[AT] Using the JD Plow

[Brian VanDragt]

Steve,
Try some different coulter depths.  If they are set too deep they can push
the trash ahead of them instead of sucking the trash under them to be cut
against the soil.  On the other hand, they have to be set deep enough to
actually cut the trash instead of just running over it.

Brian

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of The Allen Family
Sent: Friday, July 12, 2013 12:49 PM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: [AT] Using the JD Plow

Last week, I noted I had picked up a JD #4B Plow. 
   Thanks to Dean VP, who jogged my memory, I now have access to a manual. 

But now I have to figure out how to use the durn thing.  I took two trial
passes with it yesterday evening behind my '48 A.  I would have played more,
but the A was acting up, and I had to limp home and put it to bed when I ran
out of daylight. 

Anyway, on my two passes, the thing plowed well for maybe 25 or 30 feet, but
then the soil and the grass (the field was recently brush hogged but has
never--at least not in the last 40 years--been plowed) began to bunch up
between the moldboards, the colters, and the beams.  
When it was all clogged up, the plow naturally stopped turning dirt and
essentially rode on top of the sod. 

I tried differing adjustments on the lifts, but only two passes was probably
not enough time to figure it all out. 

In any case, I know that there is a wealth of experience here.  Most of the
articles I can find on plowing on the 'net are about 3-pt equipment (or snow
or mules). 

Right now, I am just playing to learn; eventually, I'd like to plant about
an acre and a half of garden.  Any advice would be most welcome.  
Any pointers at a useful source of info would welcome, too. 

Assume I know nothing about it--because I know little and remember little
more about the plowing I've done years before guided by my dad and neighbor.


How can I stop the balling up of the dirt/grass?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

The "original" Steve Allen
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