Central Luzon State University

College of Engineering
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija 3120

AM 780 – AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION AND

MACHINERY MANAGEMENT

Group II

Primary and Secondary Tillage Implements

and its uses in Agriculture

MOLDBOARD PLOW

DISC HARROW

Submitted by:
LARRY S. OLIPAS/ MSAEn 1

Submitted to:
ROMEO B. GAVINO, Ph.D.
Professor VI

February 2020

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AM 780 – AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION AND

MACHINERY MANAGEMENT

Primary & Secondary Tillage Implements

and their uses in Agriculture

Introduction

Tillage is the mechanical manipulation of the soil for the purpose of weed control, crop

production affecting significantly the soil characteristics such as soil water conservation, soil

temperature, infiltration and evapotranspiration processes (Carter M., 2005). Tillage operations

used to prepare the seedbed can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary tillage.

Primary tillage can include the use of the moldboard plow, chisel plow, or disk plow. It is often

the most intensive form of tillage. For example, moldboard plowing inverts the soil over the

entire field. Primary tillage marks the end of one cropping season and the beginning of the next

and creates a dramatic visible change on the landscape. Subsequent tillage operations used to

prepare the seedbed are referred to as secondary tillage. These operations can include the use of

tandem or off-set disks, field cultivator, harrows, packers. Operations that disturb the soil during

seeding, management, or harvesting the crop are referred to as tertiary tillage (Lobb D., 2008).

Tillage can be considered as a time-and-space operation within a given field. The time

component is introduced because different tillage implements are used throughout a production

sequence to achieve different goals in manipulating the soil profile. The space component is

introduced because different tillage implements affect the soil in a variety of ways across a field.

An example of this is that the preplant tillage operation often disturbs the entire soil surface,

while cultivation only disturbs the area between the rows of plants. An entire production

sequence can be considered as a series of tillage operations that changes the soil surface in

different ways (Hatfield, J. & Jeffries, A., 2005).

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Objectives
This exercise has familiarized the students to primary tillage equipment with focus to the

Moldboard plow which was presented in comprehensive report discussing the implement’s:

1. general function and adaptability 3. major parts and specification

2. operation and adjustments 4. current market prices

5. method of hitching 6. method of testing

Methodology

The students visited the PhilMech, PhilSCAT and PhilRice and has identified different

tillage equipment. The student then drafted its written report with the help of reading materials

and brochures given by the aforementioned agencies.

Several specifications were gathered from the Philippine Agricultural Engineering

Standards (PAES) Book and latter from the internet for further understanding and information

depth about the subject machine/equipment.

The Students has also visited Go Traktora Traiding Inc. located at Brgy. Caanawan (the

closest agricultural machinery dealer in CLSU) to survey the current market price of the subject

machine/equipment.

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A. Primary Tillage

Primary tillage is the first soil tillage after the last harvest. It is normally conducted when

the soil is wet enough to allow plowing and strong enough to give reasonable levels of traction.

Objectives of primary tillage

 To reduce soil strength

 To rearrange aggregates

 To cover plant materials and burry weeds

 To kill insects and pests

Primary Tillage Implements

 Wooden plough  Subsoil Plough/ Chisel Plough

 Moldboard Plough  Rotary Disc Plough

 Disc Plough  Turn-wrest or Reversible or One-way

Plough

1. Wooden plough

Indigenous plough is an implement whichis made of wood with an iron share point. It cuts a V

shaped furrow and opens the soil but there is no inversion. Ploughingoperation is also not perfect

because some unploughed strip is always left between furrows.

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2. Moldboard Plough

The parts of moldboard plough are frog or body, moldboard or wing, share, landside, connecting,

rod, bracket and handle. This type of plough leaves no unploughed land as the furrow slices are

cut clean and inverted to one side resulting in better pulverization.

3. Disc Plough

The disc plough is more suitable for land in which there is much fibrous growth of weeds as the

disc cuts and incorporates the weeds. The disc plough works well in soils free from stones. No

harrowing is necessary to break the clods of the upturned soil as in a moldboard plough.

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4. Rotary Disc Plough

Rotary plough cuts the soil and pulverizes it. The cutting of soil is done by either blades or tynes.

The blade types are widely used. The depth of cut is up to 12 to 15 cm. It is suitable for light

soils.

5. Subsoiler/ Chisel Plough

Subsoil plough is designed to break up hard layers or pans without bringing them to the surface.

