The Different Types Of Plows

As a farmer, you have many options when it comes to choosing a plow for your land. The model you choose will depend upon your budget, your land area and what work you have to do. Plows are made to loosen up and turn over the soil while burying weeds and crop residues to make the land ready for planting.

Rivera’s Machinery here in Donna, Texas, is proud to be your Lone Star State plow and agricultural equipment dealer. Here is a simple breakdown of the different types of plows so that you can determine which one is right for your needs.

Ridge Plow

This two-winged plow works in different directions to turn up the soil into a furrow. One wing turns soil to the right and one turns to the left. The frame-mounted wings are dragged across the soil to create broad beds and ridges that are excellent for planting crops such as potatoes. You can also use a ridge plow to create open water furrows as well. Adjust the height according to your plowing needs. Ridge plows are among the oldest designs and are still commonly used by the Amish, only powered by horses instead of a tractor engine.

Disc Plow

Individually mounted concave discs make up the business end of this plow design. There are generally at least three discs, but some models have more. Disc plows are good for shrubby or rocky terrain, as well as hard and dry soil. The discs are angled backwards, which lets the plow reach deeper into the ground. Disc plows are heavier than other types of plows and aren’t very useful for weed removal, but they are excellent for sticky soil as they’re less likely to get stuck in it.

Chisel Plow

If you don’t need much soil turnover, then you should look into a chisel plow, which cuts into the ground at a more shallow angle. Their metal teeth are affixed to a frame that helps them to break up soil. You’ll need to think about the area of the land you need to cover and the size of the tractor needed to tow the machine. Chisel plows come with teeth of differing lengths and widths.

Moldboard Plow

This plow features curved blades that are wing-shaped, which ensures that soil is thoroughly overturned. The blades cut deep into the soil, cutting rows, turning it and aerating it, all at once. The result is a nice, even trough for planting and a row of aerated, fresh soil ready to cover those seeds with. Moldboard plows are also great for weed removal since they can bury weeds and brush deep in the soil.

Subsoiling Plow

Seeking out a deep tillage tool for hard-packed soil? A subsoiling plow is perfect for this task! You’ll need a very strong tractor to haul around the steel shank of such a plow, as it is capable of digging three feet deep into the ground. This property also gives the plow the name of “mole plow.” Its rake blades or rippers are mounted on a sturdy frame. The thorough penetration of this plow improves the quality of the soil because it allows water, air and fertilizers to access more of the soil.

We hope this guide has proven helpful to you in your search. Ready to make a decision? Come on down to see us at our Donna, Texas, location to take a look at our wide selection of new and used plows for sale. Rivera’s Machinery proudly serves the cities of Harlingen and San Benito, Texas.