More weight for my disc harrow

[def38]

I have found that disc harrows are usually a bit light when attempting to bite deeper in the red clay soil we have here in Alabama. So, I'm going to add some weight to my disc.

My idea is to weld some pipes vertically at the corners of the frame then, make some weights from plastic coffee cans with a center hollow tube (PVC pipe) poured full of concrete. Question is, how many of these concrete weights will I need to add a total of 200 lbs to the disc?

Also, does anybody have a better idea for adding weight to my disc? I had thought of using cast bar bell weights but they're too expensive.

Comments and ideas welcome.

 

[fried1765]

I have found that disc harrows are usually a bit light when attempting to bite deeper in the red clay soil we have here in Alabama. So, I'm going to add some weight to my disc.

My idea is to weld some pipes vertically at the corners of the frame then, make some weights from plastic coffee cans with a center hollow tube (PVC pipe) poured full of concrete. Question is, how many of these concrete weights will I need to add a total of 200 lbs to the disc?

Also, does anybody have a better idea for adding weight to my disc? I had thought of using cast bar bell weights but they're too expensive.

Comments and ideas welcome.

Scrap lead, if you can find it ...free.... or cheap.
Iv'e got lots, but you would have to drive 1500 miles to get it.

 

[FTG-05]

Some steel and about 5-7 bags of 80 lb concrete, maybe $35-$50 or so. ~500 lbs:

 

[FTG-05]

ETA: Where are you located in AL? I'm about 10 miles north of the border around I-65. I still have the form if you want it.

200 lbs /145 = 1.4 cu ft. Or about 2.3 80 lb bags of concrete.

Given how the disc reacted with this 500 lbs, I'd up your weight by about double, if not more. But a lot of that depends on a) the size and HP of your tractor and b) the size and ruggedness of your disc.

 

[def38]

My disc will likely not accommodate your weight design. Thanks for the offer. As you can see, I have some limitations as to placement of weights. I agree, I'll likely need more than 200 lbs. additional weight.

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Tractor is M-F 231S, 49 HP with adequate power and capacity for an additional 500 lbs.

 

[Big Barn]

My suggestion would be to search Craigslist (or?) for used cast iron tractor wheel weights.

That way you can add or deduct whatever weight is necessary to achieve implement penetration.

Most modern implements aren’t designed for extra weight. No point in fatiguing your disc unnecessarily as well as consuming more fuel.

I have a pile of them. There’s most likely some in your area.

 

[HEC]

I just went to lumber yard and bought some solid cement blocks , and made a contraption to hold them on . I used them in the back of pick up in winter for traction and on harrow in summer .

 

[def38]

My suggestion would be to search Craigslist (or?) for used cast iron tractor wheel weights.

That way you can add or deduct whatever weight is necessary to achieve implement penetration.

Most modern implements aren’t designed for extra weight. No point in fatiguing your disc unnecessarily as well as consuming more fuel.

I have a pile of them. There’s most likely some in your area.

View attachment 571729

I agree that adding too much weight in the wrong places will likely cause stress failures at welded joints. Therefore, I'm likely going to have to add some gussets and other structure to strengthen the frame as I add weight. I'm thinking that I'll merely create an additional rectangular frame on top of the existing frame using square tube and attach the necessary boxes, brackets and other appurtenances to hold the weights (likely concrete blocks similar to FTG-05's suggestion) about 50 lbs each (I have no means for lifting heavy stuff and I'm 80 years old...I don't lift like I used to).

 

[def38]

ETA: Where are you located in AL? I'm about 10 miles north of the border around I-65. I still have the form if you want it.

Thanks for the offer. I'm at about the 282 mile marker on I-65, then 8 miles east.

 

[FredH]

Are there any scrap / recycle metal yards in your area ? A few months ago , I bought some nearly new 1/2" plate for $ . 60 a pound . The 5 100 pound weights I have on my 6' + king kutter disk were homemade tractor weights . Thing now weighs around 1,100 pounds , which , if our clay is wet , is all that my TC 30 wants to pull . I only use mine for fire breaks around property in spring , which , with the notched blades , it works great for .

Price of scrap steel varies weekly , thus one can monitor it weekly and buy when price is down .


Fred H.