Notched disc blades?

I am doing a summer fallow trying destroy weeds without burying thier seeds too deep. When the weeds are under control, I plan to plant a cover crops (probably oats and peas) for next year. I am using a converted single gang disc (designed for a lawn tractor) it has a single gang of 8 12 inch diameter smooth discs, and is about 40 inches wide. I would estimate it weighs 75 pounds, but I sit on it, making the whole thing weigh almost 300 pounds. It is adjusted to maximum angle, but I would be guessing at what that angle is… It does a good job knocking down and uprooting weeds and grass when I make a pass in one direction and return with a pass in the opposite direction. The penetration is variable because the disc tends to roll over the corn stalks bringing them back to the surface. As far as draft, this seems a little light for my horse on some days, just right on others. I definately couldn’t double the draft and pull it for very long, but she could probably pull 25-50% more without trouble. I have about 4 of 5 acres disced, but broke a disc and thought it was a good time to reevaluate the technique…

Thanks Tim,
The residue is preventing me from using my springtooth. It plugs up within 20 feet. Maybe I am better off forgetting that part for now… Maybe I’m better off going disc, disc, disc, then harrow, seed, harrow, roll. At least these implements don’t plug… Most of the horse discs I have seen are two horse types 4-5 feet wide. My mare is strong, but can’t do the work of two horses… Luckily, most of the lawn tractor implements seem sized just about right for a single, they just need tweeked. I had a lead on notched discs that I could replace these smooth discs with. They are 14 inch rather than 12, but I measured and they should fit. Maybe I will add some weight too. I could put on another 100 punds without much trouble. That would be 50 pounds per disc…

Awesome, thanks alot!

Thanks again Tim. Based on some rough math, it looks like with notched blades and another 75-150 pounds I would have a smaller version of the disc you measured. The draft with these modifications comes out with my single pulling about 45-65% of the team, which seems about right. I have to say that your measurements are invaluable for someone who either has to (or wants to) make custom equipment.

Ha! Good tip Matthew! I tried to wire on some cinderblocks tonight, but it wasn’t the best arrangement and I ran out of room fast… I have a perfect place for a sandbag or two.