A disc plough is commonly used for primary tillage, soil cutting and soil turning before planting. However, buyers often need to choose between a hydraulic two way disc plough and a conventional mounted one way disc plough.
Both implements use rotating concave discs to penetrate and turn the upper soil layer, but their working direction, hydraulic requirements, tractor matching, field efficiency and purchase cost are different.
Choosing the wrong structure may cause unnecessary turning time, excessive tractor load, unstable working depth, hydraulic incompatibility or higher equipment investment than the farm requires.
This guide explains the main differences and helps farmers, agricultural contractors, machinery dealers and importers select a suitable disc plough.
A one way disc plough uses a row of concave discs arranged to cut and turn the soil toward one fixed direction.
As the tractor moves forward, the discs rotate through contact with the ground, cut into the upper soil layer and move the soil toward one side.
At the end of a field pass, the operator normally turns the tractor, repositions the implement and begins the next pass according to the field layout.
The BSM 1LYQ mounted one way disc plough is available with approximately two to six discs for tractors from about 18HP to 160HP.
A hydraulic two way disc plough, also called a hydraulic reversible disc plough, can change its working direction through a hydraulic reversing system.
After completing one pass, the operator can use the tractor hydraulic system to change the orientation of the plough. The tractor can then continue working in the opposite direction while maintaining a more consistent soil-turning pattern.
This design can reduce repeated repositioning, empty return travel and time spent adjusting the implement at the headland.
The BSM hydraulic two way disc plough is designed for tractors of approximately 65–120HP and is available with three to five discs.
| Comparison | One Way Disc Plough | Hydraulic Two Way Disc Plough |
|---|---|---|
| Working Direction | Turns soil toward one fixed direction | Can change working direction hydraulically |
| Hydraulic Reversing | Not normally required | Required for direction change |
| Typical Tractor Range | Approximately 18–160HP, depending on model | Approximately 65–120HP for the current BSM range |
| Disc Options | Approximately 2–6 discs | Approximately 3–5 discs |
| Field Turning | Requires more repositioning according to field layout | Supports faster directional change at the headland |
| Operating Complexity | Relatively simple | More hydraulic and structural components |
| Purchase Cost | Normally lower | Normally higher due to hydraulic reversing structure |
| Suitable Farm Size | Small, medium and large farms depending on model | Medium and larger fields with repeated long passes |
| Maintenance | Discs, bearings, hubs, bolts and frame | Discs and frame plus hydraulic cylinders, hoses and joints |
Working direction is the most important difference between the two structures.
A one way plough turns soil toward one fixed side. The operator must plan the field route according to the direction of soil movement.
On small or irregular plots, this may not create a major problem because each pass is relatively short and the tractor already needs frequent turning.
A hydraulic two way model can change the working orientation at the end of each pass. This helps the tractor work back and forth across the field more continuously.
The design is particularly useful in longer rectangular fields where repeated empty travel would otherwise reduce daily efficiency.
A hydraulic two way disc plough can offer higher operating efficiency when the field is large enough to benefit from continuous back-and-forth working.
The hydraulic system allows the operator to reverse the working direction without manually repositioning the implement. This may help reduce:
- Empty return travel
- Repeated headland adjustments
- Time spent realigning the tractor
- Uneven field finishing caused by inconsistent routes
- Operator fatigue during long working periods
However, a one way plough may still be more economical on small fields where the tractor makes short passes, where working time is not the main limitation or where hydraulic reversing is not necessary.
A more advanced structure does not automatically mean it is the best choice for every farm.
Tractor horsepower is an important matching factor, but it is not the only factor.
The current BSM hydraulic two way disc plough range is designed for agricultural tractors from approximately 65HP to 120HP. The available configurations include approximately three to five discs.
The BSM mounted one way disc plough range covers a wider tractor power range, from approximately 18HP to 160HP, with two to six disc configurations.
| Tractor Power | General Selection Direction | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| 18–35HP | Small one way disc plough | Confirm implement weight and rear lifting capacity |
| 35–60HP | Compact or medium one way disc plough | Choose disc quantity according to soil resistance |
| 65–80HP | One way or compact hydraulic two way disc plough | Hydraulic interface and tractor weight are important |
| 80–100HP | Medium hydraulic two way or one way disc plough | Suitable for medium dryland operations |
| 100–120HP | Larger hydraulic two way configuration | Confirm disc quantity, working depth and lifting capacity |
| Above 120HP | Large one way or specially matched heavy-duty plough | Do not select only by engine power |
These ranges are general matching directions, not fixed rules. Final selection depends on tractor weight, drive type, hydraulic system, lifting capacity, disc diameter, implement weight, soil condition and required working depth.
