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Land Plane Setup and Use

A land plane trades quick digging for smooth, flat results. Used on a long lane or a pasture road, it removes washboard better than most tools hung on a tractor.

What is a land plane and how is it different from a box blade?

A land plane is a long, rigid frame with a cutting blade near the middle and scarifier shanks at the front. The length is the point. A longer wheelbase between the points of contact smooths over bumps instead of following them, which is why it leaves a flatter finish than a short box blade.

The trade-off is that it is not built to carry a heap of material. It cuts the high spots and fills the low ones gradually, so it suits finishing and maintenance more than rough building work.

A cattle ranch with a long gravel track or a stock-trailer approach can see how much a land plane helps after a wet spring, once the first heavy loads have rutted the surface.

Which jobs suit a land plane?

It is best on long farm roads, equestrian arenas, ranch lanes and large building pads that need to be flat. On a cattle ranch with miles of gravel track, a land plane can reduce the potholes that shake vehicles and rattle trailers. On a 5-acre homestead with one short drive, it may be more tool than you need.

Think about your terrain. Rolling land with sharp dips needs a different approach than a flat lane. If you only have a short, tight drive or heavy tree cover, a rear blade or box blade will be more maneuverable.

How do you set up a land plane?

Hook the plane up following the three-point steps for your tractor and tool. Lower it onto level ground and set the top link so the frame sits level front to back. Many land planes have a rear wheel set or skid that lets you change the working depth, and some have a hydraulic or manual tilt for one side.

Set the scarifiers for light contact first. Keep the blade edge sitting flat on the ground with the frame level. Consult the manual for the tool's recommended settings and for any tractor ballast it requires.

• Level the frame with the top link
• Set rear wheels or skids per the manual
• Start with shallow scarifier depth
• Check stabilizers so the plane tracks straight
• Confirm that all pins have retainers

How do you run it to get a smooth surface?

Drive at a steady, moderate pace and make long, straight passes. Overlap each pass, and work in different directions on later passes. Cutting across the original direction helps knock down ridges.

Do not try to cut deep to fix a bad lane in one go. Work when the surface has some moisture, since bone-dry gravel and mud both give poor results. If the plane begins to chatter or bounce, slow down and check your scarifier depth.

What tractor size and safety limits apply?

A long implement pulls hard and puts weight behind the tractor. Check the manufacturer's listed tractor requirements for the model you plan to buy, and use the figures in your manual rather than guessing. Ballast at the front helps keep the steering planted.

When you travel with the plane raised, keep the lift low and drive slowly. A long tool swings wide in turns and can strike gates, posts and parked equipment. Keep people clear, wear the seat belt and keep ROPS in place.

How do you maintain a land plane?

Grease all fittings called for in the manual, inspect the blade edge for wear, and look at the scarifier tips. Worn points do less work and put more strain on the tractor. Check the frame and welds for cracks, since a long frame flexes and can fatigue at weld points.

If a frame is bent or cracked, stop using it and take it to a qualified welder or the dealer. Store the plane on blocks or on level ground with the blade lowered, so the frame stays straight.

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