A Complete Guide to Reversible Plow Working Principles, Buying, Use and Maintenance

In the family of tillage machinery, the moldboard plow is the most traditional and reliable deep-tillage tool, and the reversible plow is the "upgraded version" of the moldboard plow. An ordinary one-way plow can only turn soil to one side during operation, and after turning at the headland it easily forms open furrows and back furrows, leaving the field surface uneven. A reversible plow is equipped with two sets of opposing plow bodies; at the headland, a hydraulic mechanism turns the plow body 180 degrees, so both the forward and return passes turn the furrow slice to the same side. The finished field is level and fine, greatly reducing the workload of subsequent soil preparation.

What makes the reversible plow good

First is good tillage quality. Because soil is turned to the same side on both forward and return passes, there are basically no moisture furrows or ridge crests left in the field, making it especially suitable for plots with high requirements for levelness and laying a good foundation for subsequent sowing and transplanting. Second is high operating efficiency. At the headland, the reversible plow does not need to make large turns or perform finishing diagonal tillage like a one-way plow; it can simply travel in straight lines back and forth, reducing empty travel, which is especially worthwhile for large plots. In addition, the reversible plow turns the furrow slice thoroughly and can press straw, weeds, and surface residue to the plow sole, which helps with straw return and stubble clearing and weed control.

What to pay attention to when buying

First, look at matching power. A reversible plow is more "power-hungry" than an ordinary plow with the same number of plowshares. Before buying, clarify your tractor's horsepower range and hitch category; the number of plowshares and working width should match the power, and do not use a small horse to pull a big cart. Second, look at the reversing method. At present, hydraulic cylinder automatic reversing is mostly used. When buying, you can request an on-site reversing test to observe whether the reversing is smooth and whether locking is reliable once in position. Third, look at manufacturing quality. The plow standard, moldboard, and plowshare are wearing parts, and steel thickness and heat treatment process directly determine service life; welds should be uniform and fasteners complete. Fourth, do not ignore after-sales service. Ask clearly whether wearing parts supply and the three guarantees service are in place; if you want to apply for agricultural machinery purchase subsidies, subsidy standards and model catalogs differ by region, so take the information published by the local agricultural machinery authority as the standard.

A few small details in use and maintenance

Before operation, first check the tightness of bolts in all parts and the hydraulic reversing mechanism, and run it idle several times to confirm normal reversing before going into the field. Tillage depth is adjusted through the depth-limiting device and hitch pull rods, and it is advisable to break through the plow pan without turning up raw soil; the specific depth should be determined according to local agronomic requirements. On plots with many stones and tree roots, slow down to prevent breaking the plowshare. After each shift, promptly clean soil and tangled grass from the plow body, check plowshare wear, and replace seriously worn ones in time; lubricate all lubrication points regularly with grease according to the manual. For long-term storage, wash and oil it, level the plow frame with wooden blocks, and preferably store it indoors to avoid rusting of the plowshare and adjusting screw.

Overall, with advantages such as level field surface after tillage and high operating efficiency, the reversible plow has become the first choice for deep tillage work for many farm machinery operators. Choose the right model, use the right method, and maintain it diligently, and one plow can be used steadily for many years without problem.