A tractor may have sufficient engine horsepower but still lack enough operating weight to pull a heavy plough efficiently.
When the implement creates high draft resistance, a tractor that is too light may experience:
- Excessive wheel slip
- Unstable forward speed
- Shallow or inconsistent penetration
- Poor directional control
- Higher fuel use per cultivated area
- Difficulty lifting the implement safely
Tractor operating weight, tire condition, ballast and four-wheel-drive traction should therefore be checked together with engine horsepower.
A disc plough produces significant resistance because the discs must penetrate, cut and move the soil.
A 4WD tractor transfers power to both the front and rear axles. Compared with a similar 2WD tractor, it normally provides:
- Better traction in dry and firm soil
- Reduced rear-wheel slip
- More stable working speed
- Improved steering control
- Better performance on uneven land
- More effective use of engine power
Four-wheel drive is particularly useful when using a hydraulic two way disc plough on medium and larger dryland fields.
Explore more BSM four-wheel-drive agricultural tractors .
A one way disc plough normally uses the rear three-point linkage for lifting and lowering, but it does not need a hydraulic reversing circuit.
A hydraulic two way disc plough needs a suitable tractor hydraulic system to control the reversing movement.
Before ordering, confirm:
- Whether the tractor has suitable hydraulic outlets
- Hydraulic pressure and flow compatibility
- Type and size of hydraulic connectors
- Rear hydraulic lifting capacity
- Three-point linkage category
- Hose routing and working clearance
- Condition of the hydraulic cylinder and seals
A tractor without the correct hydraulic interface may require modification or may not be suitable for the reversible structure.
The current BSM hydraulic two way disc plough range provides an approximate working width of 900–1500mm and an approximate working depth of 200–300mm, depending on configuration and field conditions.
Disc diameter is approximately 660–710mm for the current range.
A wider and deeper configuration creates more draft resistance. Therefore, the widest model should not automatically be selected simply because the tractor falls within the recommended horsepower range.
Working depth is affected by:
- Soil hardness
- Soil moisture
- Disc sharpness and wear
- Implement angle
- Tractor weight and traction
- Operating speed
- Amount of roots and crop residue
Both one way and hydraulic two way disc ploughs can be used for primary tillage in dry, firm, clay or residue-covered fields.
| Field Condition | One Way Disc Plough | Hydraulic Two Way Disc Plough |
|---|---|---|
| Small Dry Field | Highly suitable | Possible, but hydraulic structure may not be necessary |
| Medium Rectangular Field | Suitable | Highly suitable for repeated passes |
| Large Dryland Farm | Suitable with correct model | Suitable where reduced turning time is important |
| Hard Surface Soil | Suitable with correct tractor matching | Suitable with sufficient tractor weight and traction |
| Sticky Clay Soil | Suitable under proper moisture conditions | Suitable under proper moisture conditions |
| Moderate Crop Residue | Suitable | Suitable |
| Irregular Small Plots | Often more practical | Hydraulic reversing advantage may be limited |
| Long Straight Passes | Requires more route planning | Reversible structure offers greater advantage |
A mounted one way disc plough is normally the more practical choice for many small farms.
It offers:
- Simpler structure
- Lower initial investment
- Fewer hydraulic components
- Easy operation and maintenance
- More model choices for low-power tractors
- Compact turning on small plots
For a small family farm using an 18HP, 30HP, 40HP or 50HP tractor, a correctly matched one way disc plough is usually sufficient.
Read the related application case: 50HP 4WD Tractor with 3-Disc 1LYQ Plough for Small Dryland Farms .
A hydraulic two way disc plough is often more suitable for medium or larger farms with long working passes.
Its main advantages include:
- Hydraulic working-direction change
- Reduced empty travel at the headland
- More continuous back-and-forth operation
- Improved efficiency on larger fields
- Reduced manual repositioning
- More consistent soil-turning direction
- Suitable for medium and high-power tractors
- Practical for agricultural contractors and commercial farms
This structure is particularly relevant for 70HP, 80HP, 90HP, 100HP and 120HP tractors when the hydraulic system, tractor weight and lifting capacity are properly matched.
