The Hard Way

[Stuart Every]

Hello to you all!

I am here specifically seeking advice and opinions on how to overcome a problem of my own making.

I will make it clear, upfront - I intend to undertake this challenge anyway, so don't think you can talk me out of it! Just give me your best ideas and positive observations.

So, let me describe the rod which I have made for my own back:

In 2017, I will be entering Match Ploughing as a Novice; by which I mean that I have never ploughed before. I know that what I 'should' do is to buy a little Fergie, a two-furrow mounted and learn the basics. Take it as read that this isn't what is going to happen!

My 'outfit' consists of a 1949 John Deere Model R pulling a hydraulic lift 3x16" trailed plough. This is a 'matched' combination, and period correct to each other; which is most likely the only thing in my favour.

Given the age, I am confident that the rules allow me to enter the Vintage Class.

I have a more than a few questions, but initially, I would be interested as to how each of you would tackle the Opening and the Finish; if confronted with this unique (?) problem.

I would also love to hear from anyone who is already competing with an equally cumbersome setup!

Many thanks, in advance

Stu

 

[Kenham]

Go for it, one thing I would say is to tell the organiser that you are a complete novice and to put you on an end plot if possible. Whatever you do try not to get the plough in too deep as that combination could end up with a huge drainage trench on the finish. The actual mechanics of the opening and the finish will be the same as any tractor plough combination. One problem you will have at some matches will be enough room on the headland to turn and get in and out of the furrow straight, this was a problem when I used the LA case with a Duo Trac plough which was considerably shorter than your outfit. A lot of match organisers don't realise how much room even a Fordson and trailer plough need around this area. Please let us see some pictures of the outfit, I expect now you will be told this is a forum only for competition ploughing and you should not be using it at all let alone be on this forum. If you are near the south east you will be welcome at my match in August, for trailing ploughs only.

 

[Timo@hattonfarms]

You could always try your outfit at a few working days to get a feel for it and a bit of confidence

 

[Stuart Every]

Thanks for your thoughts, Kenham!

Headlands was already a concern, and I take your point about requesting an end plot in advance.

My current need to road my outfit to competitions limits me to local matches, but I am happy enough with that.

In truth, Im not expecting much opposition, as Im hardly going to become a 'threat' anytime soon.

My personal position is that I am competing against myself, and this is how I intend to measure my progress!

Your warning about misapropriating the forum intrigued me; I am talking about competition ploughing, aren't I?

 

[Stuart Every]

Thanks Timo,

My intention is to do a bit locally, on my own, to get the outfit set up, before taking it to a match.

As for confidence; Im more worried about keeping it in check

Stu

 

[Kenham]

Hi Stuart yes as far as I am concerned we are talking about competition ploughing, if you read a few previous articles about taking anything out of the ordinary to a match you will see what I mean. Personally I like to see a few different outfits at a match and yours sounds very good. I will bet money you will have more people watching you at a match than anyone else. It might pay to tell the organiser also that you are ploughing 16" furrows as they will probably only give you a normal 3 furrow plot and you will soon use that up. As soon as you have done the start you will be finishing

 

[Fergie Ploughman]

Any pics of your kit? Sounds interesting...

 

[Stuart Every]

Thanks Kenham

I agree, it will certainly stir up some interest! The R draws attention parked at a show, let alone when it is fired up!

Although Im not competing to win, I certainly dont want the dice loaded in my favour. I've done my math, and I can cover a standard plot with a few tweeks to the setup.

A 12 furrow start will 'only' work out to 4' wider, so not too drastic.

But yes, after the start, I will effectively turn twice as much soil, per pass, as a 2x12".

 

[Stuart Every]

The plough and tractor have yet to be united!

Work is currently underway to refurb the plough, so everything works and adjusts correctly.

If I have figured this out correctly, there should be a few images attached?!

 

[Kenham]

Looks good, I my JD B for a while with trailing plough, a challenge is good sometimes. You could be moving more than that as a most vintage are on 10 inch furrows. Good stuff, nice to see something different on here instead of the usual arguments.

 

[Stuart Every]

Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[madmatt]

I cant offer much advice but i will offer loads of encouragement go for it. And best of luck as a relative newbie i know how daunting it is to drive into a match field for the first time and all the stalwarts stop and stare at the new boy!!! From experiance they soon start talking to you though!!

 

[Stuart Every]

Thanks Matt!

 

[Fergie Ploughman]

Looks a fair piece of kit! Grand old tractor...

 

[tomlad]

Hi
Those bodies look new ?

Good luck and good plan by the way

 

[Stuart Every]

Thanks for the encouragement Tomlad!

The whole plough is in good order, but the wheel shafts are worn, which makes me think it's seen plenty of action.

I wonder if it was imported with new steel as the points have only a little wear.

 

[Stuart Every]

The plough came without any discs, which is a pain.

I am able to easily retro-fit a Dowdeswell disc and leg to the rear body; but is that even legal?

Importing genuine parts is an extra cost I dont need this year!

 

[Timo@hattonfarms]

There's a chap down Somerset way who imports a lot of tractors etc from canada his name is Jason a real nice chap he might have something can PM you his number if you like

 

[Ley253]

The plough came without any discs, which is a pain.

I am able to easily retro-fit a Dowdeswell disc and leg to the rear body; but is that even legal?

Importing genuine parts is an extra cost I dont need this year!

I dont think you need to worry about the disks. Your not likely to be winning that much, and thats when things like that tend to be noticed! Usually by the man who came second!

 

[Roy Stokes]

The plough came without any discs, which is a pain.

I am able to easily retro-fit a Dowdeswell disc and leg to the rear body; but is that even legal?

Importing genuine parts is an extra cost I dont need this year!

Dowdeswell discs are not a problem, Ken Chappel, man at the top of the SOP used modern Kverneland disc and skim sets on his vintage ploughing outfit