Model of Italian turnwrest plough

Model of Italian turnwrest plough

Model of Italian Turnwrest plough

The late 18th century and early 19th century was a period of rapid development in many countries during which, the complete iron plough began to replace wooden type. Ploughs are basically two types; those either with or without land wheels, and called respectively wheel ploughs or swing ploughs. The latter are lighter in draught but require an experienced ploughman to work them; less skill is needed for wheel plough operation.

Common features of plough design such as tapering share which offers least resistance when passing through the soil, the hollowed-out and twisted mould board which turns the furrow slice, and the beam design which enables the most efficient transmission of power, are all evident in the models from those period.

The turnwrest plough can be sued as a left or right-handed plough. The two faces of the mouldboard and share are alternatively brought into use by partially rotating the body beneath the beam. This is an advantage in hilly districts.