The Ultimate Guide to Reversible Plough Setup and Alignment: Tips from a Leading Hydraulic Plough Supplier

The Ultimate Guide to Reversible Plough Setup and Alignment: Tips from a Leading Hydraulic Plough Supplier

The Hydraulic Reversible Plough is an essential implement for modern farming, offering speed, efficiency, and superior soil management. But its high performance depends entirely on correct setup and alignment. An improperly aligned plough will increase fuel costs, cause uneven tillage, and put excessive strain on your tractor and the implement itself.

Here is your ultimate guide to setting up and aligning your reversible plough, with expert tips on maximizing its efficiency.

Step 1: Prepare the Tractor and Linkage

Before you even hitch the plough, ensure your tractor is ready to provide stable, consistent power.

1. Check Tire Pressure: Ensure both rear tires have identical pressure. Uneven pressure causes the tractor to tilt, leading to an inconsistent ploughing depth and width.

2. Stabilize the Linkage: Adjust your tractor’s three-point linkage so the lower links are level when the plough is attached and resting on the ground. Use the check chains or stabilizers to minimize side-to-side swing; the plough should be centered behind the tractor.

3. Adjust the Top Link: The top link controls the pitch of the plough. Start by setting it so the main frame of the plough is perfectly level front-to-back when viewed from the side.

Step 2: Setting the Working Width and Depth

These adjustments determine the quality and consistency of your tillage.

A. Setting the Working Width (Front Furrow Width)

This is the most critical adjustment for efficiency. It ensures the first furrow cut is the correct width, setting the stage for the rest of the passes.

• Adjustment Mechanism: Use the side adjustment screw or mechanism on the headstock.

• The Goal: Adjust the plough so that when the plough is in the working position, the distance from the inside edge of the front ploughshare to the tractor's rear tire wall is equal to the desired furrow width (e.g., 12, 14, or 16 inches).

• Why it Matters: Correct front furrow width ensures the tractor's wheels run smoothly in the previous furrow without side draft, which minimizes wear and tear and maximizes fuel efficiency.

B. Setting the Working Depth

• Depth Wheel: Use the depth wheel attached to the rear of the plough frame. Adjust its position to set the desired maximum working depth.

• Draft Control: Use the tractor's draft control (if equipped) to maintain consistent depth automatically across the field, especially important in undulating terrain.

Step 3: Mastering the Hydraulic Reversal

The benefit of a hydraulic reversible plough is its ability to flip the bottoms quickly to cast soil in the same direction on every pass, eliminating dead and open furrows.

• Test the Flip: Before starting work, lift the plough slightly and actuate the hydraulic lever. The plough should reverse smoothly and reliably from one working position to the other.

• Adjusting the Reversal Stop: High-quality ploughs, like the Super Shakti Hydraulic Reversible M.B. Plough from Shakti Agrotech, features an adjustable reversal stop. This ensures that the plough bottoms stop at the exact correct angle for both the left and right sides. Improper stop settings cause side draft and misalignment, increasing the strain on the frame and hydraulics. The Super Shakti model is built with heavy-duty construction and reliable hydraulic control specifically to manage this precise, repeatable reversal action season after season.

Step 4: Final Check and Field Test

1. Check Pitch (Again): In the field, look at the soil inversion. If the furrow slices are not completely turning over, slightly lengthen or shorten the top link until the soil rolls perfectly.

2. Observe Side Draft: If the tractor constantly pulls to one side or the steering feels heavy, the front furrow width or the reversal stop is likely incorrect. Recheck Step 2.

3. Inspect Wear: After a few hours, check the wear pattern on the shares and mouldboards. Even wear across all bottoms is the ultimate indicator of a perfectly aligned plough.

By following these alignment tips and investing in quality equipment built for precision, you ensure the high ROI you expect from your hydraulic reversible plough.