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 for cultivation, 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.

Types of Ploughs: Conventional, Mounted and Semi-Mounted

There are 3 main types of plough:

• Conventional ploughs – The earliest and simplest design of plough still in common use, with bodies mounted on one side only.
• Mounted ploughs – The most popular style of plough, typically in sizes from 3 to 8 furrows. Examples: Kverneland, Kuhn and Lemken
• Semi-Mounted ploughs – These work similarly to a trailed machine; because the tractor doesn't lift the full implement weight, these tend to be larger (often 10+ furrows). Examples: Kverneland, Lemken, Kuhn, Gregorie Besson and Dowdeswell.

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.

Modern ploughs offer a wide range of functionality. Variable furrow width can be manual or hydraulic. You can specify skims, front-furrow adjustment, discs, auto-reset, and on-land/in-furrow configurations. Some newer models, such as Kverneland’s i-Plough, are controllable from the cab via ISOBUS for precision set-up and operation.

Plough Maintenance: Wearing Metal, Greasing Points, Hydraulics, Storage

Routine upkeep is simple and cost-predictable. Replace wearing metal as needed and keep moving parts greased to prevent wear and downtime.

Wearing metal: Inspect points, shares, wings/shins, mouldboards, landsides, skims and disc coulters. Replace before they’re fully worn to protect the frame and finish, and to maintain precision in cutting and turning the soil during operation. See our Buyer’s Guide for Used Ploughs.

Greasing: Apply little and often to headstock pins, turnover pillar, vari-width pivots, depth wheel and linkages to prevent play and premature wear.

Hydraulics: Check hoses, couplers and rams for leaks or damage and maintain the correct fluid level and pressure.

Set-up and alignment: Performance depends on correct set-up. Keep the frame parallel to the ground, run a consistent depth, and set the front-furrow and top-link correctly. Our Basic Plough Settings blog walks you through each step.

Fasteners and protection: Torque-check critical bolts and fit the correct shear bolts so they protect legs and frame on impact.

After-use care: Clean down, dry, oil bare metal, relieve spring pressure and store under cover. Follow our winter checklist if laying up.

What do I need to know before buying my Plough?

When you’re investing 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? Give us a call 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 have a wheel to support their 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 who 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!