The body of the subsoil plough is wedge shaped and narrow while the share is wide so as to

shatter the hard pan and making only a slot on the top layers.

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B. Secondary Tillage

Secondary tillage consists of conditioning the soil to meet the different tillage objectives

of the farm. These operations consume less power per unit area compared to primary tillage

operations.

Objectives of Secondary Tillage

 Improve soil tilt and prepare a seedbed.

 Manipulate plant residues and farm wastes.

 Manage water and air in the soil Control weeds and soil-borne insects pests and diseases.

 Establish a surface layer which prevents wind and soil erosion.

Types of Secondary Tillage Implements

 Disc harrow  Power Tiller

 Spike tooth harrow  Cultivator

 Spring tooth harrow

 Acme harrow

 Triangular harrow

 Blade harrow (Bakhar)

 Guntaka

 Reciprocating power harrow

 Bund Former

 Ridger

 Leveller

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Harrow

Harrow is a secondary tillage implement that cuts the soil to a shallow depth for smoothening

and pulverizing the soil as well as to cut the weeds and to mix the materials with the soil.

1. Disc harrow

It is a harrow, which performs the harrowing operation by means of a set, or a number of sets of

rotating slat discs, each set being mounted on a common shaft. Disc are mounted on one, two or

more axles which may be set at a variable angle to the line of motion. It cuts the lumps of soil,

clods and roots.

SPECIFICATION OF DH245-6F
Model DH245
DISC HARROW
With 2189mm
Depth 1335mm
Height 1058mm
Disc Size: 24in
Number of Disc 5 – 6 pcs
Hitch type: Standard 3-point Hitch
Weight: 330kg
Lifting height: 471.6mm
Working Depth: 150mm – 200mm
Working Width: 1100mm

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2. Spike tooth harrow

It is a harrow with peg shaped teeth of diamond cross section to a rectangular frame. It is used to

break the clod, stir the soil, uproot the weeds, level the ground, break the soil and cover the

seeds. Its principle is to smoothen and level the soil directly after plugging. Spike tooth harrows

may be of rigid type and flexible type. Tractor drawn harrows are usually flexible type. It has got

the advantage of being turned up for transporting purpose. This harrow mainly consists of teeth,

tooth bar frame, clamps, guard, braces, levers and hooks.

3. Spring tooth harrow

It is a harrow with tough flexible teeth, suitable to work in hard and stony soils. Spring tooth

harrow is fitted with springs having loops of elliptical shape. It gives a spring action in working

condition. It is used in the soil when obstruction like stone, roots and weeds are hidden below the

ground surface. The levers are provided for setting the teeth for varying the depth of harrowing.

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4. Acme harrow

It is also called as knife harrow. The front part of the knife breaks the soil and crushes the clods.

This harrow obtains a good pulverization. This harrow has a curved stiff blade attached to a

transverse horizontal frame and projecting rearward that crush the clods in front and stir the

surface soil in the rear.

5. Triangular Harrow

It is a spike tooth harrow with triangular frame. The frame is made of wood and pointed spikes

are fitted in the frame. The teeth of the spikes are fixed and not adjustable. This type pulverizes

the soil and helps in killing weeds. The levers are provided for setting the teeth for varying the

depth of harrowing.

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6. Blade harrow

It is used to prepare seedbeds mostly in clayey soils. It works like a sweep, which moves into top

surface of the soil without inverting the soil.

7. Guntaka

It is an implement, which consists of one or more blades attached to a frame or beam. It is used

for shallow working of the soil with minimum soil inversion. It is mainly used to prepare the

seed bed mostly in clay soils. It can function as a leveler and is used as a leveling device on wet

paddy. The function of Blade harrows is the same as that of the guntaka.

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8. Reciprocating power harrow

It is a harrow fitted with rigid tines driven by the power take off in a reciprocating, transverse or

rotary motion as the machine moves forward. It has two horizontal oscillating arms having

staggered pegs in two rows at 200 mm spacing. It is an implement for breaking up and

smoothing out the surface of the soil.

9. Bund former

It is used for making bunds or ridges by collecting the soil. Bunds are required to hold water in

the soil, thereby one can conserve moisture and prevent run-off. The size of the bund former is

determined by measuring the maximum horizontal distance between the two rear ends of the

farming boards.

