Tractor Repair: Plowing, wheel weights, hp tractor

Question
I need to plow an old hay field with my gas Ford 3000.  Can my 37 HP pull a 3 bottom plow or should I look for a 2 bottom?

Answer
 Hello,

  That depends on lots of different variables.  If you have light soil and there's enough moisture in the ground, it should pull a 3 bottom plow OK.  If you have hard clay soil and if you haven't had rain for quite a while, it will have a hard time pulling it.  It also depends on the width of the plow bottoms and the plowing depth, and if you have wheel weights or liquid ballast in the tires so you have enough traction to harness the horsepower, and if your draft control is working and is set correctly.  I pull a 2-14" plow with my 28 HP tractor, so 37 HP should be able to pull a 3 bottom if the conditions are right.

                         Arnie