disc harrow or vineyard/off-set disc

[Gamemaster]

What is the difference between a disc harrow and a set of vineyard/off-set disc?. How are they used differently. I read a comment previously about adjusting the top-link to raise the rear set?. Does this increase the penetration of the front set or is this to achieve a less-aggressive soil break-up?. I thought weight was added to a set of discs for better penetration. Confused!

 

[Opti-Mist]

The front gangs often have notched discs and the rear gangs are smooth. Shortening the top link transfers weight to the front to improve the cutting action, in sod for example. This could also be done by adding weight. The results will probably not be the exactly the same though for the first pass or so.