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10. Ridger

It is an implement importantly used to form ridges required for sowing row crop seeds and plants

in well-tilled soil. The ridger is also used for forming field or channels, earthing up and similar

other operations. Ridger is also known as ridging plough.

11. Leveller

Leveling work is carried out to modify the existing contours of land so as to achieve certain

objectives desired for efficient agricultural production system. These objectives include:

(i) Efficient application of irrigation water,

(ii) improved surface drainage,

(iii) minimum soil erosion

(iv)increased conservation of rain water specially on dry lands and

(v) provision of an adequate field size and even topography for efficient mechanization

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12. Rotary Tiller

A rotary tiller uses a set of curved tines attached to a rotating shaft that is powered by your

tractor's PTO to dig into your garden soil, churning it into a fine, essentially clod-free seedbed.

You can adjust the working depth of your tiller by adjusting the skid shoes.

Model KRX175

With 1930mm

Length 950mm

Height 1020mm

Weight 324kg

Blade type Flange

Number of Blade 32pcs

Tilling Width 1663mm

Blade Shaft Rotation 220(PTO 540) rpm and 308(PTO 750) rpm

Applicable Tractor L4018 (40-Hp)

Price Php 180,000.00

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SPECIFICATION OF KRX175 ROTARY TILLER

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SPECIFICATION OF KRX193 ROTARY TILLER

Model KRX193

With 893mm

Length 2153mm

Height 1033mm

Weight 464kg

Blade type Flange

Number of Blade 36pcs

Tilling Width 1863mm

Blade Shaft Rotation 231(PTO 540) rpm and 321(PTO 750) rpm

Applicable Tractor L4018 (40-Hp)

Price Php 200,000.00

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SPECIFICATION OF KRX164 ROTARY TILLER

Model KRX164

With 830mm

Length 1793mm

Height 1080mm

Weight 271kg

Blade type Flange

Number of Blade 32pcs

Tilling Width 1558mm

Blade Shaft Rotation 220(PTO 540) rpm and 308(PTO 750) rpm

Applicable Tractor L3608 and L3218 (32-Hp)

Price 175,000.00

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SPECIFICATION OF KRX71 ROTARY TILLER

Model KRX71D

With 900mm

Length 905mm

Height 928mm

Weight 156kg

Blade type Flange

Number of Blade 16pcs

Tilling Width 716mm

Blade Shaft Rotation (PTO 540) rpm and (PTO 980) rpm

Applicable Tractor B2140 (21-Hp)

Price 80,000.00

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13. Cultivators

 for inter cultivation with laterally adjustable tines or discs to work between crop rows.

 The cultivator stirs the soil, and breaks the clods.

 The tines fitted on the frame of the cultivator comb the soil deeply in the field.

 A cultivator performs functions intermediate between those of plough and the harrow.

 Destruction of weeds is the primary function of a cultivator.

Important functions performed by a cultivator

1. Intercultural the fields.

2. Destroy the weeds in the field.

3. Aerate the soil for proper growth of crops.

4. Conserve moisture by preparing mulch on the surface.

5. To sow seeds when it is provided with sowing attachments.

6. To prevent surface evaporation and encourage rapid infiltration of rain water into the soil.

Trailed type cultivator

It consists of a main frame which carries a number of cross members to which tines are fitted.

At the forward end of the cultivator, there is a hitch arrangement for hitching purpose. A pair

of wheels are provided in the cultivator.

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Mounted Cultivator

Sweep Cultivator

Tractors fitted with hydraulic lift operate the mounted type cultivators. A rectangular

frame of angle iron is mounted on three-point hydraulic linkage of the tractor. The cross

members carry the tines in two staggered lines. Depending upon the type of soil and crop,

shovels are chosen for use on the cultivators.

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Generalization

Tillage is the mechanical manipulation of the soil for seedbed preparation, cultivation and

weed control. This is a great factor affecting plant establishment and its reproductive/maturity

cycle. Tillage practices can range from nearly complete soil inversion, with mold-board or disc

plowing, to minimal soil disruption with shovel, with the use of zero-tillage (direct drilling)

techniques. In addition to determining characteristics of soil disturbance and residue

incorporation, tillage practices can have important effects on weed density and species

composition. With less tillage and more plant residue on the soil surface, mechanical weed-

control operations may be more difficult to perform and less effective. Factors determining

tillage effects on weeds include:

1. depth of seed establishment

2. seed survival at different soil depths

3. seed dormancy in response to establishment

4. seedling ability to emerge from different depth of planting

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Primary Tillage Equipment and its uses in Agriculture
[ MOLDBOARD PLOW ]

Introduction
The Moldboard Plow (also called Bottom Plow) applies the principle of turning soil used

widely in traditional farming. The plow turns over topsoil, bringing subsoil to the top and

burying weeds and previous crops, thereby speeding decomposition. This is an alternative to the

tiller and rotary plow attachments for first-time soil breaking. If used, a pass or two of the tillers

will still be needed to prepare a ready-to-plant seedbed.

