Types and structural configurations
- Mounted disc harrows: Attached directly to the tractor three-point linkage; highly maneuverable in smaller fields and terrace farms.
- Trailed offset disc harrows: Heavy-duty implements hitched to the tractor drawbar; offset design allows tilling right up to field bunds, fences, and orchard tree rows.
- Tandem harrows: Feature two gangs in front throwing soil outward and two gangs behind throwing soil inward for a balanced, level seedbed.
Disc blade types and tractor horsepower matching
Scalloped (notched) disc blades provide aggressive cutting action in hard ground with heavy crop trash like sugarcane or cotton stalks. Plain smooth discs provide superior pulverization and soil levelling. A 12 to 14-disc harrow typically requires a 35 to 40 HP tractor, while heavy 16 to 20-disc offset harrows need 45 to 55+ HP tractors.
Operation, lubrication and government subsidies
- Adjust gang angle between 15° and 22° depending on desired soil penetration depth and tractor power.
- Grease disc spool bearings daily or after every 10 hours of heavy field operation.
- Eligible for 40% to 50% capital subsidies under the central Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) on agrimachinery.nic.in.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the primary difference between a disc plough and a disc harrow?
A disc plough is a primary tillage implement designed to break and invert deep compacted soil, whereas a disc harrow is a secondary implement used to pulverize clods, chop residue, and prepare seedbeds.
When should notched discs be chosen over smooth discs?
Notched discs are superior for cutting tough crop residues, roots, and hard-packed dry soils where smooth discs might slip.
How can farmers apply for government subsidies on disc harrows?
Farmers can register and apply online via the national agricultural mechanization portal (agrimachinery.nic.in) or their state agricultural engineering DBT scheme.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Agri Practices, Tech & Credit guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.