Moldboard Plows
Moldboard plows are traditional primary tillage tools that cut, lift, and invert soil. On US small farms, they are used less often than in the past but still appear in food plots, row-crop gardens, and fields where full soil turning is part of the system.
What it does
A moldboard plow opens furrows and flips the soil to bury residue, weeds, or cover crops. It is used to break sod, reset a field, or prepare ground for later finishing with discs or harrows. This tool provides deep, aggressive tillage compared with shallower implements. It is most useful where inversion tillage fits the farm's soil and management goals.
How to choose one
Sizing depends on tractor horsepower, weight, traction, soil type, and the number and width of bottoms. Make sure the tractor's hitch category and overall setup can pull the plow safely in your soil conditions, because draft load rises quickly in heavy ground. Check coulters, shares, landsides, and frame alignment on used plows. On smaller acreages, think carefully about whether a plow is truly needed or whether reduced tillage tools may be more practical.
Cost, upkeep & safety
General costs vary from older used plows to newer specialty models, and wear parts can matter as much as purchase price. Maintenance centers on shares, shins, moldboards, bolts, and rust prevention during storage. Safe use requires proper hitching, traction awareness, and manual guidance, especially when working on slopes or in hard ground.
Tips
Plowing works best when moisture is right, not too wet and not rock hard. Plan on follow-up tillage, because plowing alone does not create a finished seedbed. A knowledgeable dealer or local operator can help you judge whether your soil and acreage justify owning one.
General educational buying guidance, not an endorsement of any brand or a substitute for the operator manual. Confirm specs, pricing, and safety with a local dealer. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.