Need advice on purchasing harrow(s)

[Poopdeck Pappy]

In the "silty loam" soil you mention, you probably won't need the scrapers. But scrapers are an absolute requirement in any kind of sticky clay soil, as bdog's frustrating experience proves.

If you only have a few acres to disc, I'd look for something used (but in decent shape). Even if it's not as heavy as the better ones, you can go back over the ground 3 or 4 times (or more) if you have to. That old 4020 will pull anything you want to put behind it without even breaking a sweat.

I'd have to be REALLY serious about hunting before I'd spend $6,000 on a brand new disc to work 5 acres of food plots.

 

[UncleBuck1]

If you only have a few acres to disc, I'd look for something used (but in decent shape).

I'd have to be REALLY serious about hunting before I'd spend $6,000 on a brand new disc to work 5 acres of food plots.

I don't know why but used discs just don't come for sale often around here. I've been looking for several months and everything I've come across is too small (4' or 5') and light or just worn out junk. I only recently resigned myself to the fact that I'm going to have to buy new- which is what prompted me to post my original question.

I'm definitely NOT looking to spend $6k, but I want to buy something that will last so I'm not looking at the $1,000 discs from Tractor Supply (not to pick on them) either. Unless I can come across a lower priced but quality built alternative to King Kutter, Howse or Dirt Dog I'm looking at spending from $1,850 to $2,400 which to be honest is more than I want to spend to disc 5 acres. But I've learned the hard way that buying low priced junk usually ends up costing more in the end when it breaks after only a couple of years use.

 

[kneedeep]

I own a Howse 6' like jeff9366 showed. I use a pin and lynch clip in the center to make changing the angle easier. Just lift it up and slide with a spud/crescent wrench I keep in the toolbox. I have 4 solid 1" rods 12" long welded on each corner of the frame for old steel barbell weights to stack on for up to 400# of extra weight when needed. It works great on the small fields and is easy to transport.
I used a chain link fence section with tires tied on it as a drag for years to smooth and cover seed in food plots. Worked great!! Bought a cultipacker last year but the fence still worked good.

Deer plots are inexpensive and easy with a disc, cone spreader and chain link drag. I really enjoyed the seat time doing the food plots. Always helped me to get away from the stress of work which is one reason I enjoy hunting.
I have looked at some of the food plot specific seeders, they are expensive, nice and can save some time but you still have to spray and mow before plowing regardless of the way you plant.
I always sprayed roundup after mowing in late summer to kill everything before disking. sometimes had to cut twice around the perimeter and burn if vegetation was thick. Doing this really propagates the grass which in turn will help build up poor soil with organic matter and make that pine ground really grow some great food plots.

Good Luck and have fun!!

 

[bindian]

You might want to consider a used offset disc. I bought a 9 foot used Amco offset at Richie Brothers Auction, last year, and love it. 3PH discs never have enough weight! This Amco offset disc is the cat's meow of discing. Old but still good as new. It weights 3790 pounds.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/270878-amco-offset-disc.html
I also picked up a ten foot drag harrow for half of new price. It can be pulled from either end or flipped over for 4 different settings.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/277658-amazing-find-drag-harrow.html Post #13 has photos showing what a drag harrow can do in finish grading.
hugs, Brandi

Worth their weight in gold!
hugs, Brandi

 

[jeff9366]

Shorten your Top Link until the rear gang is completely in the air, all the rear gang weight then transfers to front gang, improving penetration.

Howse DLHT 16/18"; 587 pounds, 37 pounds bearing on each pan, 74 pounds (+/-) bearing on each pan with Top Link shortened to lift rear gang off the ground.

 

[sawtooth]

You might consider the Howse DHT. Its their heaviest cutter and weighs in at 1100lbs for 7.5' cut. I have owned mine for years and it cuts very well. I also have the lighter one mentioned in the original post. It comes in around 800 lbs but doesn't do nearly as well as the DHT series.