A one way disc plough normally has a lower purchase cost because the structure is simpler.
It may be the better economic choice when:
- The farm area is small
- Daily operating hours are limited
- The tractor has no suitable hydraulic outlet
- The operator prefers simple maintenance
- Field efficiency is not the main purchasing factor
A hydraulic two way disc plough normally requires a higher initial investment, but it may reduce operating time on larger fields.
The correct economic comparison should consider:
- Purchase price
- Daily working area
- Fuel used during empty travel
- Operator working time
- Hydraulic maintenance
- Replacement parts
- Expected annual operating hours
- Inspect disc wear and damage
- Check bearings and hubs
- Tighten frame and linkage bolts
- Inspect scrapers and supports
- Remove soil and residue after operation
- Lubricate required rotating points
- Complete all normal disc plough inspections
- Check hydraulic hoses for cracks or leakage
- Inspect cylinder rods and seals
- Check hydraulic connectors
- Inspect reversing pivots and locking points
- Confirm smooth movement before entering the field
The hydraulic model has more components, so correct maintenance is important for stable long-term operation.
- Simple and proven structure
- Lower purchasing cost
- Available for a wider tractor horsepower range
- Suitable for small and irregular plots
- Fewer hydraulic requirements
- Easy maintenance
- Suitable for general dryland primary tillage
- Hydraulic reversing function
- Reduced empty travel at the headland
- Improved efficiency on larger fields
- Convenient back-and-forth operation
- Reduced manual repositioning
- More consistent soil-turning direction
- Suitable for medium and high-power tractors
- Practical for agricultural contractors and commercial farms
Choose a mounted one way disc plough when:
- Your tractor is below approximately 65HP
- Your farm is small or divided into irregular plots
- You want a lower purchasing cost
- Your tractor has limited hydraulic outlets
- You prefer a simpler implement
- You do not need frequent directional changes
- You need a compact primary tillage solution
Choose a hydraulic two way disc plough when:
- Your tractor is approximately 65–120HP
- Your tractor has suitable hydraulic outlets
- You operate medium or large fields
- Your fields have long back-and-forth passes
- You want to reduce empty return travel
- Daily working efficiency is important
- You are an agricultural contractor
- You need a more continuous ploughing route
Before requesting a recommendation, provide the following information:
- Tractor brand and model
- Engine horsepower
- 2WD or 4WD configuration
- Tractor operating weight
- Rear hydraulic lifting capacity
- Three-point linkage category
- Available hydraulic outlets
- Hydraulic connector type
- Farm size
- Field shape and turning space
- Soil type and moisture
- Amount of roots, weeds and residue
- Required working width
- Required working depth
- Destination country and port
It is normally more efficient on medium and large fields where the reversible structure reduces turning and empty travel. On small irregular plots, the advantage may be limited.
The current BSM hydraulic two way disc plough range is designed mainly for approximately 65–120HP tractors. A 50HP tractor is normally better matched with a suitable compact one way disc plough.
A suitable 70HP tractor may work with either a medium one way disc plough or a compact hydraulic two way model. Final selection depends on tractor weight, hydraulic outlets, lifting capacity, soil resistance and disc quantity.
The discs rotate through contact with the soil, so the plough does not normally require PTO power. However, the reversing function requires a compatible hydraulic system.
A one way disc plough is generally easier to maintain because it has fewer hydraulic components. A hydraulic two way model also requires inspection of cylinders, hoses, connectors and reversing joints.
Both types can work in hard or dry soil when correctly matched. Tractor weight, 4WD traction, disc diameter, working depth and soil moisture are more important than working direction alone.
Yes. HENAN BEST Machinery (BSM) can supply a tractor, disc plough and other matched implements according to farm conditions and destination requirements.
View the BSM hydraulic two way disc plough for 65–120HP tractors .
View the BSM mounted one way disc plough for 18–160HP tractors .
Read the application case: 70HP 4WD Tractor with Mounted One Way Disc Plough for Dryland Farming .
Read the related comparison guide: Disc Plough vs Mouldboard Plough: Which One Is Better for Your Farm? .
Explore more BSM disc ploughs .
Explore more implements for four-wheel tractors .
Explore more BSM four-wheel farm tractors .