The tillage operations used in preparing the seedbed define the tillage system used in

producing a crop. Those systems which use the moldboard plow are often referred to as

conventional tillage. Those systems which use chisel plows instead of the moldboard plow are

often referred to as conservation tillage because they cause less soil inversion and leave more

crop residue on the soil surface to protect against wind and water erosion. Conservation tillage

systems can also include the use of the moldboard plow if it is used in the spring rather than the

fall and/or if the intensity of secondary tillage operations is reduced compared to the convention,

leaving more crop residue on the soil surface for a greater length of time (D. Lobb, 2008).

Objectives
This exercise has familiarized the students to primary tillage equipment with focus to the

Moldboard plow which was presented in comprehensive report discussing the implement’s:

1. general function and adaptability

2. operation and adjustments 4. method of testing

3. method of hitching 5. major parts and specification

6. current market price

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Moldboard Plough

The parts of moldboard plow are frog or body, moldboard or wing, share, landside,

connecting, rod, bracket and handle. This is a sliding implement that cuts, lifts, inverts and

throws to one side a layer of soil (furrow slice) to bury surface materials and inverted to one side

resulting in better pulverization.

Hitch

Frame

Standard

Frog
Moldboard
Brace
Share
Landside
Heel
Wing of Share Landside
Shin
Cutting Edge
of Share
Point of Share
Gunnel of Share

Figure 1 – Moldboard plow component

Main component consists of:

1. Share

2. Moldboard; and

3. Landside.

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Definition of Component Parts

1. Frame

Structure to which the standards are fitted

2. Frog

Central part of the plow to which the share, moldboard and landside are attached

3. Hitch

Part of an implement designed to connect it to a power source

4. Landside

part of the plow that presses and slides against the furrow wall, providing lateral stability

during operation

5. Landside heel

part, attached to the rear of a landside, which applies the vertical load of the plow bottom

to the furrow bottom

6. Moldboard

part of the plow which lifts, inverts and throws the furrow slice to one side

7. Share

part of the plow that penetrates the soil and cuts the furrow slice horizontally

8. Shin

leading edge of the moldboard located above the landside

9. Standard (beam, leg)

upright support which connects the plow bottom to tillage implement frame

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Types of Moldboards

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 Figure 2 – Types of Moldboard
plow
a. general-purpose moldboard

plow bottom that has less curvature than the stubble and can be used easily for stubble,

ordinary trash and stalk cover land.

b. slatted moldboard

plow bottom which is used in sticky soils and soils that does not scour on solid

moldboard.

c. sod moldboard

plow bottom that has long, narrow and less sloping moldboard with a gradual twist that

allows complete inversion of the furrow slice with minimum breakage.

d. stubble moldboard

plow bottom that has short, broader and curved more abruptly along the top edge and is

suited to work in soil which has been cultivated from year to year.

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Classification of Moldboard Plow 21

Animal-drawn Moldboard Plow

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Tractor-drawn Moldboard Plow

1. Two-wheel Tractor Moldboard plow
Four-wheel Tractor

2. Tractor-mounted Moldboard Plow

Type of plow mounted on the tractor’s three-point linkage and depends upon the tractor
for its general operation.
3. Semi-mounted Moldboard Plow

Type of plow that has the front end directly connected to the tractor’s three-point linkage
and its rear end is supported by furrow and land wheels. The plow is also equipped with
hydraulic lines and cylinders for its lifting and/or depth control.

4. Trailing Moldboard Plow

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 Type of plow hitched to the drawbar or lower links of the tractor, supported by two or
three wheels and equipped with hydraulic lines and cylinders for lifting and/or depth

control.

