How to maintain a one- or two-bottom plow.

How to maintain a one- or two-bottom plow.

If you’re of a mind to put in a large garden on your sunny patch of ground someday – or, if you already have one – then you’ll probably be using a one- or two-bottom plow in the fall. That means you’ll want to practice good plow maintenance during the off-season.

Like any piece of equipment, your plow needs periodic care and maintenance. In this case, there aren’t any moving parts, but there are certain procedures you should follow before and after each use, and before and after any periods of extended storage.

Thoroughly clean the plow after each use. Coat the soil-engaging surfaces with oil or other rust inhibitor like John Deere Soft Black Coating (US CA) for storage between uses, and for periods of long storage. Also, use some touch up paint on the frame as necessary where paint is worn or chipped to prevent rust.

When you’re ready to use it again, burnish the plow by running it through gravelly or sandy conditions, or working it over with sandpaper or a wire brush to remove any rust and build-up on the moldboard before starting work. This will help reduce power requirements and result in a better performing plow. The importance of performing proper plow maintenance is no different than for any other piece of equipment. The better job you do of putting your tools away, the better they’ll perform for you the next time you need them.

And remember, always read the Operator’s Manual before operating any piece of equipment and follow all operating and safety instructions.