Mouldboard plough

Types of Mouldboard Ploughs

Mouldboard ploughs are multifunctional farm tools that help lift and turn soil to prepare it for planting. This article discusses the various types of mouldboard ploughs and their unique features.

• Fixed Mouldboard Ploughs

  Fixed mouldboard ploughs have a steady mouldboard that does not change its shape or size. This type of plough is common in small farms with little machinery. Farmers can count on fixed mouldboard ploughs to carry out shallow to medium soil turning. Over the years, they have become known for their simplicity and sturdy structures. Fixed mouldboard ploughs rely on their single-task efficiency. They have fewer parts that could break or malfunction compared to ploughs with adjustable mouldboards. While fixed mouldboard ploughs may not be able to handle different kinds of soils, they excel in light, sandy, and loamy soils.

• Flexible Mouldboard Ploughs

  Flexible mouldboard ploughs have the unique ability to change the shape and curvature of their mouldboards. By doing so, they can adapt to various soil types and tilting depths. Flexible mouldboard ploughs suit large farms with diverse crops and changing soil conditions. They are excellent for businesses that require ploughs to do different agricultural tasks. With the flexibility offered by adjustable mouldboards, these ploughs ensure uniform soil turning even for irregularly shaped fields. In addition, the capacity to change the size of the mouldboards makes them very effective at cultivating deep and compact soils. One drawback, however, is that the movable parts of flexible mouldboard ploughs may wear out or break with constant use, often needing maintenance and repairs.

• Winged Mouldboard Ploughs

  Winged mouldboard ploughs have wings attached to the sides of the mouldboard. The wings help to spread the turned soil as the plough moves forward. This design prevents soil fall back and improves soil inversion. Winged mouldboard ploughs suit fields with sod and weeds. They can efficiently mix the crop residue into the soil, improving its structure and fertility. In addition, these ploughs reduce compaction layers, thus increasing water drainage and root growth. Because of their efficient soil turning action, winged mouldboard ploughs help farmers prepare their fields quickly and effectively. This saves time and effort. One downside is that the wings may increase soil draft resistance, making the plough harder to pull, especially in heavy soils.

Specifications & Maintenance of Mouldboard Ploughs

Among all types of mouldboard ploughs, the following are the typical specifications for reference.

• Working Width: The amount of soil that is turned over in one pass is referred to as the width of the work done by the mouldboard plough. Typically, working widths vary depending on the size of the plough from 30 cm to 76 cm. Businesses should select a plough with a working width appropriate for their tasks and machinery compatibility.
• Working Depth: The degree to which the soil is inverted and the depth at which the plough penetrates the ground is referred to as the ploughing depth. It is typically between 15 cm and 30 cm. The tillage intensity and soil management objectives are determined by the ploughing depth.
• Tilt Angle: The angle at which the mouldboard rotates the ploughed soil is known as the soil discharge angle. This angle affects how far the soil is thrown and is often between 30 and 40 degrees. Mouldboard angles that are properly set can ensure uniform soil distribution and adequate ploughing efficiency.
• Material and Weight: In order to ensure durability and stability during tillage, mouldboard ploughs are often composed of high-carbon steel or alloy steel. Their weight might range from 200 to 1000 kg, depending on their size and specifications. The stability and soil tillage of agricultural machinery during operation may be impacted by the selection of materials and weights.

Here are several routine maintenance methods for farmers after using the mouldboard plough.

• Regular Cleaning: The mouldboard plough should be cleaned regularly to remove soil, plant residue, and other debris. A scraper or brush can be used to clean up the residue, especially on the mouldboard and ploughshares, to prevent corrosion.
• Check for Damage: Periodically inspect the plough for damage, such as cracks, deformations, or loosening. Timely repair or adjustment can prevent further damage to the equipment.
• Lubrication: Regular lubrication of the plough's moving parts and joints to reduce friction and abrasion, ensuring smooth operation. Before lubricating, clean the old lubricant and put in the appropriate lubricant.
• Storage: When not in use, store the equipment in a dry, ventilated place away from sunlight to avoid rusting and deformation. Additionally, it can be stabilized and stored at a certain height with a rack or support.

Scenarios

• Soil Turning:

  Mouldboard ploughs are primarily used for soil turning, a crucial process in agriculture. This plough is designed to turn over the top layer of soil, also known as the sod, which is laden with grass and other plants. By turning the soil, the mouldboard plough aids in incorporating the sod into the soil. This process proves beneficial for farmers as it aids in weeding their fields. Moreover, soil turning enhances soil fertility and prepares an ideal planting area for crops.

• Landscape Grading:

  Landscape grading involves changing the landscape of an area by adding or removing soil. A mouldboard plough proves useful in grading landscapes and can efficiently carry out the process. With its ability to turn over large portions of soil, the plough creates a flat surface suitable for various land uses. The tool is widely used for grading roads, creating foundations for buildings and other structures, and establishing levels for landscaping projects.

• Tiles Installation:

  Mouldboard ploughs can also be useful tools when installing agricultural drain pipes or tiles. Installing drainpipes helps drain excess water from the farm and prevents crops from being waterlogged. Proper drainage of a farmland area allows it to remain arable and boosts the farm's productivity. Using a mouldboard plough to install drainage pipes or tiles is beneficial because it provides the required level of soil excavation. An added advantage of this is that it minimizes soil disturbance.

• Ripped Land Recovery:

  A mouldboard plough is also beneficial for recovering land that has been ripped or broken up by a tine. This plough helps to turn the soil even further than it may have been previously turned. This makes the mouldboard plough especially useful for tilling deeply into the soil. Deep tilling enhances soil aeration and creates a better environment for crop growth.

How to choose a mouldboard plough

• Soil type and condition:

  The soil type and condition should be considered when selecting a mouldboard plough. Different mouldboard ploughs are designed to work efficiently with specific soil types. For instance, a chisel plough would be more appropriate than a standard mouldboard plough if the soil is compact or deep clay.

• Horsepower requirement:

  Every mouldboard plough has a minimum horsepower requirement to function correctly. This requirement is determined by the plough's size and design, the type of soil being worked, and the desired depth of ploughing. It is crucial to match the horsepower of the plough with the tractor to ensure effective and efficient ploughing.

• Land size and field dimensions:

  The size of the mouldboard plough chosen will be influenced by the dimensions of the field or pasture that needs to be turned. A larger plough can be more efficient for covering extensive areas. However, smaller ploughs may be more appropriate for smaller, narrower fields or paddocks where manoeuvrability is necessary.

• Budget and quality:

  Finally, budget considerations are essential in choosing a mouldboard plough. Many types of mouldboard ploughs, from an economical budget to a premium high-end price, exist. However, it is necessary to consider some crucial factors, such as those stated above, before purchasing.

Q&A

Q1: What kind of tractor is used for a Ridgid disc plough?

A1: Normally, an axle-based tractor can be used with a disc plough. Correct matching for working power and plough working power is necessary.

Q2: What are some of the recent trends impacting the mouldboard plough market?

A2: The demand for environmentally friendly agricultural practices is rising in the market mouldboard ploughs. Precision agriculture is gaining popularity, focusing on efficient use and management.

Q3: What are the benefits of a mouldboard plough?

A3: Its main benefit is the ability to efficiently turn and bury crop residues, weeds, and livestock manure. This simplifies the process of soil preparation for farming. The plough also helps in controlling weeds and improving soil drainage.

Q4: How many types of ploughs are in the market?

A4: There are many types of ploughs; however, the common ones are the mouldboard ploughs and the disc ploughs. The latter is better suited for rocky and clay soils.