Plowing with 5740

[TillerofdaEarth]

Well I finally gave my tractor a workout this past week, plowing 12.5 acres of pretty tough sod. Soil conditions ranged from clay to sandyloam.

Was pulling an old Oliver 16" 3 bottom plow 8" deep. I must say the 5740 handled it very well. I was in low range, 4th gear which is around 4mph and used FWD and a bucket full of dirt.

Traction with the R4's wasn't as much of an issue as I anticipated and I was pleased with their performance for the most part, although R1's would have been better.

The tractor had plenty of power, and when I hooked a big tree root, the tires just started digging holes. I was very impressed with the operation of the draft control, it was smooth and responsive.

I am just very happy with the performance of this 5740 and this true test it just passed!

Also, the exhaust stack being so handy on this tractor made an excellent hand/glove warmer on these cool Texas plow days.

 

[Oleozz]

Those are great pics, you must have a GPS navigation system on that tractor to keep the rows so straight!!!!! From what everyone tells me those Oliver plows can't be beat for turning the ground effortlessly, your pics prove that..

 

[Unclebuck257]

Hey Tiller,

When you're done in Springtown why not just put that baby on a trailer and come up Hwy 51 about 25 miles and do my place!! I could use the "training seminar" on doing straight rows, and I'd expect my "training seminar" to be completed just about the time the plowing was too!! LOL!!

Looks good buddy!!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

You've done this before. Nothing like turning the earth.

 

[EddieWalker]

Was pulling an old Oliver 16" 3 bottom plow 8" deep. I must say the 5740 handled it very well.

What is your tractors HP?

Great pics, I enjoyed looking at them and day dreaming about plowing my food plot this spring.

Eddie

 

[TillerofdaEarth]

No GPS here Oleozz, like MtnView said, I have done this before. although it's been a few years. Probably been about 21 years or so since I last turned some earth with a plow, and I had a big ole grin on my face the whole time.

UncleBuck, I am loaded up and on my way! I'm not ready to be done plowing yet.

Eddie, this tractor is rated @ 57HP.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Nice pics, thanks for taking the time to post them.

That soil looked like it hasn't been turned over in a while. Do you know how long its been if ever? That plow really compliments your machine's available traction. Great job on the straight rows. My guess is that if you had R1's you'd be able to pull a 4 bottom. I'm not nit pickin. You got 'er done!

What are your plans for the field this year?

 

[TillerofdaEarth]

Hi Kyle,

I know this soil has not been tilled in the 12 years that I have owned it. Judging from the trees and shrubs that had grown up before hand, I would safely add another 10 to 15 years bringing the total to 20 to 25 years since this soil has seen any kind of tillage.

My plan is to sprig this acreage into Tifton85 Bermuda this Spring.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

My plan is to sprig this acreage into Tifton85 Bermuda this Spring.

Good choice.

You might want to start a thread in the agriculture folder. I'm sure many others would enjoy your "starting up a new hay field" endeavours. I'm just saying more people might see it that don't frequent the Montana Equipment Folder.

Good luck.

 

[Dunham Farm]

Where are all the rocks! Up here in Western Maine you can't turn over anything with out finding rock. My dad and I did a hay field 8 years ago and what a time just picking rocks.
Brian

 

[BRUSHTAMERS]

You must tell me the secret of the draft control master!!! Great pics, can't believe what a straight cut that plow turns over! I don't think anyone in our neighborhood has used a plow since rototillers were invented, or at least never showed me how it was done. And I'm not kidding about the draft control. Can it be used to control a brush hog over uneven ground?

 

[TillerofdaEarth]

Dunham, I know what you mean about rocks! In Western Nebraska lime stone rules. I have picked tons of rock in my day.

This ground here in Texas was pretty rock free. The field in the pics was totally rock free, but a 5 acre field next to it had a few rocks on the West end but nothing serious.

Brushtamers, I don't know if draft control will work on your brush hog or not. It takes a pretty heavy load to make the draft control work. You could try it in the light draft position to see if it does anything for you. My Howse has a slotted top link attachment that allows about 3" of float, so I have never tried draft control with it.

 

[NetworkMD]

Beautiful picture reminds me of my younger days we just No till now I miss the smell of fresh turned earth in the spring. Its good to know our 5740's can handle the 3/16's that is a big plow

 

[TillerofdaEarth]

Hi NetworkMD, It was enjoyable to plow again after having not done it for so many years.

The 5740 handled this plow in some tough conditions. I would have been in trouble without FWD and a bucket full of dirt though. I tried it without the FWD engaged and did alot of spinning in the hard spots. I have no ballast in the rear tires.

I think with filled tires and R1 ag tires a 5720 could have done the job, but not sure. The tractor has the power, but traction is the issue.

 

[gemini5362]

Nice job of tilling. In Arkansas we only have one rock and it goes from Oklahoma to louisiana.

 

[Texasgreen]

TillerofdaEarth,

Looks like lots of fun! I'd love to drag my 4940C over there and play.