3 point furrow plough

Types of 3 point furrow ploughs

A 3 point furrow plough, also known as a three-point furrow plough, is commonly used in the agriculture industry to till soil for planting by turning over the soil. This plough supports various plough types.

• 3 Point Hitch Disc Plough:

  The 3 point hitch disc plough utilizes discs instead of traditional flat shares. It cuts and inverts the soil using angled, circular discs attached to axles. The 3 point hitch disc plough is well-suited for tackling tough soil conditions, such as compacted or heavy clay soils. It has good trash clearance capabilities, making it ideal for fields with high residue from previous crops. Additionally, the plough's adjustable disc spacing allows for customizing soil disturbance based on specific tillage requirements.

• 3 Point Hitch Stubble Mulch Plough:

  The 3 point hitch stubble mulch plough, also known as an inverted tooth plough, is equipped with curved shovels or shares mounted on a framework. It fractures and turns the soil horizontally. This plough is especially useful for minimal tillage and soil conservation practices. It helps preserve soil structure and reduce erosion. By leaving crop residue on the soil surface, the stubble mulch plough enhances water infiltration and promotes soil health.

• 3 Point Hitch Moldboard Plough:

  The 3-point hitch moldboard plough is driven by curved, polished plates called moldboards. It is responsible for turning the soil and adequately aerating it for optimal crop growth. The moldboard plough operates through the shear force generated by the angled cutting share that slices through the soil. Following this, the moldboard exerts a flipping motion, turning the soil over. This process creates distinct soil channels or furrows. The 3-point hitch moldboard plough is suitable for initially breaking up new fields, as it efficiently removes weeds and incorporates crop residues into the soil.

• Mounted Plough:

  A mounted plough is an agricultural instrument or equipment fixed to a tractor's three-point hitch system. This device serves the purpose of furrowing or tilling the soil, primarily aimed at facilitating crop planting. In contrast to semi-mounted ploughs, which are partially mounted and towed, mounted ploughs are completely affixed to the hitch and are commonly utilized in tractors of smaller dimensions.

Specifications and maintenance of a 3 point furrow plough

Specifications

• Depth control: 3-point furrow ploughs can be set to different depths according to the intended use. Generally, ploughs should be set from 6 to 12 inches for loosening the soil and enhancing drainage or from 1 to 2 feet for trenching or making deeper furrows.
• Configuration: A 3-point furrow plough can be configured with discs or shares. If configured with shares, it can have different types of shares: flat, V, or curved. Plough shares are mainly used to cut the soil. When configured with discs, they can vary in diameter, usually between 20 and 30 inches. The plough will cover more area with larger discs.
• Working width: The working width varies with the type and model of the plough. Rear-mounted ploughs generally have a working width of 14 to 18 inches, while side-mounted ploughs range from 30 to 36 inches.
• Tillage intensity: Some ploughs are designed for primary tillage, such as breaking up compact soil layers. Others are more suitable for secondary tillage, such as preparing the seedbed and further refining the soil.

Maintenance

• Inspection: Regularly inspect the entire plough for damage, loose parts, and wear.
• Fasten: Make sure any loose parts of the plough are fastened tightly.
• Lubrication: Frequently lubricate the pivot points and axles.
• Sharpening: Regularly sharpen the blades or shares of the plough.

Scenarios of using 3 point furrow ploughs

3 point reversible furrow ploughs are used in a variety of contexts, mostly in the farming industry. Here are some common applications of 3 point furrow ploughs:

• Small scale farming: Many small scale farmers use 3 point hitch ploughs to prepare their land for planting. They are usually hitched to compact tractors and are effective in breaking the soil for various crops.
• Athletic field maintenance: Grounds keepers sometimes use 3 point ploughs to maintain drainage systems of athletic fields. By re-establishing the field's surface, caked soil can be broken and improved, thus increasing the field's drainage.
• Orchard and vineyard preparation: Ploughs with 3 point hitches can be used in vineyards and orchards for site preparation. They can create plots for new vines or fruit trees and also facilitate work between established trees and other plants.
• Pasture renovation and management: In grazing lands or pastures, 3 point furrow ploughs can be used to break up sod, incorporate fertilizer and seed, and establish new growth. Strip tillage can also be used to reduce soil disturbance and increase soil health.
• Homeowner landscaping: Homeowners with large plots of land can use a 3 point plough to prepare their gardens for planting. In conjunction with other implements, a single tractor can be used for various tasks, thus saving time and labor.
• Land reclamation: Land that has been degraded due to mining or other activities can be restored by using a three-point plough. It can also be used to incorporate soil additives and breakdown compaction so as to improve soil quality and facilitate regrowth of vegetation.
• Conservation tillage: 3 point hitch ploughs can be used in conjunction with conservation tillage practices such as strip tillage or no till. Such methods help to conserve soil and water and reduce erosion, and the 3 point plough can be used to prepare the soil for planting in a minimal disturbed manner.

How to choose 3-point furrow ploughs

• Suitability for soil types:

  Different types of 3-point ploughs are designed to work optimally in particular soil types. When selecting a 3-point plough, ploughs business buyers should consider the primary soil type in the fields where the plough will be used. For instance, mouldboard ploughs are well-suited for working in heavy or compacted soils, while shear bolt ploughs may be more suitable for lighter or sandy soils.

• Ploughing depth:

  3-point ploughs come with adjustable working depths. Buyers should consider the depth required for their specific ploughing needs, such as incorporating organic matter or addressing soil compaction.

• Ploughing width:

  3-point ploughs are available in various working widths. Buyers should choose a plough that offers the required width for the task.

• Number of shares:

  The number of shares affects the width of the ploughed land. Buyers with large acreage may consider a plough with multiple shares to cover a more significant area in a single pass.

• Adjustable vs fixed arrangement:

  3-point ploughs with adjustable arrangements allow operators to alter the number of shares in use and the working width to suit specific field conditions. On the other hand, fixed arrangement ploughs have a set number of shares and working widths.

• Overall construction:

  Ploughs with a sturdy construction offer enhanced durability and the ability to handle challenging field conditions. Engineering aspects such as adequacy of material used and the quality of workmanship also influence a plough's lifespan.

• Horsepower requirements:

  It is crucial to match a plough's horsepower requirements to the tractor's available power. Insufficient power can result in poor implementation, while excessive power may strain the tractor.

• Costs:

  Cost is an essential factor when selecting a 3-point plough. Buyers should evaluate the plough's cost against its features and benefits to make an informed decision.

3 point furrow plough FAQ

Q1: What type of tractor is compatible with a three-point plough?

A1: The plough is designed to hitch onto tractors using the standardized three-point hitch system. It fits any tractor with compatible lower link arms and an upper link positioned to suit its design. Commonly paired with category 1 and 2 hitches suited for small to medium farm tractors.

Q2: How deep can a three-point plough turn soil?

A2: Three-point linked ploughs can be set to work at varying depths, typically between 6 and 12 inches. The exact depth depends on factors like the size and design of the plough points, tractor hitch setup, and plough operator’s adjustments.

Q3: Can a three-point plough be used for any type of soil?

A3: Yes, as long as the soil type allows ploughing. It suits various soil conditions, including those suitable for working in organic matter and precise seedbed creation. However, optimal plough performance requires soil to have appropriate moisture levels and not be overly compacted.

Q4: Can users add more shares to a three-point plough?

A4: Users cannot add more shares, but they can increase the number of shares on the existing plough. Ploughs come equipped with either one, two, or three shares. Users can find ploughs with the desired number of shares; it is not possible to retrofit additional shares to an existing plough.