John Deere is phasing out part of its implement line that has origins in the 1837 founding of the company.
On July 8, John Deere will no longer take orders for the 3710 moldboard plow. While the current model is much more advanced than the pioneering plow crafted from a steel saw blade 185 years ago, the implement has become obsolete in many of today’s agricultural practices.
“In the 1960s and ’70s the moldboard plow was an extremely important piece. But in the 1980s, we saw other tillage practices — no-till, conservation and minimum till — take over,” said Tom Sutter, vice president of sales for LandPro Equipment. “As growers got bigger, they looked to more efficient means to cover more acres.”
Maurice Gladhill, co-owner of Gladhill Tractor in Frederick, Maryland, said the discontinuation of the 3710 moldboard plow will have no effect on farmers. Gladhill said he hasn’t sold a new moldboard plow in 15 years, and used plows that do come in are difficult to move.
“If an older plow is worn, you can’t refurbish it and get your money out of it. No one in production agriculture is using a moldboard,” Gladhill said. “Time moves on, and that’s just where we are today.”
In a statement, John Deere said it will continue offering the 995 reversible moldboard plow, but the decision to discontinue the 3710 was largely due to adoption of other tillage techniques.
“As industry tillage practices change, customers are demanding products that help them work more acres in less time, provide versatility across numerous soil and residue conditions,” the company said.
While the news may not have much effect on farmers, it is of interest from a historical perspective.
Effective July 8, John Deere will discontinue production of the 3710 moldboard plow. The company cited changes in tillage practices as a factor behind the decision.
Larry Harpster, president of the Nittany Antique Machinery Association in central Pennsylvania, said there are collectors who seek older plows to pair with restored tractors.
Harpster isn’t aware of any farmers using moldboard plows today.
“I can’t remember the last time I walked on a machinery lot and saw a new plow sitting there,” he said. “I’m kind of surprised it took this long to discontinue it.”
While the 3710 will soon disappear from production, Sutter said there will still be options for farmers seeking a new moldboard. Manufacturers from Europe, such as Kuhn and Kverneland, still produce moldboard plows that are available in America, he said.
Gladhill said there was a spike of interest in moldboards when producers began planting hemp, but it has waned. Religious sects in Pennsylvania still use moldboard plows as well, he added, and Sutter said some vegetable growers still prefer them.
“We’re pricing a new 3710 right now for a vegetable grower, and we told him this will be the last chance to get one,” Sutter said. “But as far as dairy and other agriculture segments, moldboard plows really aren’t utilized anymore.”Photo provided by John Deere
Effective July 8, John Deere will discontinue production of the 3710 moldboard plow. The company cited changes in tillage practices as a factor behind the decision.