Adjustment of Operation
Since the entire power of the tractor is applied to the plow through the hitch, no other

adjustment can entirely remedy the fault if the hitch is wrong. Poor work, excessive wear on the

shares, and wasted power are likely to result. The hitch should be so set that the plow runs level

at the desired depth and width of cut, without much guidance from the wheels, or from the

handles in the case of a walking plow.

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Methods of Hitching
1. Set the rear wheels of the tractor (if cultivating type).

a. For one-bottom or two-bottom plows, set rear wheels to narrowest tread to reduce

side draft on tractor and plow. With three or more bottoms this is not necessary.

b. When the tractor is in a plowing position, the weight on the land wheel is reduced and

slippage may result. To improve traction, it is advisable to use extra wheel weights,

fluid or a chain on the rear land wheel. Do not set the land wheel out.

c. When operating on steep slopes, it is advisable to operate the tractor with rear wheels

set rather wide apart to reduce danger from overturning.

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2. Place the tractor in plowing position.

a. Place tractor on concrete floor or a hard, level piece of ground. Inflate all tires to

recommended pressure.

b. Block up front and rear land tractor wheels which run on the land a distance equal to

the depth of plowing. Six inches is the most common depth of plowing in Iowa.

c. The tractor drawbar is now in the same position with respect to the bottom of the

furrow as when plowing. The plane of the furrow bottom is the ground level.

3. Place plow in plowing position behind tractor.

a. Without connecting the hitch, place the plow behind the tractor so that the outside

edge of the front bottom will cut a full width furrow. When the plow is in this position,

the edge of the share will be from 1 to 2 inches inside a cord or string extended back

from the inside edge of tire on the furrow wheel of the tractor.

b. Drop plow and block up land wheel equal to depth of plowing. Use same height of

blocks as used under tractor wheels.

c. Level plow beams with depth and leveling levers so that weight of plow is resting on

points.

4. Determine position of hitch on tractor to equalize side draft.

a. Stretch a cord from center of pull on tractor to center of resistance on the plow.

b. If tractor has a swinging drawbar, lock drawbar in a position parallel with cord.

c. For tractors without swinging drawbars or where swinging drawbar is not used, hitch

the clevis for the plow in hole on tractor drawbar directly under the twine, or in hole

nearest to left.

5. Adjust the plow hitch horizontally.

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 a. Stretching cord in position of Step 4, adjust plow tongue to be parallel and under or in

line with the twine which represents line of pull.

b. Set angle brace bar to hold tongue in adjusted position.

6. Adjust the plow hitch vertically.

a. The hinge bolt should be in line with twine string stretched between point of hitch on

the tractor drawbar and center of resistance on the plow. If hinge bolt holes are not in

line with the string, set in the next lower hole.

The hitch of the moldboard plow shall be compatible with the drawbar or three-point linkage of

the four-wheel tractor. The plow shall be easy to operate such as:

i. hitching to and unhitching from draft animal/tractor;

ii. adjusting the depth of cut;

iii. changing the position of the plow with respect to the line of pull of the draft

animal/tractor;

iv. maneuverability during turning;

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v. clearing blockages such as trashes, weeds, etc; and

vi. changing from transport mode to work position and vice versa.

Performance Requirement
The maximum depth of cut of the plow at the recommended power range

specified by the manufacturer shall be attained.

Approximate four-wheel tractor engine power for specific moldboard plow sizes

under average operating conditions is given in Table below.

Approximate Four-Wheel Tractor Engine Power for Specific Moldboard Plow Sizes

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Tractor Engine Power, Hp Number of Plow Bottoms Moldboard Plow Sizes, cm

8 - 12 1 30
1 41
15 - 20
2 25
25 - 30 2 36
3 36
35 - 45
3 41
50 - 60 4 36
65 – 75 5 41
80 - 130 6 41

Moldboard Plow from PhilSCAT

2
1 2 4

Figure 3 – Moldboard plow with adjustment lever

The figure above presents a moldboard plow fitted with alignment controls base on

subjective desire of the farmer on which suitable farm conditions it may apply. The adjustment

knob (1) is the implement’s control for altering the tilt angle of the moldboard, thereby affecting

its depth of cut. This implement has also fitted with a lever (2) for adjusting the direction of

cutting/cut angle of the moldboard (3). This is attached and fixed in the mounting frame for the

engine bay using a bolt and nut at an line three orientation (4).

