Plow Set-Up help please...

I am hoping to get some general advice on setting up a plow properly. I have a three bottom plow I beleive was a JD. I don"t know the model number. It is a mounted type. The lift arms of the tractor mount to a solid bar for lack of a better term with pins on each end that are offset from each other. The right pin is about four inches forward of the left (as you look at it from the rear). As it is set up, it pulls hard to the left, against the check chains and tends to pull the tractor out of the ground to the right, even at only 4-6" depth in loose, sandy soil. What would be a good starting point for adjustments? Should the plow ride behind the tractor and not against the check chains? It does not have coulters or a new landside, the one on it is worn to a sharp point. I would really appreciate some general tips on plow set-up if you have any. Unfortunately bottom plowing has gone out of favor here in Florida years ago, so not too many folks around here know how to set one up properly. All help will be greatly appreciated.

John

JimB

Put 7" of blocks under the front and rear left tires to simulate plowing position of the tractor.
With the plow hooked to the tractor, it should set
flat on the ground for a start. Will need readjusting after you start plowing. If you have more than one hole on the tractor for the toplink, hook it in the bottom hole. As for that bar that the
lower lift arms hook to, it should be twisted to point the plow straight ahead. The right to left level of the plow is adjusted on one of the liftarms of the tractor. You need to know if your plow is 14 or16 "The distance from the inside of the right rear tire to the center of the tractor is 25 1/2" for a 14" plow,27 1/2" for a 16" plow.
When you get this far, its time to try it. It should track right behind the tractor with no pressure on the chains and be plowing 14 or 16" on the furrow closest to the right tire. If it isn't you have to turn that heavy bar to point it in the direction you want the plow to go to get that first furrow right. You won't be able to adjust it on your first pass across the field you have to get the furrow wheel down in a furrow. That bar you hook the lift arms to should be just about centered on the plow. There is a proper measurement for that to but I cant find it just now. Sounds like that bar is way out of adjustment. Questions? Email me I seldom go back to look at a post. Notice in the photo how the plow is level while the tractor has 1 side in the furrow.

Usually the right pin is below the left pin but in line horizontally because you want the plow frame to be level while the right wheels of the tractor are in the furrow.

The landsides may not find a lot of support in very sandy soil, but then turning sand over shouldn't be hard either. There should be landsides on all bottoms, at least my Case and AC plows are that way.

Gerald J.

Thank you for the advice. I have seen one like mine in a salvage yard with the wheel. I'll try to get a wheel and new landsides, and make the adjustments above. Have a great day.

John