Top 10 Plow Brand & Manufacturers

What is Plow

A plow is an agricultural implement used for tilling the soil. It is designed to break up the surface of the ground, turn over the soil, and create a suitable seedbed for planting. Plows have been an essential tool in farming for centuries, helping to prepare the land for crop cultivation.

History of Plow

• Ancient Plows: The earliest plows were simple wooden tools. The ancient Egyptians used a primitive form of the plow called an ard. It was a pointed stick that was dragged through the soil to make a furrow. These early plows were pulled by humans or animals and were effective for shallow tillage in light - textured soils.
• Improvements through the Ages: As civilizations developed, so did the design of the plow. The Romans made significant improvements, introducing the moldboard plow. The moldboard was a curved plate that turned the soil over, burying weeds and crop residues. This innovation was a major step forward in soil preparation and weed control.
• Industrial Revolution and Modern Developments: With the Industrial Revolution, plows underwent further changes. Iron and steel replaced wood in the construction of plows, making them more durable. The development of the tractor led to the creation of larger and more powerful plows. Modern plows are now highly engineered, with adjustable parts and advanced features to meet different farming needs.

Purpose of Plow

• Soil Preparation: The primary purpose of a plow is to prepare the soil for planting. By breaking up the soil, it improves soil structure, allowing better root penetration and air circulation. This is crucial for the healthy growth of plants as roots need to access nutrients, water, and oxygen in the soil.
• Weed Control: Plowing can help control weeds. When the soil is turned over, existing weeds are buried, which can prevent them from growing and competing with crops for resources. Additionally, it can expose weed seeds to the surface, where they may be more easily removed or damaged by other means such as sunlight or tillage.
• Incorporating Organic Matter: Plowing allows for the incorporation of organic matter such as crop residues, manure, or compost into the soil. This enriches the soil with nutrients, improves its water - holding capacity, and enhances its overall fertility.

Principle of Plow

• Penetration and Cutting: The plowshare, which is the leading edge of the plow, penetrates the soil. As the plow is pulled through the field, the share cuts through the soil horizontally. The shape and angle of the share are designed to ease its entry into the ground and reduce the force required for tillage.
• Soil Turning: After the share cuts through the soil, the moldboard (if present) comes into action. The moldboard is curved to lift and turn the soil. The direction and angle of the moldboard determine the way the soil is turned over. This process creates a furrow and inverts the soil layer, burying the surface material and exposing the lower soil layers.
• Depth Control: Plows usually have a mechanism for controlling the depth of tillage. This can be adjusted according to the type of crop to be planted and the specific soil conditions. The depth control ensures that the soil is tilled to the appropriate level, neither too shallow to be ineffective nor too deep to cause damage to the soil structure.
• Force Transmission: The plow is pulled through the field, and the force required for its operation is transmitted through a hitch or coupling to the pulling vehicle, such as a tractor or an animal - drawn harness. The design of the hitch and the overall geometry of the plow ensure that the pulling force is effectively used to perform the tillage operation.

Features of Plow

• Tillage Capacity: Plows come in different sizes and with different numbers of shares and moldboards, which determine their tillage capacity. The capacity can be measured in terms of the area that can be tilled per hour or the volume of soil that can be turned over. Larger plows with more shares are used for large - scale farming operations.
• Versatility: They can be used in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clayey soils. Some plows are designed to handle rocky or hard - pan soils more effectively. Plows can also be adjusted to different tillage depths and widths, making them suitable for different crops and farming practices.
• Durability and Strength: Given the harsh conditions of working in the soil, plows are built to be durable. The shares and moldboards are usually made of high - strength steel that can withstand the abrasion and impact of tillage. The frame and other components are also designed to handle the stresses of field operations.
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• Adjustability: Modern plows often have adjustable features. The depth of tillage, the angle of the moldboard, and the width of the furrow can be adjusted to meet specific requirements. This adjustability allows farmers to optimize the plow's performance for different crops and field conditions.
• Attachment and Compatibility: Plows are designed to be easily attached to tractors or other pulling vehicles. They have standard hitch systems that ensure compatibility with a wide range of farming equipment. Some plows can also be used in combination with other tillage implements for more comprehensive soil preparation.

