Garden plowing disaster

[WH nut 553]

Nice setup you have. You are going really fast in that video. Is that low?

I think I plowed it in 2nd. I think I tried in 1st, but it would roll the dirt like it needed.

Edited March 24, 2015 by WH nut

[ibskot 37]

Low 2? That's faster then my low 3.

what kinda tractor is that? It looks small. Instead of a go kart, my sin wants a tractor. Starting to look around to see what is available and size. I have seen tiny ones but don't know what they are.

[WH nut 553]

Its a 704, it only has the 4speed with no low range. Its just a little 7hp but it will work like crazy

[ibskot 37]

Nice. Thanks

[WH nut 553]

Its a fun little tractor, just a little light in the front end so you have to be careful. She has thrown a rider a time or two

[ericj 1,576]

i plow in high 2nd when i plow lately I've been using 520-H for plowing. i like the hdro lift when pulling the plow out of the ground at the end of the row

 

 

 

 

 

eric j 

[slammer302 2,154]

I used my 502 yesterday it done pretty good for a tecky powered machine had to use first gear I will also say that my garden had no grass growing in it and the dirt was pretty soft it was a bit rockey though

[bamaboyz71 3]

I just wished that I had a plow... I sure would use it

[ibskot 37]

What kinda ride do you have?

[Tankman 3,515]

Never used wheel weights or chains plowing............40 years ago, 8 hp Horse (too long ago to remember the model).

 

I did have to fab a front bumper for suitcase weights! The Horse looked like an airplane takin' off without the front weighted down.

Looked like WH Nut's Horse takin' to the air!

 

Helped steering the Stallion down the straight 'n narrow!  

Edited March 25, 2015 by Tankman

[Tankman 3,515]

Just about all the replies have nailed it, but no one told you how to tell if the ground is too wet to plow.  I was always told, pick up a handful of soil and squeeze it in your hand, if it makes a meatball that will not fall apart, it is probably too wet.  If it falls apart, it is just right for plowing.  The problem with plowing wet soil is that you compact it and all the air is squeezed out of the soil under the tractor.  The water then does not drain well and the plant roots cannot breathe. 

We have the drainage problem in my NE Pennsy area.

 

To improve the soil I've plowed in literally a dump truck load of sand. Improves drainage and, the young plants little feet are warm. They chase the water down and grow strong and big. Lawns like sand too! The mix is called a "golf course mix."

 

That's how to "raise" Joisey tomatoes!  

 

PS. Bad bacteria like warm, dark, damp. Improve drainage!

Edited March 25, 2015 by Tankman

[squonk 38,846]

When I was a kid, I remember my Dad plowing a big garden with a 604. Front end was in the air the whole length. I don't thing the rows were very straight!