Tillage type
Combination disk and chisel tool
Great Plains tillage ยท 2000s to present
Great Plains Max-Chisel
Great Plains Max-Chisel is a combination disk and chisel tool for primary tillage, residue incorporation, and field leveling. It has been offered in configurations of roughly 3.4 to 7.3 m, combining front disk gangs, chisel shanks, and rear finishing equipment.
Working width
Typically about 3.4 to 7.3 m
Working depth
Typically about 10 to 30 cm
Production years
2000s to present
Great Plains Max-Chisel specifications
| Tillage type | Combination disk and chisel tool |
|---|---|
| Working width | Typically about 3.4 to 7.3 m |
| Working depth | Typically about 10 to 30 cm |
| Production years | 2000s to present |
| Number of shanks | Varies by model, commonly about 7 to 17 |
| Number of blades | Varies by model and disk-gang configuration |
| Disk blade size | Typically 56 to 61 cm |
| Blade/shank spacing | Typically about 38 cm shank spacing |
| Horsepower required | Roughly 20 to 30 hp per shank |
What the Max-Chisel is used for
Max-Chisel combines residue cutting and mixing by the front disks with deeper loosening from its chisel shanks. It is used after harvest where moderate primary tillage and residue incorporation are desired in one pass. The rear finishing system levels ridges and helps prepare the field for later finishing or planting.
Why the Great Plains Max-Chisel stands out
The disk-and-chisel arrangement combines surface residue management with deeper soil fracturing. Shank protection and replaceable points are intended to handle variable field conditions. A rear basket, reel, or comparable attachment improves surface leveling.
Buying a used Great Plains Max-Chisel
Examine shanks, reset assemblies, points, and shank mounts for fatigue, cracks, and repaired welds. Inspect disk gangs for worn blades, noisy bearings, and loose hardware, and check rear finishing equipment for damaged bars or bearings. Test depth, lift, and fold hydraulics, then inspect tyres and wheel hubs.
Great Plains Max-Chisel frequently asked questions
Is a Max-Chisel a chisel plough or a disk?
It is a combination tool, with front disk gangs for residue cutting and mixing plus chisel shanks for deeper loosening.
How much horsepower does it require?
Requirements vary with soil and depth, but roughly 20 to 30 hp per shank is a useful planning range.
What can cause an uneven finish?
Uneven disk gangs, worn points, inconsistent depth settings, or damaged and poorly adjusted rear finishing equipment are common causes.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by model, configuration and setup, so confirm against the manufacturer's records. Working widths, depths and weights are converted to metric and rounded. Match the implement to your tractor's power and your soil type. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.