Does this 5000 have gasoline or diesel engine?

it has a diesel engine

 

[CobyRupert]

Does the tractor turn the sky dark with its black smoke?

What wears an engine more: “lugging” (but not close to stall & can increase rpms if desired) or higher rpms? I’d guess more rpms has greater wear (even though under less torque)?
What gets better diesel burn: Lugging or higher rpm? I’d guess high rpms do, less fuel per rev gets burnt better than trying to burn more fuel per rev? As evidenced by less black smoke.
Personally, I like hearing low rpm diesels and Harley’s applying torque better than screaming weed-wackers.

bonus question: Does a lugging engine or high rpm engine run cooler. Issues to consider: Friction of parts moving vs friction under torque vs amount of fuel/cycle vs amount of air/cycle vs efficiently of cooling system at various rpms, etc..?
Hmmm......

 

[stuckmotor]

Plowing is an art form.

It's an art I never mastered.

 

[JethroB]

He's probably only done it that way for 50 years. Pay more attention to the art of good plowing skills and less to how he operates his tractor.

I’d leave Grandpa alone.

I haven’t turned land in decades but don’t remember it being that difficult. Turned 15 acres for 4 years growing corn for my FFA project. Ford 8N then a MF 135 two row. Get your first pass shallow and straight, adjust your plow, then stay in the furrow and watch the butterflies. Last pass shallow also. First time across the field with about 4-5 more trips to go.

Turn
Harrow
Plant
Plow & side dress
Plow
Spray herbicide if necessary