Setting up moldboard plow

[screamin400]

Just bought a White 588 5x18 spring trip plow from some folks that used it once and got rid of it. Plow looks brand new but finding some small issues. Tires, weld etc. I do not know who set this plow up for them but my tractor is set as narrow as it will go for winter snow blowing. The plow is so offset that the first plow bottom is set at 37". Who thought that was a good idea. If their tractor was set wider than mine this would be even larger. Basically I had a 6 bottom plow. I knew it was way off but took it out to play with it and the first bottom tried resetting all the time. I expect today when I get it set up it will pull much easier. I also found it is tough staying in my lane when the bottom off the steering tube has a broken weld letting the tail wheel go wherever it wants. Ever see a tractor and a 5 bottom plow take a whole road? I hadn't either. Got that welded up last night. Overall plow is in great shape. I wonder if they were getting rid of it due to not being able to pull it. They bought it used and used it for 5 acres and sold it.

 

[LouNY]

Are you trying to set it up so that the right hand tire runs in the open furrow while plowing or are you trying setup for on land plowing?
For in the furrow plowing with a 5 bottom plow to have the center of draft being in line with the center of the tractor your tire would need to be be set out quite aways. Five 18's the front bottom point should be 18" from the inside of your tire, the second 36" and the mid point of the 5 bottom being 2 1/2 bottoms would be 45". This is assuming 18 inch plow bottoms and an 18.4 rear tire.

Interesting article here;
Viewing a thread - Moldboards- on land or furrow