2012 - Volume #36, Issue #6, Page #17
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He Has A Passion For Plow Parts
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“The complexity of plows is mind boggling,” he says. “Manufacturers offered a wide variety of plow bottoms to match different soils and different tillage practices in different parts of the country. At one time, Deere offered 8 to 9 different moldboards each with their own plow bottoms and all in 12, 14 and 16-in. shares.”
Buchheit started his business after trying to find reasonably priced parts for a couple of old plows he was restoring. While there were dozens of vendors selling aftermarket parts, none were for antique plows. He wanted a 17-in. notched coulter blade, not fluted or rippled like modern blades.
“They were designed so each notch pulls trash down to be cut,” says Buchheit. “I couldn’t find what I wanted, and what I did find was crazy high priced.”
A tillage parts vendor at the National Farm Machinery Show told him he didn’t have what Buchheit wanted, but he could make it.
“I started with that one part,” recalls Buchheit. “I now carry nearly 100 parts that I have had made for Deere plows, and I am a dealer for Wiese. I also buy old plows and salvage parts from them.”
More important than the number of parts he offers is the information he shares. He can explain not only the multiple types of plow shares and bottoms offered on different model plows, but also what items were optional.
“You may be able to get a part from a dealer like a trash board, but it’s going to be the latest version,” says Buchheit. “Most people want to restore things to what the original was. Some pats like coulter blades, were optional. Not every farmer spent that extra $3 per blade on what they thought was a luxury, but when restoring a plow, most want to dress it up and make it stand out.”
Other parts require the special knowledge Buchheit offers. He points to alfalfa root cutters that bolt to landsides for plowing crops with a deep taproot. They actually cut the first 2 in. of the next furrow. “A 14-in. plow share actually only cuts 12 in., but turns over 14 in the furrow,” he explains. “With deep tap roots, plants in the last 2 in. can get covered without their tap roots being cut. The root cutter takes care of them.”
Buchheit emphasizes quality, authenticity and price in his reproductions. He makes high wear items like those cutters out of AR400 abrasion resistant steel, selling the rare part for $29.99. His difficult-to-find notched coulter blade is priced at $36.00. Some parts, like a $29.75 moldboard plow extension, fit multiple Deere plows as well as some Ford, IH and Case plows.
FARM SHOW readers unsure of the plow parts they’re looking for are encouraged to take a picture of their plow. Send it to Buchheit with as much other information as possible; such as the cut of the plow, any parts numbers, type of wheel, plow beam and lift. He also welcomes calls from fellow plow fans.
“I just love old plows and get enjoyment helping guys find solutions they need,” says Buchheit.
He sells parts over the phone, from his website and on eBay under the seller name 2cylfan. He requests people call for an appointment as he also farms.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Tyler Buchheit, 5133 Riley Lake Rd., Ellis Grove, Ill. 62241 (ph 573 768-4092; tyler@mrbtractors.com; www.mrbtractors.com).
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