Types of Plow

• Moldboard Plow: As mentioned earlier, the moldboard plow is characterized by its curved moldboard. It is excellent for turning over the soil and burying weeds and crop residues. There are different types of moldboard plows, such as the general - purpose moldboard plow, which is suitable for a wide range of soil and crop conditions, and the deep - tillage moldboard plow, which is designed for breaking up hard - pan or compacted soils.
• Chisel Plow: A chisel plow has long, narrow shanks with chisel - like points. It is used for deep - subsurface tillage. The chisel points penetrate the soil to break up compacted layers without inverting the soil as much as a moldboard plow. This type of plow is beneficial for improving soil drainage and root penetration in heavy - textured soils.
• Disk Plow: The disk plow consists of a series of concave disks that are mounted on a frame. As the plow is pulled, the disks cut through the soil and turn it over. Disk plows are effective in cutting through heavy vegetation and in soils with a lot of surface debris. They are also less likely to clog than some other types of plows.
• Subsoiler: A subsoiler is designed to break up hard - pan or compacted soil layers deep below the surface. It has a single or multiple shanks that penetrate the soil to a greater depth than a typical plow. Subsoilers are used to improve soil structure and water infiltration in areas where the soil has become compacted due to heavy machinery traffic or other factors.

Precautions for using Plow

• Operator Training: The operator of a plow must be properly trained. Training should cover the operation of the plow's controls, understanding of the tillage process, safety procedures, and how to adjust the plow for different soil and field conditions. Only trained personnel should operate the plow to ensure efficient and safe tillage.
• Pre - Operation Inspection: Before using the plow, a thorough inspection should be carried out. This includes checking the shares, moldboards (if any), shanks, and other cutting or tillage components for wear and damage. The hitch and the connection to the pulling vehicle should also be inspected to ensure proper attachment and safety.
• Soil Conditions: The plow should be used according to the soil conditions. In wet or overly soft soils, plowing may cause compaction or rutting. In very dry or hard soils, the plow may require more force and could potentially damage the equipment. It's important to choose the right type of plow and adjust the tillage depth and speed based on the soil's moisture content and texture.
• Tillage Parameters and Control: The depth, speed, and other tillage parameters should be set correctly. Plowing too deep can damage the soil structure and bring up sub - soil layers that may be less fertile or have a higher clay content. Operating the plow at too high a speed can lead to uneven tillage and increased wear on the equipment.
• Maintenance and Cleaning: Regular maintenance is essential to keep the plow in good working condition. After each use, the plow should be cleaned to remove soil, plant residues, and any other debris. The cutting and tillage components should be inspected for wear and sharpened or replaced if necessary. Lubrication of moving parts and proper storage during the off - season are also important.

Things to consider when purchasing Plow

• Tillage Requirements: Consider the size of your fields, the type of soil, and the crops you plan to grow. This will help you select the appropriate type and size of plow. For example, if you have a large field with heavy clay soil and plan to grow row crops, a large - capacity moldboard plow or a chisel plow may be suitable.
• Budget: Establish a budget for the plow purchase. The cost can vary significantly depending on the type, size, and features of the plow. Consider not only the initial purchase price but also the long - term costs such as maintenance, replacement parts, and any additional equipment needed for its operation. Look for a plow that offers good value for money within your budget.
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• Brand and Reputation: Choose a reputable brand with a good track record in the agricultural machinery industry. A well - known brand is more likely to provide reliable and durable equipment. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from other farmers to assess the quality and performance of different plows.
• Technical Support and Spare Parts Availability: Ensure that the manufacturer provides good technical support and has a reliable supply of spare parts. Quick access to technical assistance and spare parts can minimize downtime in case of equipment failures and is crucial for the smooth operation of your tillage operations.
• Features and Safety: Look at the features and safety mechanisms of the plow. Consider whether it has the necessary adjustability, such as depth and width control. Also, think about the ease of operation, attachment to your tractor or other pulling vehicle, and any safety features such as guards around the cutting components to protect the operator and bystanders.

Terms of Plow

• Tillage Width: The width of the area tilled by the plow in a single pass, usually measured in feet or meters. The tillage width affects the efficiency of the plowing operation as it determines how much area can be covered in one pass.
• Tillage Depth: The maximum depth to which the plow can penetrate and till the soil, measured in inches or centimeters. The tillage depth is an important parameter for soil preparation and should be adjusted according to the needs of the crops and the soil conditions.
• Force Requirement: The amount of pulling force needed to operate the plow effectively, usually measured in pounds - force or newtons. The force requirement depends on factors such as the type of soil, the depth and width of tillage, and the design of the plow.
• Size and Dimensions: The physical size and dimensions of the plow are important for its transportation and storage. The plow should be sized to fit through gates and into storage sheds on the farm. Additionally, the overall size can affect its maneuverability in the field.
• Warranty and Service Agreement: The warranty offered by the manufacturer and the terms of the service agreement, including what is covered, for how long, and the availability of technical support and spare parts. A comprehensive warranty and service agreement can protect your investment and provide peace of mind during the operation of the plow.