plotmaster

[bdperotto]

We are looking to purchase planting equipment for approximately 40 acres of food plots. Can the 8' plotmaster effectively cultivate "virgin soil"? (What I mean by that is our southern tier NY land with existing fields containing grasses, weeds etc.) We would like to mow the weeds, round up and seed. Do we need to plow the area first? We are also wondering what kind of longevity does the plotmaster have. Thanks for your thoughtssmileys/smiley10.gif
Dave

[.243 man]

I have only looked at the plotmaster. But as a experienced farmer, I'd say no. I just can't see it being able to handle the strain.I plant most of my plots with a 85 H.P John Deere and a 10 FT athens disk. When breaking in new ground, I have to make at least 3 passes to get the seed bed in good shape. And thats in sandy south Alabama soil.

[4x4man514]

i agree with 243.i have used small harrows behind 4 wheelers before and they just dont have enough weight to do the job.if you weigh them down enough the 4 wheeler doesnt have enough power to pull them.plus for the cost i would think you could find an old tractor that would do a better job.

[Bob S]

While I have not used the Plotmaster, it was discussed at one of our branch meetings a while back. It sounds as though it is good for old fields that may not have been planted for a few years. But that it is not heavy enough to turn virgin ground.

[scottw]

I have the plotmaster here in michigan and it will go through virgin soil. butt it takes a couple times to really tear it up.

[sagittarius]

And the cost of a plotmaster??????

Old plows and disks can be had for $100-$400 each, same for a cultipacker.OR you can ask a nearby farmer to do it.

The only advantage to a plotmaster is that it is easier to transport than several individual implements.

[wnogood]

The plotmaster will not break new ground well. And it does not tolerate abuse very well. If you go over it several times you may be able to get it like you want it, but it won't stand up to it for long. I use a 20-18 disc. I t weighs 960 lbs and I still have to go over some areas 2 times to get the seedbed like I want it. My opinion, buy seperate peices of equipment, that way if one breaks, the others can still be used. Also, the plotmaster is not supposed to be used to fertilize. So you will still need a spreader...

[mjtlhunter]

bdperotto:

where in the southern tier are you located?

[bdperotto]

We purchased 150 acres in Canaseraga NY. The land is located on Rte 70, a hill with south facing slope. All of the adjacent landowners are practicing QDM, a huge reason we bought this parcel. The land was used to grow evergreen trees for transplant, but has not been used in that capacity in the last 10 years or so. We are currently trimming the apple trees, we have close to 100 on the property. We will be planting food plots this spring. As a result of the posts here we will be using individual implements rather than the plotmaster to prepare the seed bed. Thanks everyone for your imput.

Dave

[Poss]

I have been experimenting with food plots for the last two years and have found these QDMA forums very informative. I have primarily been using a Plotmaster behind an ATV and thought some my find my experience of value.

The Plotmaster worked well with my ATV (Polaris 425). It surely is not as good as a tractor, but it is OK for smaller plots. All my plots (ihave done about 8 1/4-1/2 acre plots) have been put in former CRP (generally knee-high grass). The biggest pain with the Plotmaster was the ac***ulation of the dead grass material on the cultivator tines. It also worked best with moist soil. Dry, hard soil was more difficult and hard on the ATV. To get the virgin soil ready to seed generally took about 4 passes with the Plotmaster.

Pos

[Bob S]

Wecome to the site Poss. Where are you from?

[Poss]

I live and hunt in NE Iowa.