Oliver introduced their 4440 in 1955 as a “masterpiece in plow design.” This pull-type plow used a new pipe frame. With the growing horsepower ratings of tractors, the equipment had to experience that same growth. The need to stretch out a plow to 5 or 6 bottoms was easily accomplished with this style of plow.

The pipe frame or backbone of the plow served several purposes. The heavy-duty pipe eliminated many parts and cross braces which allowed for more clearance. This also gave the plow great stability, which held the penetration to a uniform depth. It helped the plow withstand the strains and twisting stresses created when being pulled through the field. The uniform alignment also helped reduce the wear on certain parts that might otherwise wear quickly.

This plow was supposed to be the answer to the problem of trash piling up. You could plow deeper, plow more acres and cover all the trash. The plow was designed so the entire piece lifted 7 1/2 inches off the ground. It was known as a constant-lift plow. No matter how deep you went or whether the plow was raised mechanically or hydraulically, the bottoms always lifted to the same clearance. There was also 24 inches of clearance between the share point to the beam.

While the 4440 came out as a 4-bottom, it could easily be converted to a 5-bottom plow. The pipe frame had a flange welded onto it to match up to another short section of pipe with accommodated the fifth bottom. You could also easily convert if from a 14” to a 16” plow.

Check out Oliver Heritage Issue # 17 (February / March 2007 Issues for more on this story!!!