Hand plow

A hand plowis a machine employed in agriculture to prepare the land for planting. The hand plow is the most ancient tool used in the agricultural sector. It is used for many purposes like tilling and weeding, hence its popularity among farmers. The hand plow, also called hand plough, has a simple design and is hence easy to use. An advanced hand tractor or hand tiller improves efficiency in agricultural activities and is suitable for varying terrains or climatic conditions. Buy a hand plow and other agricultural machinery from suppliers on Alibaba.com for precision and efficiency in farming activities.

Types of hand plows

The hand plow is a second-class lever with the load in the form of a blade between the pivot(wheel) and the effort(handles). All the machine's weight is based on the blades to provide the force required to break up soil and create furrows as it moves on the ground. Hand plows exist in different types based on the designs and designated functions. A moldboard plow is a plow with a curved moldboard behind the blades of the plow to turn over the broken soil to improve soil aeration and bury the weeds and plant residue to decay and enrich the soil. This is the most ancient yet efficient type of hand plow, as its design is simple and unique. Another type, the dibble stick plow, is a special type of hand plow that is designed to resemble a small stick. It is used to make holes for planting seeds or performing transplants. It is the most convenient type of hand plow to use for precision planting.

ADisc plow is employed in large-scale farming. It has large disk-shaped blades that cut through soil and turn it over to improve aeration. As for a chisel plow, it features long, flat shanks that penetrate deep into the soil for deeper tillage. The chisel plow, however, does not turn the soil over, hence less efficient in improving soil properties. A vintage hand plow is also known as an antique hand plow. It features a wheel in the front for movement, a blade, and two handles to steer the plow. This hand plow with wheels is, however, limited to steering by hand as the wheel at the front limits the farmer from moving the plow with the help of animals.

Agricultural application of hand plow

A hand plow or walk behind tractor enables farmers to cultivate, harrow, weed, and level fields so they can plant or sow seeds and transplant. The dibble stick can be used where precision planting is necessary. In their process of operation, hand plows bury weeds and crop residue in the soil as they turn the soil over. This way, they destroy the weeds that suffocate the crops, hence ensuring that high crop yield is realized. A simple moldboard plow could be used as a hand plow for garden as they can be used in small-scale farming.