Discs... 9.5' 3 point or 10' wheeled?

[aczlan]

so we are looking at replacing the 8' disc we currently have, looking on Craigslist I see for 900-1000 a 9.5' 3 point Massey Ferguson disc and a 10' wheeled tow behind Oliver disc.
which would be better? I have never used a wheeled or 3 point disc, I have used a old JD 7' single offset that my dad has and the no name 8' disc we have (the JD cuts much better)
we will be pulling these behind a Kubota L3830 with 4wd, we haven't had any problems pulling the current disc or the 2 bottom Oliver plow we have (well, not since we had the rear wheels loaded and the plow adjusted anyways), it will have either a bucket or weights on the front (undecided as of yet).

anyone have any recommendations???
according to this site: Tillage Answers Resource Tandem Disc Harrow Width Calculator I shouldn't be able to handle anything more than a 7' disc... but the 8' (9' 6" when straight) disc we have pulls much easier than the plow, and the tractor handles either without much todo.
I have heard that one has to make certain not to turn while a 3point disc is in the ground or things will break, and I know that the big discs around here are all hydraulic lift, but don't know much more than that disc wise.

Thanks

Aaron Z

 

[aczlan]

digging around, the unknown 8' disc is a Oliver PA, it looks just like the one in this thread: The Oliver Gang Message and Discussion Board: Oliver disk

is there a better way to get this disc to dig in??? I have rocks on the back, but there is no way to put weight on the front...

Thanks

Aaron Z

 

[Farmwithjunk]

As a generality, 3-point lift disc's just don't dig in like a wheel disc or pull-type. The semi-rigid nature (because of being solidly mounted to the tractor) doesn't let the disc flex with contours of the ground. And since they compromise built in weight and the structural integrety that goes along with that weight in favor of allowing the tractor to be able to lift the disc, mounted ones just don't do quite as good of a job. That said, there are a FEW farly decent mounted disc's. That's one area where Massey Ferguson did their homework. That's a decent disc you've looked at. (Model #39)

The Oliver disc is a decent model, provided that individual unit is in good shape. I'd look at it UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. Photos don't always show cracks, breaks, worn parts, ect.

OK.... What can you pull? Most "ratings" for a disc are in plowed ground. That's the hardest "pull" you'll ever get with a disc simply because it'll be digging in deeper, moving more soil. You MIGHT be able to pull the MF lift disc. You MIGHT be able to pull the Olover disc. That's provided you aren't in loose, plowed soil and the disc isn't digging deep. I'd just about bet the MF 3-point disc will bring the front end of your tractor off the ground when you lift it. At any rate, you'll find the front end very light, steering and/or traction at a minimum while the disc is lifted. And yes, you do want to lift it when making even the slightest turns.

Just between you and me, I'd stay under 8', probably closer to 7'

Here's a good model to search for. This is a model #25 Massey Ferguson disc. It WAS an 8'-10" model when I found it. I removed the axles, cut them down 7-1/2", re-threaded them, and re-installed with one less disc blade and spool per gang. Now it's a 7'-6" version. (Far more common size) After owning several 3-point disc's over the years, I'll go as far as to say this is the best working model I've ever seen. Good disc. A 7'-6" model typically sells for $400 to $750 in very good condition.

 

[aczlan]

Just between you and me, I'd stay under 8', probably closer to 7'

so I really should stay away from this one? : 224 Ford Disc

Here's a good model to search for. This is a model #25 Massey Ferguson disc... After owning several 3-point disc's over the years, I'll go as far as to say this is the best working model I've ever seen. Good disc. A 7'-6" model typically sells for $400 to $750 in very good condition.

good to know, I will keep my eyes out for one.

thanks for the information, it is helpful as usual.

Aaron Z

 

[Farmwithjunk]

so I really should stay away from this one? : 224 Ford Disc

Aaron Z

Uhhhh,,,,, You can get near it, just don't hook your tractor to it...

 

[threeman]

What I dont like about pull types for small work is that its hard to get it adjusted to the same height each time. This is the reason I have considered getting rid of mine and going back to the 3point version. They cut super good but I just dont like cutting and leveling like I did with the 3pts. I bought them because they were easier to attach since my back gives me problems. That I like.

 

[radman1]

What I dont like about pull types for small work is that its hard to get it adjusted to the same height each time. This is the reason I have considered getting rid of mine and going back to the 3point version. They cut super good but I just dont like cutting and leveling like I did with the 3pts. I bought them because they were easier to attach since my back gives me problems. That I like.

I am not sure what you mean by "get it adjusted to the same height each time"? Most pull type discs use a cylinder to lift/lower the disc. You should be using stroke control spacers on the cylinder to get the same depth when the disc is lowered. Add or remove spacers as needed to chang height.

The front of the disc can be changed on most pull types to match the drawbar height. This shouldn't have to be changed once set to the tractor unless you are using multiple tractors with significantly different drawbar height.

 

[threeman]

I am not sure my set has the spacers for adjustment in height. I dont think they do but will look into it. I am familiar with adjustment to set the height of the rear/front disc to "level" out the cut. Thanks though.

I had a friend build me a drag this time for this set of disc. See the custom drag harrow post on customization board. It doesnt work that well to me. I had one that I built once before with "c" channel for support welded to the frame, and channel for the support itself. A board was used for the drag. It seemed to be better. This one seems to drag in the ground little too much. Havent figured it out either.

 

[radman1]

Here is a picture of the stroke control kit. They fit right over the exposed rod/stroke of the cylinder. When the disc is lowered, they stop the cylinder from going completely closed. I have used these on discs for lots of years and many other implements. Most farms stores such as TSC should have them.

STROKE CONTROL KIT - Agri Supply

 

[Glowplug]

You can get those stroke control spacers at any TSC or Agri-Supply.

A 9.5' lift disc is REALLY big and heavy for a 38 hp tractor! I agree with FWJ and shoot for more like 7 feet. Good luck!