5 x 16 versus 4 x 18 semi-mount plows - Pros Cons

IH856 · Dec 14, 2009

I am looking at purchasing a set of moldboard plows and am curious about the pros and cons between a set of IH 5 x 16" semi mounts and a set of IH 4 x 18" semi mounts in similar condition. Assuming adequate hp is available for either, which would you choose and why? Thanks.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 14, 2009

Fewer parts in the 4x18 to replace from wear. Likely the same parts unit price. But 4x18 cuts 72 inches while 5x16 cuts 80 inches. Likely the 4x18 will pull a gear faster which may do a better job of breaking up the rolled over dirt. The 18" bottoms will cut a little deeper with ease, but you may not ever want to do that.

Look at the wear on each one, that may be a more powerful decision maker.

Gerald J.

RN · Dec 14, 2009

Probably go with the 5x16 and plow the extra 8 inchs wider. $x18 advantage is able to plow extra inch or so deeper- might be handy in light loam trying to bury corn stalks but 6-8 inchs will give good seedbed start and cover most manure and stalks. be a little easier in clay or heavy muck soil. If you want to break hard pan- then use a subsoiler and get drainage down to 16-20 inches. depends sort of what kind of soil you have and what you"re trying to cover- if light , sandy loam and lots of manure as from a confinement operation, dry growing seaons- then maybe 4x18 would make more sense. Iowa, Wisconsin ground rarely needed deep plow cover beyond 6 inches- exception for the sandy potatoes ground maybe. Other factor favoring 4x18 is extra clearance for stalks jamming frame, larger coulters helping cut corn stalks. RN

rrlund · Dec 14, 2009

I went to a 4x18 from a 5x16. Geez,I don't know what to say. For me it was just a lot better plow with more clearance,auto reset. I'd had both a Deere and a Massey 5x16. Went to a White 4x18 spring reset. Covers almost as much ground,fewer parts,like I said,just a lot nicer plow all around.

Leland2 · Dec 14, 2009

First off what ya pullin it with ?

paul · Dec 14, 2009

A lot of variables, but I'd prefer the trash clearance of an 18 inch bottom - can fit more cornstalks through.

Less parts to break or wear - of course you end up replacing them just a tad sooner.

I have a 4-18 that I use, of that matters.

I'd prefer a 4-20, now that would match up nice, but that's a rare breed.

--->Paul

kyplowboy · Dec 14, 2009

Don't turn much ground but I went from a 4-14 to a 3-16 a few years ago. (I picked the 3-16 up at auction for less than scrap price and figured I'd give it a try before selling it and ended up like'n it and sell the old one) For me all I turn is my tobacco ground and most of the time it's in the corner of a pasture. 3-16 don't hang in fences as much while turning. I would lean toward the 4-18 for that reason, not as much of a tail wag'n behind you.

Dave

Scott 730 · Dec 14, 2009

What is a "set of plows"????

5 x 16 versus 4 x 18 semi-mount plows - Pros Cons

IH856

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Anonymous-0

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RN

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rrlund

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Leland2

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paul

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kyplowboy

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Scott 730

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