Flex Conversion For Cass Series Plows

Flex Conversion for Cass Series Plows TILLAGE EUIPMENT Plows 8-4-4 "We incorporate features you can't get in factory-built moldboard plows, such as being able to backfurrow within an inch or two of a fence," says Kansas farmer Greg Blanchat, of Harper, who's doing a booming business converting Case 7000 series rigid frame plows into one of the slickest "flex" plows you ever saw ù and for a lot less money than you'd pay for a new factory-made plow. It all started several years ago when Greg decided he'd trade his old 8-bottom Case 7000 for a new flex plow. "But they wouldn't give me much of anything for my old plow because of the 7000's reputation for being too light in the frame. Since it had excellent beams and bottoms, I decided to convert the old rigid plow into a flex unit," Greg explains. "It has features still not available on any factory-made moldboard plows and cost me less than half the cost of a new plow." After converting his own Case 7000, neighbors who saw it in action began placing orders for similar "flex conversions". Blanchat Mfg. has since converted more than 50 Case plows and hopes to be "tooled up" soon to offer similar conversions for Deere and White rigid frame plows. The company converts five bottom and larger Case 7000 series rigid frame plows (either on land or in-furrow) into flex plows with anywhere from 8 to 12 bottoms. The conversion involves adding a flex hinge in the rigid frame, adding center flexing tandem wheels, and revamping the rear tail wheel by moving it in behind the plow to allow for back furrowing within a few inches of a fence. The reworked "tail wheel" assembly which allows close-up backfurrowing is available on 5 and 6 bottom Case 7000 series plows without adding the "flexing" feature. "In this procedure, we rebuild the tail end so it will backfurrow within an inch or two of a fence. The wheel base is shortened. For example, a six bottom plow will have the same wheelbase as a five bottom plow," Greg points out. Another key feature of Blanchat's flex conversions is that reworked plows can be moved to and from road position right from the driver's seat by raising the plow as high as it goes. "If you're back furrowing, for example, and get so close you run into the fence, you can pull right away simply by raising the plow all the way up so it automatically swings away from the fence and into road position," explains Greg. Blanchat Mfg. sells converted Case 7000 series plows with or without a trade in, and is in the market to buy used Case 7000 series plows. If you already own a Case 7000, you can have it custom converted and get your own plow back, or trade it in on a similar plow that's already been converted. A popular conversion involves making original Case 7000 8 bottoms into 9 bottom "flex" units, and redoing the rear tail wheel. The cost for this particular conversion, which Greg says pulls easier than a straight 8 bottom, is right at $4,500 if you have a used Case 7000 to trade in, and about $8,100 if not. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Blanchat Mfg., P.O. Box 444, Harper, Kan. 67058 (ph 316 896-7145).

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