Size bottom plow

   / Size bottom plow #1  

clemsonfor

Super Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2009
Messages
9,554
Location
Greenwood Co., SC
Tractor
Yanmar YM2000
What size are people using that works. I live in upstate SC so were talking hard packed red clay in most areas, more sany clay in others. What size should i be able to pull in this type soil with my ym2000? I was thinking a single 14 but now im thinking maybe only a 12?
 
   / Size bottom plow #2  
I don't think you will notice much difference in how a 12 or 14 inch pulls. Ken Sweet
 
   / Size bottom plow #3  
I've not used a "Bottom Plow" i'm interested in knowing how it will do with the red clay?
I do use an all-purpose 5 shank plow, does a fair job on this Ga red clay, although I have to get to the clay at just the right amount of moisture in it, otherwise too dry makes it difficult to break through and too wet has the plows digging up what I call brick clods, in either case I drag the harrows back over to help cut up the clay, One day I plan to get a rotary tiller for my Yanmar ;)
 
   / Size bottom plow #4  
Clemson,
I have a double 12 that I use behind my 1920 New Holland over in our Newberry County red clay. I works great if you have a little moisture in the ground.
 
   / Size bottom plow
  • Thread Starter
#5  
I've not used a "Bottom Plow" i'm interested in knowing how it will do with the red clay?
I do use an all-purpose 5 shank plow, does a fair job on this Ga red clay, although I have to get to the clay at just the right amount of moisture in it, otherwise too dry makes it difficult to break through and too wet has the plows digging up what I call brick clods, in either case I drag the harrows back over to help cut up the clay, One day I plan to get a rotary tiller for my Yanmar ;)


I have been looking for a spike tooth/ spring tooth/ chiesel plow, whatever your prefered name for a while. Its hard to find one in a smaller size or really anysize whatso ever. I heard that they work well. I should have bought the one from the guy who i bought my disk harrow from, it was to big so i did not buy it. I could have flipped it he only wanted $150 for it. The more i though about it (it was 7 feet) i thought i should have bought it and taken like 3 or 4 teeth off each side and used it that way, most of what i do is in the open so it being that much wider than the tractor would not be a big deal.

I have a 4.5 foot wide 12 disk harrow, but as we all know you need about 300lbs or more to make it cut marginially in stuff that was not disked last year and if it has been 4 or more forget it you will make 6 passes to get it half decent. I am looking for a plow to plow some areas first then be able to maintain them with my disk.
 
   / Size bottom plow
  • Thread Starter
#6  
I don't think you will notice much difference in how a 12 or 14 inch pulls. Ken Sweet

Whats your opinion on what you think the yanmar will pull? I know you said not much difference in the 12 and 14 but do you think it will pull these both fine in sod that has not been turned in years, say 6-15 years?
 
   / Size bottom plow #7  
Whats your opinion on what you think the yanmar will pull? I know you said not much difference in the 12 and 14 but do you think it will pull these both fine in sod that has not been turned in years, say 6-15 years?

The only difference in a 12 and 14 inch is usually the point length. Moldboards usually the same. IMHO, I would go with a roto tiller and eliminate the need for a plow and a disc harrow. When you get that turned over with a plow, it is going to be pretty rough. Ken Sweet
 
   / Size bottom plow #8  
Clemson,

I also live in upstate SC. I actually sold my disk harrow after using a moldboard plow and then a 52" tiller. The disk tended to "cup" the garden making the center lower than the sides.
 
   / Size bottom plow #9  
IMO the RS1400 for your YM 2000 is fantastic. There a few members thats been useing them. I have alot of clay mix also with a secound pass in 2nd gear PTO If its dry will just about turn it to powder. :thumbsup:

Carey
 
   / Size bottom plow
  • Thread Starter
#10  
IMO the RS1400 for your YM 2000 is fantastic. There a few members thats been useing them. I have alot of clay mix also with a secound pass in 2nd gear PTO If its dry will just about turn it to powder. :thumbsup:

Carey

i have heard folks say to much use and you will wear those tillers out, and if you can find tines there not hardened and there expensive. I know your in the GA red clay, and i belive that it will work if you say it does. Ive looked and they seem to still bring 300-400 around here on the ones you find and with a set of tines upward of $200 in thinking that could get expensive esp if bearing or gears tear up. Bottom plows have been around a long time and are cheap. Yes i have to then do a couple passes with the disk to level and smooth it but this is for deer not my garden. And like i said my disk harrow just rides on top of the ground unless it has been broken recently. I need to try after some good rain not just the showers we have gotten befor i have messed with it i guess.
 

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