posted October 24, 2006 22:37               

I'm appealing to all you experienced ploughmen to give me your advice on the Ransomes plough in the photo. I'm looking for a 2 furrow plough to use with my Major, this particular model is up for sale, it's in good condition although missing one point but these are easy to get hold of. I apologise for some of the photos as it was late afternoon and the sun was in the wrong position!!

I'm interested in this particular plough but I have one concern, I think it's a 3 furrow plough that's been reduced to a 2 furrow, to me the distance between the land wheel and the boards indicates this, if this is the case should it cause any problems. I'm a complete novice at ploughing but would like to have a go at our local ploughing days and need advice. If you think my theory is correct and it's likely to cause any problems then I would rather walk away from the deal, your comments would be most welcome.

Could anyone also identify the model please.

Regards,

Barry

[This message has been edited by Barry Thomas (edited October 24, 2006).]

posted October 24, 2006 22:57               

Here's a photo of my mate's Ransomes 2 furrow plough where the land wheel is closer to the board.

Regards,

posted October 24, 2006 22:59               

It does have problems though in use. there is very little clearance between the bodies and if you are working in a trashy field this tends to block it.

There is little room to adjust. The discs can be fitted in only one place. The skimmers are fitted to the disc support arm and although they can be adjusted fore and aft and up and down they are not the best of skims. I find that in long stubble I have to remove the discs and skimmers to get mine to work.

It is not a popular plough and for that reaon alone I would buy it (at the right price). It is a part of Fords history and that gives it some merit.

Perhaps a better plough for you would be a Ford Ransomes TS 59. This is a two furrow with the same bodies but has more clearance and is easier to set up. It is also easier to work with when setting out your openings. The extra lenghth of that plough enables you to get the rear furrow into the ground without the front furrow being in too much contact. The PM plough, being short, is harder to achieve this.

I like my PM and Henrietta combination but it is hard work at times.

posted October 24, 2006 23:29               

Thanks for those comments much appreciated, from what you can see on the photos, roughly how much is it worth.

posted October 25, 2006 08:57               

I paid £25.00 for mine with all good wearing parts and EPIC bodies. That looks like what you have on that one. They don't turn the land in the same way as the YL bodies that most want for match work. they tend to leave a slightly broken furrow, but I like them.

Some nice kind person stole my discs and skimmers so I had to get new second hand ones. These in a slightly poor state cost me £50.00.

From these prices I would say a maximum of around £100.00 and I would try to get the other frame and body for that if he still has it. Your Major will handle that well and the three furrow version is more rare.

posted October 25, 2006 09:25               

You're one step ahead of me again, thanks for that it gives me a good idea of what it's worth. The other frame is included and the bits plus a few extra spares, the only thing missing is the third board, am I likely to have a problem finding another board. Are you aware of any websites for plough spares??

Regards,

posted October 25, 2006 22:56               

Tried to find Westlake plough collection through classic.ploughing.com but only seem to get something totally different, some kind of financial directory page??

posted October 26, 2006 09:35               

Have you tried his number 01733 252185? I don't think he has a web address.
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Kind regards
Brian

posted October 26, 2006 12:30               

I get my monthly copy of T&M so I will have a look and give him a call, many thanks.

Regards,