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Figure 4 – Puddled Power tiller with Moldboard Plow

Figure 4 presents a specialized hand tractor fitted with a special wheel. This is called

“Paddy field leveling machine” but fitted with a moldboard plow and a chair mounting assembly.

Specification

Dimension: 1760 x 1080 x 810 mm Weight: 22 kg

Working Depth: 120 mm Linkage: three-point hitch
Working Width: 180 mm Matched Power: 5 - 6 Hp
Number of Bottoms: 1

Current Market Price

Go Traktora Trading Inc., Size Price

16 x 24”
Trailing harrow Php 260,000.00
9 x 9 plates
Disc Plow 4 x 24” Php 180,000.00
Moldboard Plow - -

Other Moldboard plows available in Philippines

Standard Features
 Automatic lead furrow adjuster  Hydraulic adjustable furrow width
 Hydraulic steering 12” - 20”

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 In-furrow tail wheel (15 x 19.5 Lug
Tire)
 Gauge wheel (11L x 15 Implement
Tire)
 Over 35” of under-frame clearance
 Fore-aft clearance - 40”
 20” rippled spring-loaded coulters
 Double spring auto reset
 Cat. II—III hitch pins
 Main frame 8” x 8” tubular steel
 Draw frame 7” x 7” tubular steel

Plow Bottoms
 European S8, Salford JD style or Salford IH style
 Salford JD Style
Specification
6200 Moldboard Plow ( Salford )
Model # of Furrow Appx. Weight Hp Required
6204 4 4600 lbs 100 – 140
6205 5 5750 lbs 125 – 175
6206 6 7300 lbs 150 – 210
6207 7 8350 lbs 175 – 245

Generalization
The Moldboard Plow is a sliding implement that cuts, lifts, inverts and throws to one side

a layer of soil (furrow slice) to bury surface materials and inverted to one side resulting in better

pulverization. There was four-types of moldboards, general-purpose1, slatted2, sod3 and stubble4.

And since, the entire power of the tractor is applied to the plow itself through the hitch, no other

adjustment can entirely remedy the fault if the hitching is wrong. The hitch should be so set that

the plow runs level at the desired depth and width of cut, without much guidance from the

wheels, or from the handles in the case of a walking plow. And thus, make sure that number of

plow bottoms and size of the moldboard must conform with the consequent power requirement

of the tractor needed to attain maximum efficiency with less drag to the tractor.

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Secondary Tillage Equipment and its uses in Agriculture

[ DISC HARROW ]

Introduction
Disking is a farm management practice used for soil preparation. It usually follows

plowing, either deep or shallow. While plowing cuts, granulates, and inverts the soil, creating

furrows and ridges, disking breaks up clods and surface crusts. Additionally, disking improves

soil granulation and surface uniformity. As one of the most important soil preparation practices,

disking is beneficial for provoking the weed growth and destroys already emerged weeds. It also

assists in the important task of incorporating crop residues into the soil (I. Hajdu, 2020).

Harrowing is one of the most important soil preparation methods used by farmers. It

helps in serving many purposes varying from levelling of heavy soil to eradicating dead grass

and to preparing the seedbed to for root aeration. Harrowing equipment helps in breaking up

lumps of soil in an easy, efficient and fast manner to give a rich finish to the soil, so it can be

used as a seedbed. Disking is an important farm management practice utilized for soil

preparation. It helps in breaking up clods and surface crusts, enhances soil granulation and

surface uniformity and prevent weed growth and destroys already existing weeds (D. Australia.,

2018).

Objectives

This exercise has familiarized the students to primary tillage equipment with focus to the

Moldboard plow which was presented in comprehensive report discussing the implement’s:

1. general function and adaptability 4. method of testing

2. operation and adjustments 5. major parts and specification

3. method of hitching 6. current market price

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Harrow

Harrow is a secondary tillage implement that cuts the soil to a shallow depth for smoothening

and pulverizing the soil as well as to cut the weeds and to mix the materials with the soil.

Disc harrow

A disc which performs the harrowing operation by means of a number of sets of rotating

slat discs or disc, each set mounted on a common shaft, mounted on one, two or more axles

which may be set at a variable angle to the line of motion. It cuts the lumps and pulverize the soil

to attain a better soil tilth for the seed germination and growth.

