A Killefer ripper and Yonkers & Johnson plow

The Killefer is a 6BXH combination unit and two shanks. It is factory hydraulic. Rated for 60 horse power which I doubt would get very far with those shanks. The Yonkers & Johnson is a 20 inch two bottom two way plow only 11 feet wide. Two different auctions, competing with same scrapper for both.

Thank you sir: We hope you get them for your stash. I didn’t know Y-J made anything besides ditch plows and fillers! JD Killefer implements impress me, as they still have a place on many farms; very durable. A few folks here used to buy the single shank units and refurbished them for mailbox stands!

Question for everyone: Which appeals more to you, LIVE or ONLINE auctions? Seems like the old time crowd liked them more for the social aspect; visit neighbors, kick tires and enjoy a meal; not so much to buy anything. Online is convenient for many in this modern age and less work involved for the auction company.

Like they say at a live one, your friend quit being a friend when the bidding begins! 😝 Hah!

They both followed me home. I prefer online, but these came from live auctions. Both were 8 hours long, which is a bit much.

I went to the Bright live auction back in 86. I bought 2 D2 parts tractors. That involved 3 200 mile trips. One on day of sale and 2 to retrieve, I didn't want to chance bringing both that far on my C60. I was still living on the coast then.

The recent online auction was an experience. It seems like the bidding went on for a month. The "after close" bidding continued for hours. They have some formula but as long as bidding goes on it continues. This is where the action takes place.

I would have loved to buy one of the 3 cylinders which there was a good selection but transport and my age and ambition got in the way. I have a D8, HT4, and my 8C Twenty that all need attention and I spend too much time online on forums like this.

I decided to pursue one of the HGs. I had one when I was young , my wife at the time made me sell it to buy my first D2. One of the HGs looked pristine in the ad, original paint and limited track wear. I bid that one up to an insane amount. Turns out I was bidding against my neighbor, he is not really a tractor guy. He has a field of non runners for display but is more into old cars and collectibles. The rattier one was going up in after-hours bidding also and I was keeping an eye on it. It is missing a lot of sheet metal, has a PTO, has done a lot of work. Turns out it runs good, PTO doesn't work. I paid more than I would like with buyer's premium and all. I am glad I got it, satisfied my auction jones for a while.

Tom, Mariposa CA

That two bottom plow is pretty cool, Brian. I'm looking forward to a video of it in operation : )

I call that dedication Brian. If there was something I really wanted, I would gauge the speed of the auctioneer and take a nap in my vehicle or deal with business away from the noise. By admission, it is fun to look at some of the junk/gems that are up for sale. Was that a CASE disk plow (missing blades) parked next to your items?

Tom: I rely on the photos many online auctions provide, rather than drive all over for a close up inspection. Many auctioneers will take the time with a potential buyer over the phone to assist as well. In the past, I spent too much time to look in person. The bidding platform used by the particular firm you mention, is not utilized by many others; bids on that one can drag out forever! Each is different. I like the one where the buyer has the chance for 1 or 3 minute extended bidding; another I tried is timed to close by the timer, period. Talk about some frantic slamming of bids. All in all, a great source of entertainment for some of us.

And the Yonkers and Johnson's little brother a 14 inch. Came with a RD6 I bought many years ago. And another Killefer

Brian, have you found a source of information for original Killefer and the later John Deere Killefer equipment? I have an old original Killefer that I believe is a tool carrier and a later John Deere tool carrier that has hydraulics but still has steel wheels. The older one has a data plate that says 265 120 and the newer one is 2-02. I have joined several different groups and no one seems to know much about them. The net is not helpful on these. I thought maybe you know where to get information. Thanks Grant.

I have a limited amount of pre John Deere Killefer literature. the 2-02 I believe would be a John Deere model. pictures of the units might help get me better focused.

Since we're on the topic of plows, what would you all suggest a fellow do when original plow shares are no longer available? Can I have them made to order? Cut them down from something larger? Weld a piece on (and how to treat it)? I have a small single bottom 12" plow with a share in the shape of a parallelogram with the obligatory drooping snout for suck. That snout has worn back so the plow no longer digs in as it should. Manufacturer no longer supplies the shares (Brinly) so I'm figuring what my options are. I figure if anyone would know, you all would with your experience. The JD small tractor crowd, not so much.

I have a down and dirty method for repointing plowshares which I have used successfully. Cut a 4" length of old spring tooth. Weld it on the share with about 2" on the share and 2" curving downward. It does not look pretty but it will make your plow slam into the ground. I think the steel has good wear characteristics, I have never worn one out.

I always farmed sticky clay ground. When the moldboards get rusty the plow won't scour and that muck gets stuck on there. I painted the moldboards,share and all with graphite paint. It was amazing to me how well it scoured in the stickiest soil. Depending on the abrasive quality of the soil the moldboards may be shined up by the time it wears out.