[primal1]

Can anybody tell me if i should buy this old thing to try plowing with my old Massey Ferguson 12(12hp).
Found it in a field when i was out counting Ash trees for a municipality. Farmer told me I could have it for $100...

A new one furrow plow is $500+ and the reviews are not great. But what i am not sure about is the modifications needed to attach the old plow to a one point hitch.. and is it worth the effort? Any thoughts?

After plowing I have a 1977 troybilt horse to till, which runs well and is itching to be used

 

[primal1]

I love totally opposing views on whether or not it will be possible.... Actually I learned how to remove rust with electrolysis so I bet i can get that plow almost as shiny as the day they bought it.. might take a week or so in the tub lol... yes it has barely survived the scrap yard, it is in a pile of old steel stuff just waiting for a truck to haul it out of a ditch.

I will double check and get pictures on Monday, I think i did see a multi hole hitch but must confirm. It is a walk behind and i will need new handles. No wheel(s) at all and where the disc is on newer models, there is a large knife to cut ground. I will update soon, Thanks for the input!!
Barefootfarm.. my brother is with you on this one haha

 

[primal1]

totally understand what you mean. Not being familiar with plows in general, i am not even sure what the difference is between a disk plow and a furrow plow.. All i know is i need to get at least 6-7 inches into ground and it's a bit much for the troybilt horse... cost is also a factor of course.

 

[primal1]

I am prepping 1/2 acre for garlic. My tiller came with a furrow/hiller, tomorrow i will see if i can extend it with a chisel type end. though the soil has become so dry this month i doubt breaking ground will be easy.
I am not worried about hard pan though because i will be adding large amounts of organic matter and managing it with cover crops after it's opened up

 

[primal1]

I am thinking for $100 it's worth a try, as a buddy said at worst it becomes a lawn ornament relic.. The 6' chain might help keep the pressure in the right place no?

 

[primal1]

It rained all day so I rigged a single shank onto a furrow attachment to the tiller. Will give it try in the morning

 

[primal1]

Actually the farmer who was taking the hay off that 1/2 acre just offered to plow it for me, since he is happy to get rid of taking care of it haha.
This is actually my tractor http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/000/1/7/175-massey-ferguson-12-attachments.html
I have steel wheel weights and chains. After he took the hay off I went over the land with the massey and a tow 3 gang reel mower to take the grass down lower.. I hope after he plows he will disc. It is a fun little tractor but does have it's limits

 

[primal1]

When I saw that I thought: "That's not a small tractor"
(I didn't notice the -12)
Here's my Massey Ferguson 175:
View attachment 62076

haha, i can imagine what was going through your mind! Thats a beast you've got!

 

[primal1]

That would be classified as a garden tractor. At one time you could even buy a loader for it. Its not a farm tractor, can not pull a hay baler with it, but you would be amazed at what it will do with the right implements. $100. well spent if not a basket case.

I've put out the word to all who frequent the kinds of places you might find a treasure like those attachments! I've also looked for the sleeve just haven't had time to find the right one to buy but it's a must have! It really is just the right size for a small farm project to start. Will check out the subcompacts if the garlic is a success. People are using subcompacts on farms up to about 25 acres so really the massey could be fine for a while

 

[primal1]

It rained all day so I rigged a single shank onto a furrow attachment to the tiller. Will give it try in the morning

BTW, just in case anybody needs to do the same with their tiller, this worked however 3" deep is all the tiller could handle.. will make it into an attachment for the massey next year as i am sure 6-7" would not be a problem.

Bought some buckwheat today so the first cover crop will go on as soon as the plowing and discing/tilling is done.. and after some stone picking and manure..

 

[primal1]

You know Buckwheat won't tolerate cold don't you?

yes, it's to act as a mulch to protect the garlic over the winter

 

[primal1]

Thank you Farmerjack41, I've spent hours searching and Sears never came up with a sleeve hitch! The price is amazing and i will take some measurements asap. I was at the point where i was where I was just going to make a crude one just to get the time on the tractor your talking about LOL. The Johnny bucket does look sweet but what a price tag! I will also have to invest in a new seat as the old one is falling apart and even mowing the other day on slightly rough terrain was quite hard on the back.. i've been spoiled using a clients Kubota haha.

 

[primal1]

So disappointing, Sears America doesn't ship to Canada... seems to be a huge void in the market for a simple sleeve hitch.

 

[primal1]

I may just try to sharpen the tines a little more to give it a bit more bite.... You are right i was the weight to get it in the ground. Sharper tines might also help the run-away tiller, I did not find the wheels slowed her down when the tines couldn't bite into the ground haha.
Trying to order this sleeve hitch, asked them if they could make me a mounting plate for the massey, fingers crossed.. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Toro-Wheel-H...-with-adjustment-plate-and-pin-/222472691238?

 

[primal1]

Farmerjack41, thank you for that. I saw the hitch attachment and even a sleeve hitch that was mounted on a steel tongue that i could simply bolt on the the existing tongue on the massey.. all of these methods will require shipping from the states and then welding or some mods.. in the end i am going to be spending so much i may as well consider the electric Johnny Bucket LOLOL. I've been to every AG supply place and small tractor place and nobody can help me get even the simplest of sleeve hitches. I have even written to Agri-fab(small implements) asking them why they are producing implements with sleeve hitches that require people to got to their tractor manufacturer when those manufacturers for example Cub Cadet who won't ship to Canada. Even the local Cub Cadet here can't order it from the states. I was told they can't because that item is not popular enough in Canada?? I will figure this out over the winter when i have more time sitting in front of my computer lol.