Horsepower required for Plows

dberg · Apr 8, 2005

I have a 1966 Ford 4000 gas tractor, could a 3-14" bottom plow be pulled easily with this tractor. It is an old tractor, and wdon't want to put maximun strain on it. If this plow is to large, please recommend the size I should use.
Thanks

Indydirtfarmer · Apr 8, 2005

The 4000 was/is a pullin' son-of-a-gun! I don't know what type of soil you have, but here in our hard clay, that 4000 would FLY with 3-14"s. The only question I have is what tranny does it have? If it's the Selecto-Speed, I'd take it easy....Maybe TWO 14"s. They don't take abuse very well. (BTDT SEVERAL times) Otherwise, that tractor is capable of pulling 3X16"s. A neighbor of mine used to turn up the fuel screw on his 4000 diesel, and plow with FOUR 14"s. (He had more wheel weights on that tractor than I've ever seen on one in my life!)

sweettractors · Apr 8, 2005

You probably would be ok in sandy or loose loam type soils. If you have compacted clay based soils with a few inches of top soil, you may have too much plow for the tractor. 3-12 or 2-16 would put less stress on the tractor. My oldest son has a 4000 Ford Diesel and uses 2-16 Oliver plows. This is a perfect match for his situation.-Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New Italian Made 3 Point Backhoes for 20-60 HP Tractors*

dberg · Apr 8, 2005

Thanks for the replies. I live in West Central Indiana, probable a few hours away from Indydirtfarmer. Hey, Indy most of my family is in Dubois county, my uncle is a farmer there, when he comes up to visit he always replies how much better the soil is in our area. The soil is good topsoil, with clay undereneath. what I'm wanting to plow is a 9 acre hay field that is getting taken over by weeds.