The rotary (vertical) plow offered by DMS is capable of penetrating sod 12” deep in a single pass and establishing a rough trail bench in just a few passes. It is typically the first attachment used to move dirt in new singletrack trail construction.
Essentially the rotary plow has a vertical shaft with 4 spiral blades (plowshares) rotating at up to 250 rpm (depending on engine speed). The soil in front of the plow is cut into and then immediately centrifugally discharged to the side. In each pass through sod, the plow will leave a roughly V-shaped 10-12 inch depth of worked soil.
The plow works 8-10” wide per pass and multiple side-by-side passes, typically starting high on the slope and working down, will quickly and easily establish a rough trail bench. The cutting tips on the bottoms of the plow blades are reversible in 4 positions to achieve maximum life, and easily and inexpensively replaceable when worn out.
The horizontal movement of the blades through the soil is much less violent than a rototiller when hitting rocks, tree roots, etc. The plow will cut many roots and will turn out substantially sized (up to basketball-sized) rocks with little effort or drama.
The rotary plow specified by DMS is of a swivel/reversible variety. The plow has two plowshare rotors that turn opposite directions driven from a central gearbox mounted on a balanced swivel. This allows the plow to be easily flipped to discharge material out the right or left sides. Designed for hillside work and terracing in agriculture, this feature is optimal for initial bench construction. Typically in trail construction, the spoils will be broadcast/discharged downslope.
The plow weighs approximately 150 lbs and is typically used with a front counter-weight for optimal tractor balance.