Okay, I realize that this may be in the wrong forum. But, I do know that Rome Plows had some armor on them.
I had the wonderful idea (at 4AM) that I should replicate a Viet Nam era Rome Plow. So, I looked through the web, and found some info. Which is why I am here. To get more info.
I acquired a couple of manuals on track-dozers and such. And, a couple of very grainy photos showing the dozers on flatbeds.
What I need to know is the model of dozer, how they were transported, the configuration of the cab, etc. You know, the standard stuff.
I am planning on incorporating all of this into a display with the quad .50 gun truck (ADA) I am currently working on. BTW, anybody know where I can acquire a quad mount for less than $16K?
I would recommend post going to the Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club site and searching there. I recall seeing some discussions about rome plows there a few years ago.
I have seen pictures of them on Cat D7's, probably D7D's or D7E's, and D5's of the same vintage. To get any serious work done you would need it on the D7. When I first got in the USAR back in 92 we had one that we could use with our D7G's, I have no idea how old it was but it was old and "off the books".
Ok, I'll bite....what is this "Rome Plow" ? never heard the term? The rest of you guys pay attention too........and a Roman Plow looks like......?
It is a blade that replaces the normal blade on a bulldozer to use it for clearing trees and brush. It is an open frame that allows dirt and small things to pass, but rips up small trees and brush.
Great for clearing fields of fire or roadsides in the jungle.
They got the name because they were made in Rome Georgia.
Before the use of Civilian Tree Clearing machinery was widely available many construction companys used them to clear new roadways, subdivisions, etc., around North and South Carolina. I have seen many at use on civilian projects in the 80's and early 90's but not lately. Most were on CAT D8's
What you are describing sounds like a brush rake. I've worked with a vietnam vet and he talked about '' Roman plows''. He described it as two giant '' shaped like jacks, the kind kids play with'' steel I beams , an x if you will, with two more legs at right angles to the x. 12' or more in diameter,made in the field. These were attached together with ships anchor chain, and hooked to two D8's, one one each end,side by side. Seems as tho he said it was 150 ,200 foot wide with the jacks spaced equally between the 8's and each other . They would then pull this thu the jungle tearing out everthing in its path.He said it would start rolling every thing up in a giant ball, looked like a twister went thru, nothing left standing. When they eventually couldnt pull it any more, un hook the 8,s then burn it , and start over. Mike is the only one I've heard talk about something like this. Andy.....
You will need to find a Cat D7 of the appropriate Viet Nam era, and go from there. Military tractors are out there, but are not always easy to find. I would recommend a D7E 48A or 47A series. They were hauled on M172 trailers by M123 ten tons. To up-armor, 1/4 plate could be welded to the ROPS canopy. Finding the tractor and the plow will be a challenge. Start by buying the "Heavy Equipment Trader" at your local stop and rob. Tractors this old are considered "ranch tractors" come up for sale all the time for around $15,000. As mentioned earlier, the Rome plows have been replaced by machines that grind brush to chips, so somewhere a contractor has a plow they are no longer using and may need to sell it. I would love to see your finished product. I am restoring a WWII D7 7M series for similar reasons.
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Do your research on the 62nd Engineers in Vietnam. They used rome plows. I have a good "internet" friend who is a vet of the 62nd and he worked rome plows in RVN.
Also check out Dave Doyles first issue as Editor of the Supply line, on the cover was a rome plow of the 62nd being pulled by one of their M123's. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT!!!!! Outstandind idea!!! Another untold story about vietnam being preserved!!!!
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Need some info on Rome Plows
