Cast Tillage Parts Last 3 To 4 Times Longer

Cast tillage parts last 3 to 4 times longer MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 14-4-4 Two new replacment parts for moldboard and chisel plows have 3 to 4 times the life of conventional hard-surfaced steel replacement parts, according to manufacturer J. Matt Carroll of Carroll Agricultural Products, Sandusky, Ohio. Carroll is plant superintendent of an iron foundry in Sandusky and also has a college degree in agriculture. "I have always been aware of the problem of wear in tillage parts but not until recently did the heat treat technology exist to make cast iron a viable alternative to conventional steel tillage parts. Once I learned the new technology, we began to prototype and field test different parts. We now hold patents on two cast parts with unique new designs, and we're field testing three new parts we hope to bring on the market soon," says Carroll. His moldboard plow shin and chisel point are already in use on farms in 8 states. Carroll sells his products direct. "We tried working through established wholesale networks but had no success. They tell us they can make more money selling parts that wear out quicker," explains Carroll. He says his moldboard replacement shin not only lasts 3 to 4 times as long as conventional shins but also reduces wear to the rest of the moldboard because of its patented moldboard overlay. Carroll's "Terraizer" replacement chisel plow point also features a wider overlay designed to extend shank life. He says reported life of his points averages 4 or more times as long as conventional hard-faced steel points and 2 to 3 times as long as chrome points. They're designed to fit Glencoe, Weise, Empire and other models. Here are comments by farmers who've tried Carroll's new cast parts. Robert L. Sparks, Norwalk, Ohio: "We've been using a chisel plow for the past 7 years, averaging 100 to 150 acres per set of 9 hard-surfaced points. We used Terraizer chisel tips last fall on 470 acres and they per-formed excellently with no breakage and still have a lot of life left. We're recommending them to all our friends." Jack Schlessman, Milan, Ohio: "We had three moldboards that would have had to be replaced on our 588 White plow. One was cracked and the other two were worn out. We put Terraizer shins on them and, after plowing between 800 to 1,000 acres the wear pattern has not changed. It appears that with these shins on we can expect another year or two from our moldboards." Allen Puckrin, Sandusky, Ohio: "I was initially concerned about how well they would scour but within 20 acres they were completely polished and scouring well. From my experience, I'd expect these shins to outwear regular steel shins at least two and maybe three times. The feature that really impressed me was the overlay of the moldboard and the added moldboard life because of it." Gilbert Weyer, Castalia, Ohio': "We plowed over 200 acres of very rocky ;sandy soil. The shins held up beautifully to the rocks and showed only minor patterns of wear. I would estimate the shins to triple the life of the conventional steel shins plus double or triple the useful moldboard life." Carroll cast chisel points sell for $19.95. Moldboard shins sell for $27.50. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Carroll Agricultural Products, 1120 Wayne St., Sandusky, Ohio 44870 (ph 419 627-1166 or 625-5125).

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