Plow vs Tractor HP Question

[Dave5264]

Hi All, Im looking at plows, before I buy, im seeking your opinion on what my tractor can handle.

Tractor: 52hp, 4wd, loaded Ag tires, Montana C5264
Soil Type - Clay

Plow being considered - 3 furrow with land/gage wheel -- not got any particular brand in mind as yet, just looking for opinion on will mytractor handle such a plow ?

Thanks in advance

 

[beenthere]

The ease of pulling a plow depends greatly on the soil and depth. Also the condition of the plow parts and the degree of pitting of the plow moldboard.

The tractor should handle the 3 bottom plow just fine. Whether the soil (lot of differences in the various clay soils as well as how long since the ground has been plowed) will let the plow turn 6" deep, that will be the question.
But it will be in the ballpark.

 

[Egon]

At one time two wheel drive tractors of that HP were pulling four bottoms in good soil.

 

[Dave5264]

Thanks Guys

 

[sweettractors]

The Ford 101 Series trip plow is the easiest plow to pull and in most conditions, you can pull this plow easy with that tractor. 3-14 Category 1 three point hitch $895 + modest shipping. Ken Sweet

 

[Verticaltrx]

3-14's you might be able to pull, 3-16's no way. We use a 10,000lb 65pto HP tractor on a 3-16 and it gives it a good workout in tough clay.

 

[sweettractors]

Some plows pull extra hard. John Deere are the worst. Ken Sweet

 

[Verticaltrx]

Some plows pull extra hard. John Deere are the worst. Ken Sweet

It's a JD 1600 (late 80's vintage), uses the new style NU/metric bottoms, no relation to the old JD plows whatsoever.

 

[Bob Ha]

We have two tractors and both are 62hp @ pto a Kubota M7040 4wd (67hp @ engine) and New Holland TN75 2wd (72 hp @ engine). We purchased a 4 bottom plow within the last year. Early in the year when everything was a little wet neither tractor could pull the plow in sandy loam soil with some clay areas. As the soil dried both tractors were able to plow at a depth of 8 to 10". When we hit low/high areas and the plow sank to 14 to 16" both came to a stand still. It took a while to plow 8 acres and harrow for levelness but the results were wonderful. Not a blade of Bermuda was visible prior to turning the soil and now Bermuda growing everywhere, green and lush without any fertilizer applied. Some of the old farmers told us some time ago that turning over your fields is as good as fertilizing. I was skeptical but now I'm a believer. I wouldn't want to turn over my fields often (to much work and hard on the machinery) but to get the grass started it was well worth the energy and time. Next year I'll start the fertilizing once I get my soil tests back.

I agree that a 52hp would pull a 3 bottom depending on soil type and right soil conditions but with my experiences I wouldn't go with more than a 3 bottom plow with 52hp