Anatomy and working components of an MB plough
- Share: The sharp leading edge that makes the horizontal cut under the soil slice.
- Mouldboard: The curved metal body that lifts, turns, and inverts the cut soil slice.
- Landside: The flat metal plate that slides against the furrow wall, resisting the side thrust of the soil.
- Frog: The central cast-iron or steel frame to which the share, mouldboard, and landside are bolted.
- Beam and three-point hitch: Connects the plough assembly to the tractor hydraulic lower links and top link.
Fixed versus hydraulic reversible MB ploughs
- Fixed MB ploughs: Throw soil in only one direction (usually to the right), requiring ploughing in traditional round-and-round or headland patterns.
- Hydraulic reversible MB ploughs: Feature paired left- and right-handed plough bottoms that rotate 180 degrees using a hydraulic turnover mechanism.
- Benefits of reversible ploughs: Allows continuous back-and-forth ploughing from one side of the field to the other, eliminating dead furrows and maintaining level fields.
Tractor matching, operation and SMAM subsidies
Standard 2-bottom MB ploughs require 35 to 45 HP tractors, while 3-bottom reversible ploughs require 50 to 65+ HP tractors equipped with dual auxiliary hydraulic spool valves. Ensure proper draft control settings on the tractor hydraulic console to maintain consistent ploughing depth. Capital subsidies are accessible through state DBT mechanization portals and the national SMAM portal.
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 (agrimachinery.nic.in) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the main purpose of using a mouldboard plough?
The MB plough cuts, lifts, and inverts the soil slice, burying surface weeds and crop stubble deeply while aerating the root zone.
What horsepower tractor is needed for a 2-bottom MB plough?
A 35 to 45 HP tractor is generally required for a 2-bottom mouldboard plough, depending on soil heaviness and ploughing depth.
What is the advantage of a hydraulic reversible MB plough?
It inverts soil consistently in the same direction on both forward and return passes, eliminating unlevel ridges and deep dead furrows.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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