What to look for when buying plow/disc?

[redgreenblugill]

Dad has a '50 Ford 8N, looking at someday buying a used (relatively inexpensive) 2 bottom 3 point plow and small disc.
What should I look for besides the obvious cracks, bends, etc.?
Which cracks or bends can't be easily fixed, or are considered nonrepairable
(I know just about anything can be "fixed") to the point where buying another plow or disc would be cheaper?
Any brands or types to avoid?
What size plow and disc is considered "ideal" for the 8N?
Would be using to plow / disc ground in preparation to plant cover crop and then next year to plant DNR saplings. Also hoping to disc a perimeter fire break before burning a fallow pasture. Ground is primarily clay, without major stones.
Is it possible to turn up or remove one of the plows in order to make turning sod easier on the tractor?
Thanks in advance for responses!:baby04:

[Windy in Kansas]

I won't try to advise you at all on size because of the clay soil whereas I instead have sandy soil which creates less implement draft.

When looking at any plow either make absolutely sure that the plow parts are either in good shape or can be replaced. Many of the older plows simply don't have parts availability any longer. From inquiries before I bought my plow last year I was somewhat knowledgeable otherwise would have bought something that probably would have not worked well.

For a plow you will probably want to make sure that it has rolling coulters on it to cut residue so that it doesn't plug up.

If your soil has rocks you will probably need either shear bolt or spring trip protection so that the plow shares give rather than damaging something.

Because of the clay soil if you could find a disc plow of the right size you would probably have lighter draft for easier pulling. Two bottom disc plow shown here:
http://goo.gl/wFat7 As you can see there are large discs where the moldboards would be on a conventional plow. A disc plow is different from a one-way disc plow which is for shallower work with generally several feet of cutting width, i.e. 6 feet or more with more discs to it.

For a disk you will probably want to make use it has actual bearings rather than wooden boxings bearings which are getting harder to come by. A true ball or roller bearing would be better. Some of the newer lower priced disks don't have roller or ball bearings.

A lightweight disk isn't built for deep cutting but if you have a plow you may get by with a lighter weight one.

Size of the discs on the disk can be important too. To a point the larger the better, i.e. not worn greatly. Replacement discs are available, but aren't cheap because of the alloys in them and the cost of manufacturing them.

An old time farmer could sure be your friend in helping you pick something very usable. Go visit Uncle Will. lol

[Beeman]

Double 12's is what you want for an 8N, and that's in good soil. All of the plowing parts of a plow can be replaced, but it can get expensive. Old plows will be heavy and fixed beam type which are OK if you know your soil. Discs are usually very well worn. The rotating parts of a disc have to be free and not too sloppy. Discs have to be all there and not cracked. Again you can fix most anything but it can be expensive.

[FarmboyBill]

Oldtime farmer here, Just dont know anything about 3 point, and about Fords, AND DONT WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM.

[OH Boy]

Your N Series tractor (assuming engine is in reasonable condition) should be strong enough to pull a 2 bottom 12 or 14 inch plow through your clay soils as long as they are not too dry which makes the soil hard as a rock.

You should look for a 5 or 6 foot disc, anything larger than that will be too much to pull. It will pull a 5 foot disc easier than 6, but six will cover your wheel tracks better. Your call.

With that setup I would suggest plowing, then disking it until the clods are well broken up. You will have a fine planting bed for your trees at that point.

You might consider spraying the sod with roundup a few weeks before you plow. Killing the grass will keep it from re-sprouting in your nicely prepared seedbed.

[Mark Twain]

I had a disc plow on my old wd-45 Allis and loved it. The disc plow will not completely turn over the soil but it is great for breaking new ground especially if you have rocks or large roots. I used a tiller to prepare the bed after plowing so I never bought a disc.
Both Ford (Dearborn) and Ferguson made moldboard and disc plows specifically designed for the Ford 8n/ T30 tractor and they are the most common used plows still available.

[Jolly]

It'll pull a two bottom 12, but if the ground is real dry, it ain't gonna like it.

As for discs, I wouldn't go past 5 foot, not if they cut well.

[Old Vet]

Any 12 inch plow in a two bottom. To check to see if is a 12 inch or a 14 inch measure from point to point and then you can tell. On the disk a 5 foot will do the job if set right. The more of an angle the more it will cut. Try to get one that has adjustable angle on it. To see if it is worn out check the bearings by lifting one side and see if it has slack in the bearings. And check the blades to see if they are worn out.

[fantasymaker]

Originally Posted by FarmBoyBill

Oldtime farmer here, Just dont know anything about 3 point, and about Fords, AND DONT WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM.

Yes knowledge is evil!

[redgreenblugill]

Thanks all for the responses so far!

[Ross]

Some parts are easier to get than others, so check out brands before you buy.

[Yvonne's hubby]

Plow.... I would go with a good pair of 12 in. preferably a name brand that parts are readily available for. Ford, Massey Ferguson.. Things to look for would be worn points, shears, and that always overlooked, but very important landside. Those are the parts that wear. Also do be mindful of a bent plow beam. It can throw everything out of kilter and you cant adjust enough to compensate!

An 8N shouldnt have any trouble with a 6 foot pickup disk. Again go with one of the major brands.. a ten dollar part will keep you out of the field for a day with a major brand... and if you cant get it for one of the off brands.... permanently! Theres really not much to go wrong with a disc other than the bearings and broken/cracked blades. The blades are easy to see, bearing not quite as handy, you really need to hook it up, raise it and spin and shake well to find slack in the bearings.

[vallyfarm]

Not a Ford fan here at all, Farmall all the way. BUT, a good friend of mine with no farm experience bought an 8N a few years back. I was over there quite a bit bringing some of my extra plows and disks for him to use. If you are new to plowing find a 1 bottom plow. To set up a 2 or more without being able to "read" the furrow is 10X harder. And clay soil (here too) can be a pain to turn right. We (he) found that the 8N was, at best, marginal pulling a 2 14 plow. Using the equip made for that tractor helps a lot. Finally found a Dearborn 1 bot. 18" plow and it was a brease. Plowed like a dream! Most any plow from that era by now has a few bends and twists that are nearly imposible to see. For that matter, the 3pt. may have some twist too. And as for disks, again, I am not a Ford fan, but he found a 6' Ford set that made my International sets look like a compactor. Even a set that had just been gon through completly. So, to sum it all up, using Ford equipment with Ford tractors will make things a lot easier for you. Rember, this is when 3pt. first appeared, and most equipment was made for a specific tractor. Most tractor brands were trying to get around having to pay a liscensing fee to Ford for the 3pt. set up. Mike

[Beeman]

The condition of your 8N is going to dictate a lot about what you can use. Most N's lifts are pretty worn after 60 years of abuse and neglect. Lifting a disc can be a problem especially if you ass weight which makes it cut clay ground better. The draft portion's condition will also effect your plowing as will it's ability to lift an old heavy set of plows.

Best info can be gained from YTMAG's forums, absolutely the best place for answers about old tractors and equipment. Especially for N owners.
http://www.ytmag.com/