We were asked why Newgren produced two varieties of moldboard plows with different size masts (the upper attachment point). The second question was could a Newgren first-generation plow, produced by Wiard with a short mast, be used as a template for a second-generation plow mast. We turned to our plow guy, Clint Dixon for answers.
The short answer to the first question we already knew. The early-Newgren (Love design) and the slightly modified Newgren brand lifts required the short mast, because of the configuration of the top or third link. It had been lowered so that the tailgate could still be used when the lift was installed. The complete answer is contained in Clint’s article A STUDY OF THE PLOWMAN’S THEORY, PRACTICE, & TECHNIQUE.
Here is Clint’s answer to the second question –
The single bottom Wiard Newgren has one main beam (left hand, reference #1, in the Newgren assembling & operating instructions). It curves from the frog (#36) upward, straight forward, and ends at the point where the coulter mounts. The second main beam (right hand, #2) curves from the frog (#36) upward, forward for a ways, angles off to the right, and then forward again – following an “S” shaped path. On the left side of the left hand main beam is the beam brace (#3). It does not reach down to the frog but mirrors the “S” shape of the right hand main beam.
To the inside surfaces of this right hand main beam, and the left hand beam brace, is where the right and left hand front V-struts mount (#14). These are the main upright components that make up the mast assembly. Bracing these from near the upper link point and down and rearward to the outside surfaces of the two sandwiched together main beams (#1 & #2) are two rear V-struts (#12 & #13). These both have a slight “S” shape.
The second generation single bottom Newgren plow is a little bit different in the layout of the parts. There is only one main beam. To this mount two main beam braces, one to each side of the main beam, and not unlike the Wiard version in their “S” shape. Both of these braces appear to be identical. There are also a right and a left V-strut that mount to the inside surfaces of these two braces and again these are the main upright components that make up the mast assembly. There are two angled rear V-struts that attach near the upper link point on the front V-struts and angle down and rearward to the outside surfaces of the main beam braces. These both have a slight “S” shape and appear identical. The two and three bottom second generation plows do not have two V-struts bracing to the rear. They have one to the rear and one bracing forward. Each has its own unique “S” shape. Also the front vertical V-struts are each of a unique shape setting themselves apart from each other and as determined by the size of the plow. The left front V-Strut has a more pronounced “S” shape as the plow size (1”, 12”, 14”) increases as the spread between the main beams also increases.
Here is what I measure on my second generation 16-inch single bottom plow:
1) 8-7/8” from inside of left main beam brace to inside of right main beam brace. These surfaces are where the two front upright V-struts mount.
2) 15-1/2” from upper link point holes straight down to the where the front upright V-struts mount to the main beam brace holes.
3) The two angled rear V-struts start out at the top with a 1-inch spacer between them. They angle downward and rearward and attach the outsides of the main beam. This attachment hole in the main beam is 15-inches rearward from holes in the beam braces where the front V-struts mount .
4) The point where the rear V-struts attach is 3-1/2” wide – the combination of one main beam and two beam braces in width.
Hope this helps. I can provide photos if needed.
Clint
Thanks Clint!