Draft Control on Kubota GrandL series

Doc_Bob · May 7, 2006

Draft Control on Kubota GrandL series

I was looking at the GrandL series catalog today. I noticed that all of the GrandL series, from L3130 to the top of the line L5030 all have draft control as an option. Now, I am curious as to why draft control is an option on all the GrandL series? I thought draft control was used for ground engaging implements like a 2 bottom plow. Can a 32 HP tractor pull a ground engaging implement like a bottom plow? I thought bottom plows took a lot of power. Is 32 HP enough power???
Bob

texasjohn · May 7, 2006

Well, it depends... try this site for details.

Bob_Young · May 7, 2006

Yes, 32HP is enough, Doc Bob, but a few other factors have to be right as well. The weight has to be there and so do R1 tires and good gearing.

As I recall the old JD40 with a 100 cu. in. 2 cylinder gas engine of around 25HP was rated at 2-14s. It didn't pull 'em very fast though. The small Fords would handle a 2-bottom plow as well. My 3 cylinder Ford 2000 does a fair job with 2 bottoms. It's biggest problem is lack of weight on the rear tires and a low gear that's a bit fast....its 35HP is plenty, however. I think with good gearing and filled rears, an 8N or 2N would do OK as well. Keep in mind, these are all 2WD tractors.

A Grand L, regardless of HP, has the weight (especially with the rear tires filled) and the gearing. Should be able to handle 2 bottoms with ease. I'd expect the L4330s and above to be capable of 3 bottoms. 15HP per bottom is a conservative rule of thumb...if everthing else is right. A B3030 wouldn't be a good choice, however.
Bob

Doc_Bob · May 7, 2006

( Well, it depends... try this site for details. )

Nice chart. I am struggling with understanding it and applying it. Any help???
Bob

Doc_Bob · May 7, 2006

I tried a sample calculation.

Moldboard
4.5 mph x 2.1 x 800 / 375=20.16 HP for PTO.

So, one bottom plow would take 20 PTO HP?
Bob

PS Why is sandy soil 2.1 and form soil 1.5? I woulld have thought it would have been the other way around?

ksmmoto · May 7, 2006

I have a Kubota L3430 and a King Kutter Two Bottom 14" Plow. I can pull it no problem in low range, four wheel drive at about 3 - 4 mph.

ksmmoto

Doc_Bob · May 8, 2006

( I have a Kubota L3430 and a King Kutter Two Bottom 14" Plow. I can pull it no problem in low range, four wheel drive at about 3 - 4 mph.

ksmmoto )

Nice to hear from someone who is actaully using it! Do you have draft control?
Bob

ksmmoto · May 8, 2006

No, I don't have draft control. I haven't plowed a very large area yet, so I'm not sure if it is really needed.

In fact, I believe having HST will help with the plowing as I can letup slightly if the plow hits a hard spot and the tractor will keep pulling strong.

I know most people will say that gear is best for field work and they may well be right for large fields. But I may only do three acres at the most at one time.

ksmmoto

Doc_Bob · May 9, 2006

( I have a Kubota L3430 and a King Kutter Two Bottom 14" Plow. I can pull it no problem in low range, four wheel drive at about 3 - 4 mph.

ksmmoto )

What kind of soil? Virgin? Sand? Clay?
Bob

Oleozz · May 9, 2006

I have been pulling a 2 bt plow with a 45 hp tractor and it has to work but I am plowing ground that hasn't been turned over in 25 years and the sod is thick and heavy. I think soil conditions mean a lot and also how you have the plow set up. My tractor has draft control as a standard feature and that's one of the reasons I bought it.

JerryG · May 9, 2006

Soil conditions do make a lot of difference. Another thing that makes a lot of difference is the way the plow is made. I haven’t seen a plow made in years that was worth a hoot. A moldboard plow is one of the things that were truly better years ago.

Doc_Bob · May 9, 2006

( I have been pulling a 2 bt plow with a 45 hp tractor and it has to work but I am plowing ground that hasn't been turned over in 25 years and the sod is thick and heavy. I think soil conditions mean a lot and also how you have the plow set up. My tractor has draft control as a standard feature and that's one of the reasons I bought it. )

I can assume that you are glad you have draft control? Has it worked as expected?
Bob

Doc_Bob · May 9, 2006

( Soil conditions do make a lot of difference. Another thing that makes a lot of difference is the way the plow is made. I haven’t seen a plow made in years that was worth a hoot. A moldboard plow is one of the things that were truly better years ago. )

Any good oldies, 1 and or 2 bottom plows that i should look for??
Bob

JerryG · May 9, 2006

The ones that I have either used or have seen used that worked the best were old Fords, Ferguson’s or Masseys. Look at Ken Sweets Internet site. He has lots of plows and you can get an idea of prices for them. If you go to farm auctions you can sometimes get a good deal if the bidders don't get carried away.

Doc_Bob · May 9, 2006

( The ones that I have either used or have seen used that worked the best were old Fords, Ferguson’s or Masseys. Look at Ken Sweets Internet site. He has lots of plows and you can get an idea of prices for them. If you go to farm auctions you can sometimes get a good deal if the bidders don't get carried away. )

Do you have a link for Ken Sweet's site?
Bob

5030tinkerer · May 10, 2006

http://www.sweettractors.com/

Doc_Bob · May 10, 2006

( http://www.sweettractors.com/ )

As always, thanks!
Bob

Oleozz · May 10, 2006

I can assume that you are glad you have draft control? Has it worked as expected?
Bob 

Seems to work all right. I still find myself fooling with the position control a good bit. I am not out plowing huge acerage, so far 6 food plots and 4 gardens.

JIM4 · May 10, 2006

Interesting post. hey what if you got your bota without the draft control. Can you have a dealer install it? How much do you think it will cost? I have some plowing to do this fall and did not get the draft control. Didn't think I would need it. Now I am not so sure. Any help?
JIM /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Doc_Bob · May 10, 2006

( Interesting post. hey what if you got your bota without the draft control. Can you have a dealer install it? How much do you think it will cost? I have some plowing to do this fall and did not get the draft control. Didn't think I would need it. Now I am not so sure. Any help?
JIM /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )

I think it is a dealer installed acessory.
Bob
PS It is for NH