Trip plow Identification help

[Mahoman]

I recently brought home a 2 bottom looks like 14” trip plow and I’m trying to identify it so I can get it into working order. I need to be able to plow 4 acres by late fall early winter. I’ll put some pictures in, any advice would be greatly appreciated in getting it to work as intended. With my limited knowledge I think I may have gotten a very late little genius but I’m not sure, did any of the little genius plows have rubber tires and that weird slanted rear tire?
Thank you, ~Hayden

[MiCarl]

I'm not a plow expert but it looks like a Little Genius to me too. Some (late ones?) were on rubber.

If it is a Little Genius every casting will have a part number and either an early or late International Harvester logo cast into it.

If you need wear parts you need to identify which plow bottoms are on it. There should be a part number cast on the backs of the mold boards that will identify the bottom type and size.

[Eugene]

No manufacturer's logo, search the internet using the main and secondary beam part numbers.

Lub everything up. Take the plow out and give it a try. You will probably have to clean, regrease, and perhaps repair the trip mechanism.

[Mahoman]

One of the levers is missing the lever and wire to adjust it , and the hook part won’t go into my H’s drawbar? Is there anyway else I’m supposed to attach it? Also anyone know where the string goes? I would love to give it a try unfortunately it’s definitely not in working order as of now
~Hayden

[Jim Becker]

The "hook part" of the hitch is a release in case the plow hits something hard. It hooks into a twisted clevis that is pinned or bolted to the drawbar.

[Eugene]

The mechanism to control the trip - up and down- is located directly behind the wheel/tire in the second photo.

Can't tell from the photos. The trip lever, where the "string", actually a rope goes, will be mounted on the side of the trip mechanism.

Word of caution. If the plow is in the raised position, do not drop, pull the trip lever, if you have a body part under the plow

[ajhbike]

Yep, twisted clevis for both my JD 52 and Little Genius for attaching to the drawbar

[Mahoman]

Is the twisted clevis a make it yourself part or do you go buy one?

[Jim Becker]

You buy it. Google it to see some sources (and pictures).

[MiCarl]

Rural King
Tractor Supply

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

On our plow clevis Dad welded a small tab to the clevis and use a long spring to keep it turned to the rear when the break away tripped.

When you are pulling the trip rope to raise the plow and a bottom catches a rock causing the break away to release, it is amazing how long your arm can get before you think to turn loose of that rope as the plow stops moving, but you and the tractor do not.

[Mahoman]

I’ve heard of some old timers having seats ripped off when the plow disconnected on a rock and the rope was tied solidly to the seat, apparently they used some sort of 8000 pound test arborist rope to trip it I’ve heard to either use relatively weak “string” (I don’t know why i called it string in the second post LOL) or to have some sort of a clip that will let go. I’m just imagining someone holding onto the rope too long and pulling them self off the seat and ha I to run after the tractor!

[Peter Person]

Hayden,
I'm going to throw out my suggestion again to get involved with Scantic Valley Antique Engine Club (Somers, East Windsor, Enfield, Stafford, Ellington) and/or Quinebaug Valley Engineers Association at Zagray Farm in Colchester, CT. Art Chester (artc on the forum here) is heavily involved with Zagray. They have a Summer Show & Swap Meet coming up in late July where you could probably find your missing parts.

Peter

[tinnerjohn]

Regarding the trip rope, there is/was a piece of flat stock with a hole in each end under the back of the seat. A seat bolt holds one end, put a S hook fashioned from fence wire or 14-12 ga, solid copper wire (whatevers handy) in the other hole. Tie a small loop in the end of the rope and slip it over the hook. If the plow trips, the S hook will straighten, releasing the rope. Also, I suggest using !/4 to 3/8" rope. Easier to grab, won't break and less chance of getting wrapped around your finger. My son had a baler twine on mine. The twine somehow wrapped around his finger as he was raising the plow and caught something that caused the plow to break away, degloving his index finger. They are a great plow.

[Mahoman]

Thanks guy, I got the thing plowing like a dream, the H pulls the thing in 3rd gear, I was expecting 2nd gear, maybe it’s stronger than I thought. I figure it’s safer to run in 2nd gear anyway. The rope I use is small engine pull start cord, I only did 5-6 runs and I already have a blister on my finger, I’d better use some thicker rope, I’ll try out that steel wire hook, that’s a good idea.