Frame
Three - point
Hitch

Standard

Bumper

Notched Disc Spool

Figure 1 – Disc Harrow and its Components

Main component consists of:

1. Frame
2. Standard
3. Spool
4. Bumper
5. Discs

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Definition of Component Parts

1. concave disc

circular concave steel plate used for cutting and inverting the soil

2. frame

structure on which the gangs are fitted

3. gang

set of concave discs, which is mounted on a common shaft and separated by a spool

4. gang axle

shaft on which a set of concave discs are fitted

5. hitch

portion of an implement designed to connect the implement to the power source

6. spool

flanged tube mounted on gang axle and placed between two discs to prevent the lateral

movement of the discs on the shaft

Classification of Disc Harrow

Disc harrow is classified according to their gang orientation:
1. Single – action
consists of two gangs of discs, placed end-to-end at an angle, which throw the soil
in opposite directions. These are designed for tractors equipped with hydraulic three-
point hitch lift systems

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 Tractor-mounted Single-action Disc Harrow

2. Tandem
consists of two or more gangs, in which a set of two gangs follows behind the
front gangs and is arranged in such a way that the discs on the front gangs throw the soil
in one direction (usually outward) and the discs on the rear gangs throw the soil in the
opposite direction

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Tractor-mounted Tandem Disc Harrow

3. Offset
consists of two gangs wherein one gang is located behind the other at an angle
and the harrow is operated in an offset position in relation to the tractor centerline

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 Tractor-mounted Offset Disc Harrow

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4. Trailing
These are hitched to the drawbar of the tractor and pulled by the tractor. Transport wheels
can be mechanically or hydraulically actuated.

Trailing Tandem Disc Harrows

Offset with Offset with flexible Offset with squadron

rigid gang in-line gang beams arrangement

Adjustment of Operation
The size of the harrow shall be determined by the number and diameter of the discs and

the width of cut. In regards to the disc diameter, there are three different disc harrows:

 Light disc harrows; with a disc diameter of 20-30 cm

 Middle disc harrows, with a disc diameter of 30-50 cm

 Heavy disc harrows, with a disc diameter more than 60cm

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Construction Requirements
The disc harrow shall conform to the following requirements:

Items Requirements

Length, m 2-8
Width, m 1 – 10
Height, m 1 – 1.5

minimum of 2 for offset and single-action

Number of gangs disc harrow minimum of 4 for tandem disc
harrow

Type of Disc plain or notched

Number of disc minimum of 4 in each gang
Diameter of discs, mm 400 to 650 (600 maximum for four disc gang)
Thickness of disc, mm 4 to 6
Concavity (depth), mm 100 to 300
Disc angle, ° 24 maximum
Length of spool, mm 175 or 225 ± 2
Ground clearance, mm 125
Weight per disc*, kg 25 – 70
Drawbar power requirement per disc, kW 1 – 2.5
* It is the total weight of the harrow divided by the number of discs.

Methods of Hitching
The hitch of disc harrow shall be compatible with the hydraulic system and the three-

point hitch of the tractor. In single-action disc harrow, provision may be made for attaching a

shovel or a sweep to cut and uncut the soil between two gangs.

The harrow shall be easy to operate such as:

a. hitching to and unhitching from tractor;

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b. adjusting the depth of cut;

c. changing the position of the harrow with respect to the line of pull of the tractor;

d. moving the standards laterally on the frame;

e. varying the angle between the bodies;

f. maneuverability during operation;

g. clearing blockages;

h. changing from transport to work position and vice versa; and

i. adjustment of the scrapers.

Current Market Price

Go Traktora Trading Inc., Size Price

16 x 24”
Trailing harrow Php 260,000.00
9 x 9 plates
Disc Plow 4 x 24” Php 180,000.00

Moldboard Plow - -

Specifications
Kubota DH245-6F DISC HARROW
Model: DH245 Hitch Type: 3-Point Hitch

Width: 2189mm Weight: 380kg

Depth: 1335mm Lifting Height: 471.6mm

Height: 1058mm Working Depth: 150mm-200mm

Disc Size: 24in Working Width: 1100mm

Number of Disc:5-6pcs 41

Mahindra Disc Harrows Specification

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Overall: Length 2100 x 2100 x 2100 x 2260 x 2360 x 2460 x

x Width x 1450 x 1700 x 1950 x 2030 x 2260 x 2490 x
Height (mm) 1260 1260 1260 1290 1290 1290
Total Weight 440 464 485 520 555 590
(Approx.) Kgs
Disc Spacing 225 225 225 225 225 225
Maximum 100 to 150 100 to 150 100 to 150 100 to 150 100 to 150 100 to 150
Depth
Width of Cut 1100 1550 2000 2450 2900 3350
(mm)
Suitable HP 35 40 40 50 50 55
Range
Loadability 60 60 60 40 40 30

Existing Disc Harrow in Some Government Agencies in the Philippines

Disc Harrow from PhilSCAT

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 Trailing Harrow (Offset with rigid gang type)

This harrow is an implement for PhilSCAT’s Holland tractor, having an estimated power
rating of 90-hp. This is a trailing disc harrow double offset rigid gang and is hydraulic assisted.

