Used Ploughs for sale in the UK

What benefits are there for using Ploughs for farming?

For most of recorded history, the plough has been a central theme. Recognised for being an efficient method for preparing large areas of soil to be grown upon, it has no equal and is a true giant among the many tools available to farmers around the world. A plough is designed to assist in the initial cultivation of the soil, preparing the ground by turning and loosening the soil. For centuries, ploughs were drawn by working animals such as horses or cattle – or even by people. The first-ever tractors were steam-powered “ploughing engines” that worked in pairs to pull a plough across the land.

What types of Ploughs are available?

There are 3 main types of plough:

• Conventional ploughs – this is the earliest and most basic design of plough still in common use, which has bodies mounted one side only
• Mounted ploughs – this is the most popular style of plough, available in a range of sizes from 3 – 8 furrows
• Semi-Mounted ploughs – these ploughs operate similarly to a trailed machine – as the tractor is not required to be able to lift the full weight of the implement, they tend to be larger in size – 10+ furrows

As the tractor draws the implement through the soil, the plough creates long trenches of soil known as furrows. This can then be left to dry out and then levelled and further broken down in preparation for planting by use of a harrow.

There is a wide range of functionality to chose from or specify with modern ploughs. Variable furrow width is one feature, with either manual or hydraulic controls. Furrow ploughs can be fitted with skims, front furrow adjustment, discs, auto-reset feature, and on land/in-furrow configurations. Some of the recent ploughs such as the Kverneland i-plough are controllable from the tractor cab using an ISOBUS module.

How do I maintain my Plough?

Plough maintenance tends to be quite simple. Most of the wearing metal parts are easily replaceable, and in common with all farm equipment, the more advanced designs with a greater number of moving parts will require regular greasing and preventative maintenance to prevent any issues when in use.

How a plough performs is down in large part to the way in which it is set up. Refer to our blog for informative guides on this. 

What do I need to know before buying my Plough?

When you’re making an investment in such a key piece of farm equipment, it’s vital to know you’re getting the most appropriate tool for your requirements. Not sure what plough will best suit your needs? Pick up the phone or come along to our farm for an informative chat with us! 

What are the most popular brands of Plough - Kverneland, Lemken, Dowdeswell?

The most popular brands of ploughs used, all stocked by AMTEC, are as follows:

• Kverneland ploughs
• Lemken ploughs
• Dowdeswell ploughs
• Kuhn ploughs
• Gregoire Besson ploughs

We also have a used plough buying guide to help you decide

Furrow Sizes and Configurations in Ploughing

Ploughs are designed to meet diverse agricultural needs, offering configurations with furrows ranging from 2 to 12. The size and type of furrows created can significantly impact soil preparation, drainage, and crop performance.

Standard Furrows

Typically 25cm to 35cm wide and 15cm to 20cm deep, standard furrows are versatile and work well across most soil types.

Wide Furrows

Ideal for heavy-duty ploughing or compacted soils, wide furrows exceed 40cm in width, allowing better incorporation of organic matter.

Narrow Furrows

For lighter soils or minimal soil disturbance, narrow furrows (under 25cm wide) are commonly used in conservation tillage practices.

Deep Furrows

Exceeding 20cm in depth, deep furrows are used for improving drainage or supporting crops with extensive root systems.

Shallow Furrows

At less than 15cm deep, shallow furrows are suited for sandy soils or crops that need minimal soil coverage.

With modern ploughs offering adjustable furrow settings, farmers can tailor their ploughing to achieve optimal results based on soil type and farming objectives.

What are the mounting options for Ploughs?

Ploughs can be mounted on a tractor in three primary ways: front-mounted, side-mounted, or rear-mounted, each offering unique benefits depending on the task and terrain.

• Front-Mounted “Push” Ploughs: Positioned at the front of the tractor, these ploughs offer excellent visibility and control, making them ideal for precision work or areas requiring careful manoeuvring.
• Side-Mounted Ploughs: Less common, side-mounted ploughs are used in specific applications where lateral ploughing is advantageous, though they require skilled operation to ensure even results.
• Rear-Mounted Ploughs: The most common option, rear-mounted ploughs are versatile and effective, benefiting from the tractor's full weight for stability and better soil penetration.
• Semi-mounted Ploughs: Rigidly attached to the tractor and has a wheel to support its weight.
• Trailed Ploughs: Attached to the tractor as an integral part.

When selecting a plough, consider the mounting option that best suits your land, tractor capabilities, and the type of work being undertaken. Reversible furrows enhance practicality by allowing ploughing in both directions, regardless of the mounting position.

AMTEC is the UK's leading used-plough market buyer and seller

As one of the nation’s leading suppliers to the agricultural industry, with more than 30 years’ experience, we have the knowledge to help you get the best deal. Our nine-acre site has hundreds of machines in stock. We’re conveniently located in central England.

Our customer-centric approach is at the core of everything we do, ensuring all the farmers that choose us as their equipment partner save time and money while making the best decisions for their needs. Contact us today by calling 01926 640637, sending an email to sales@amtec.co.uk, or by using the form on our website. Discover the ways we can help - you won’t regret it!