Experiences with Lubricated Plows

ABSTRACT A potpourri of field tests with modified moldboard plows were run with and without lubrication. A 2 to 3 percent polymer—98 to 97 percent water (by volume)—lubricant at rates of less than 95 L/ha (10 gal/A) proved effective in improving plow per-formance. Draft reductions were as high as 40 per-cent, and plow scouring and furrow slice inversion were improved in sticky soils. A four-bottom, two-way plow was equipped for lubrication. This plow was used successfully in normal farming operations. Based on these tests and experiences, in our judgment, the polymer lubrication of plows, and perhaps other tillage tools, is a reality for farm use.