Parts of Disc Harrow

1. Main Frame 5. Standard
2. Spool 6. Concave Disc
3. Gauge Wheel 7. Bearing House
4. Scraper 8. Hydraulic/ Hydraulic cylinder

Specification
Dimension: 2300 x 1800 x 1100 mm No. of Disc 14
Working Depth: 200 mm Type of Diisc: Plain/ Trailing type
Working Width: 1600 mm Disc Diameter: 26 inches/600 mm
Lifting Height: 355.6 mm Disc Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 950 kg Type of Gang: Offset
Power Type: Hydraulic Linkage: draft hitch 43
Matched Power: 60 – 90 Hp Estimated Price: Php 90,000.00

Disc Harrow (Offset with rigid gang type)

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Parts of Disc Harrow

1. Spool 5. Scrapper
2. Bearing House 6. Standard
3. Main Frame 7. Three-point hitch linkages
4. Concave Disc

Specification
Dimension: 1420 x 860 x 810 mm No. of Disc 14
Working Depth: 120 mm Type of Diisc: Plain
Working Width: 1300 mm Disc Diameter: 26 inches/600 mm
Weight: 220 kg Disc Thickness: 5 mm
Power Type: Draft Type of Gang: Offset
Matched Power: 35 - 40 Hp Linkage: three-point hitch
Estimated Price: Php 63,000.00

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 Disc Harrow (Offset with rigid gang type)

Trailing Disc Harrow in Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and

Mechanization (PhilMech).

Parts of Disc Harrow

1. Hydraulic Hose 5. Concave Disc
2. Standard 6. Bearing House
3. Gauge Wheel 7. Spool
4. Scrapper 8. Main Frame

Specification

Dimension: 3200 x 1200 x 850 mm No. of Disc 20

Working Depth: 150 - 200 mm Type of Diisc: Plain/ Trailing type
Working Width: 2200 mm Disc Diameter: 26 inches/600 mm
Lifting Height: 304.8 mm Disc Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 1250 kg Type of Gang: Offset
Power Type: Hydraulic Linkage: Draft hitch
Matched Power: 75 - 90 Hp Estimated Price: Php 140,000.00

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Generalization
Harrow is a secondary tillage implement that cuts the soil to a shallow depth for

smoothening and pulverizing the soil as well as to cut the weeds and to mix the materials with

the soil. Disk harrows is one type of harrow equipment which performs the harrowing operation

by means of a number of sets of rotating slat discs or disc, each set mounted on a common shaft,

mounted on one, two or more axles which may be set at a variable angle to the line of motion. It

cuts the lumps and pulverize the soil to attain a better soil tilth for the seed germination and

growth.

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REFERENCES

Austria, D. (2018). Features and Benefits of Using Disc Harrows in Farming. Medium.
Carter, M. (2005). Conservation Tillage. Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment.
Hajdu, I. (2020). Disc Harrows: Powerful Farm Equipment for Soil Preparation. Agivi.

Jeffries, J. H. (2005). Zone Tillage. Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment.

Lobb, D. (2008). Soil Movement by Tillage and Other Agricultural Activities. Encyclopedia of
Ecology.
Sazib, A. (2018). Primary and Secondary Tillage Implements and their uses. India: International
University of Business, Agriculture and Technology.

PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STANDARD (PAES)

PAES 131: 2004 Agricultural Machinery – Moldboard Plow – Specifications

PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STANDARD (PAES)

PAES 132: 2004 Agricultural Machinery – Disc/Moldboard Plow – Methods of Test

PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STANDARD (PAES)

PAES 131: 2004 Agricultural Machinery – Moldboard Plow – Specifications

PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STANDARD (PAES)

PAES 132: 2004 Agricultural Machinery – Disc/Moldboard Plow – Methods of Test

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