Description

Disk harrows are for secondary tillage including weed control, incorporation of fertilizers and herbicides or pesticides, breaking up surface crusts and clods, and mixing and leveling the top few inches of soil. Disk harrow widths between 11 and 46 feet are towed implements with wheels that are raised and lowered hydraulically. Narrower width models attach to the 3-point hitch and are listed as accessories to landscape-size tractors (less than 75 horsepower). Large, wide disks fold for a suitable transport width. Blade diameters are 20, 22, or 24 inches and spacing between blades varies between 7 and 9 inches. Selected models are designed to traverse small rocks.

Application

Disk harrows are seedbed finishing implements. They are lighter duty than offset disks and generally use smaller blade diameters and narrower spacing between blades. They are designed for clean-tilled land. Use of heavy-duty models is advisable when crop residue is present or for rangeland applications. Several attachments are available to smooth the soil surface for planting. These disks are very effective in removing weeds prior to planting and incorporating herbicides, manure, or crop residue. They are not designed for rough, rocky, or brushy conditions.

References / Additional Information

Feistman, F.J. 1979. Range renovation equipment for British Columbia interior grassland. In: 33rd Annual Report of the Vegetative Rehabilitation and Equipment Workshop (VREW). 1979. Casper, WY: 44-46. (Report discusses rangeland disk, rangeland seeder packer)

Martin, M.H.; Ibarro, F.A. Cox, J.R.; Morton, H.L. Establishment of range grasses on various seedbeds at four creosote bush sites in Chihuahua, Mexico, and Arizona, USA. In: Rangeland Technology Equipment Council. 1990 Annual Report. 9122-2805-MTDC. Missoula, MT: USDA Forest Service Technology and Development Center: 67. (Report discusses disk plow, disk plow plus contour furrower, two-way railing)

Parmenter, W. 1979. Towner plowing disk harrow. In: 33rd Annual Report of the Vegetative Rehabilitation and Equipment Workshop (VREW). 1979. Casper, WY: 34. (Report discusses offset disk harrow, Towner plowing disk harrow)

Pellant, M. 1988. Greenstripping – a proposal to reduce wildfires in southern Idaho. In: 42nd Annual Report of the Vegetative Rehabilitation & Equipment Workshop (VREW); 1988 February 21 & 22; Corpus Christi, TX. Forest Service Technology and Development Program: 23-26. (Report discusses disk chain, road grader, Towner plow)