ATV disks or tractor?

[OPC Patrick]

I need to put in a small food plot. I have seen several of those small disks that hook to a 4 wheeler. (One is in the classifieds now) Do they work all that well? I have a Honda Rubicon I think would be big enough to pull one. Or does anyone around Wichita Falls / Dallas have one I can borrow for a weekend? I have a disk that hooks to a tractor I just don’t have the tractor at this point. I'm torn between spending the money on a 4 wheeler disk or buying a 8n tractor.


What say the TBH public?

[Devin]

I've not had luck with the small tractor supply disc like this:



If you're place has the sandy soil near the Red, you might have better luck. But, not on most the hard clay loam soil around here.

One of the larger ones like this might work better, but I've not tried it:



You're welcome to try my disk if you're feeling lucky. I'll have to get it from the lease.

[Mike D]

Unless you have soil that is already sandy and reasonably broken up you will get frustrated with the ATV disk. They are too light to cut even somewhat hard ground then if you load it down with cement bags or some other ballast you will end up either burning up your ATV or constantly getting stuck.

[Berretta Man]

I would try and rent a tractor.

[Dejashoot]

4 WD tractor is the only way to go. You need at least a 500cc four wheeler to pull one of these things and get the ground to where you need it. You don't want to burn out your bike. If you have a Kubota UTV, Ranger or Mule it may be ok.

[Dejashoot]

I just found a couple of pics of my plot from last year.

[Devin]

Where do you rent tractors? I looked for a place this last year and didn't have any luck. Tried the standard rental places, then the tractor dealer houses...... nothing. I finally ended up hiring it done. A lot cheaper than I thought it'd be..... paying $250 for 3 food plots totaling about 4 acres. But, I wouldn't mind doing it myself if I could find a place.

If you decide to go the hiring out route, let me know and I'll get you the fellows number here in Wichita Falls.

[BrianL]

Get the tractor so you can get all the cool stuff to go with it like disk, tiller, plow .............

[Berretta Man]

I have seen tractors at the indepent rental places. Also ask around by your property and or feed stores. Buying a decent tractor is a big investment for a couple of food plots.

[MQ32Shooter]

Patrick, don't waste your money buying an 8N. I had a 52 model that I did a lot of restoration work on and it was real "cute" sitting on the trailer, but not enough power to pull your hat off. If your dirt is not sandy or has not been worked recently, would not mess with a 4 wheeler and smaller impliments. Typically, they won't get the job done in real tough dirt. Call Devin and get his guy's number and give him a call. I know putting in food plots brings a lot of personal satisfaction, but you gotta have the right kind of toys to get it done. Good luck.

[SOLID EAGLE]

If you are just disking small food plots and a little mowing, I would try to find a 9N. I'd bet you could find one for around $2,000.00. It will handle most soils and not break the bank. My2cents.

[Uncle Saggy]

I agree about not buying the 8N for lack of power. I had the same experience but with a restored Farmall Cub. If your soil is hard and never been worked, try paying a local farmer to do the initial ground breaking and bull work with the right equipment. After that you should do well with a small tractor or ATV. My 2cents. But whatever you choose, do it! There is great satisfaction, venison too, with maintaining a personal food plot.

[Leon County Slayer]

Unless you have soil that is already sandy and reasonably broken up you will get frustrated with the ATV disk. They are too light to cut even somewhat hard ground then if you load it down with cement bags or some other ballast you will end up either burning up your ATV or constantly getting stuck.

I agree, I bought one last year (high end for atv from bass pro) and the grounds needs to be recently previously broken up to do any good imo. We worked over a half acre several rounds and still didn't get it done to my liking. might be handy for soft dirt in tough to get to areas but wouldn't mess with it for anything more - you'll get very frustrated and your buddy you ask to sit on it to weigh it down will get one heck of a bumpy ride!

[OPC Patrick]

Dejashoot what size is that tractor? It looks small, but I really don't know the scale in that picture. The ground in my area is mostly sandy loam, there are a few areas with clay. It sounds to me that a tractor is the way to go. My family in the area have a tractor,but it is too big and their disk is like twelve feet wide. Of course their food plots are bigger than my property and for cattle. I may check on a rental first then look fora good used tractor.

[Low Fence]

Tractor gets my vote.