How to Make a Small Outdoor Fountain from an Antique Tractor Disc

Turn an antique farm disc into a unique small outdoor fountain for your yard or garden.

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Upcycled Garden Water Fountain

If you are looking for a creative way to spruce up your backyard, flower garden, or patio area, adding an outdoor water fountain is a great way to do it. Water features add a stunning visual element and can tie a space together to make it feel complete.

Knowing my love for antiques and do-it-yourself projects, I didn’t choose an ordinary store-bought water fountain for our yard! Instead, we transformed an antique farm disc into a one-of-a-kind water fountain.

It might look like a big project, but this unique DIY water fountain comes together in just a few steps with a bit of preparation, and the result is truly incredible!

What is an Antique Farm Disc?

You may be wondering what an antique farm disc is. Also called a tractor disk harrow or a farm harrow, a farm disc is a piece of agricultural equipment that attaches to the back of a tractor. The metal discs serve as cutting edges to break up large clumps of dirt to prepare the soil for planting.

You will want to use an antique farm disc for this DIY project. A little age and rust gives your outdoor fountain a lot of character!

Materials Needed to Make a Small Outdoor Fountain from a Farm Disc

Where to Find a Vintage Tractor Disc

When hunting for a tractor disc harrow, you will want to look for one approximately 5 feet tall with at least five or more discs roughly 14 inches in diameter and spaced about 6 inches apart.

Keep an eye out for farm estate sales or used farm equipment sales in your area. You can also find them for sale online if you cannot find one locally.

How to Make an Outdoor Fountain

Step 1: Choose Your Location

When choosing the best location for your outdoor fountain, there are a few things you want to keep in mind.

First, the location needs to have electrical access for your water pump. Without it, you won’t be able to circulate water through your tiered disc fountain.

Secondly, the water container reservoir needs to be recessed into the ground. Then, a disappearing water feature basin can be used for in-ground installations. They sit flush with the ground and make maintenance super easy.

Step 2: Drill a Hole in the Center of the Tractor Disc

Use a ½-inch to ⅝-inch drill bit to create a hole through the center axle of your disc harrow. This can be tricky, so you may need to take your disc to a machine shop, or find find a gun specialist like we did with the right long bit for the job.

Step 3: Weld a Stand to Your Outdoor Fountain

To help your outdoor fountain stand upright, weld a three-legged metal base to the bottom of the disc. You’ll likely need help from a local welder unless you have the proper tools at home.

Step 4: Choose and Prepare the Water Basin

Purchase a water basin with a diameter that will fit the legs of the upright disc and at least 14 inches deep to hold water circulating through the fountain.

In addition, it is best if you place a metal grate over the water basin to limit debris from falling into the water and clogging up your pump.

Remember, the legs must fit through the grate to stand supported by the bottom of the water basin.

Step 5: Select a Submersible Water Pump

Look for a submersible electric water pump that can handle at least 150 gallons per hour. An adjustable flow pump is ideal, so you can control the water bubbling from the top.

Step 6: Dig a Hole for the Water Basin

Next, dig a hole for the fountain’s water basin that will allow about a 2-inch lip above the ground for the container. Make sure it is secure, and then place the submersible pump into the basin.

Step 7: Connect the Plastic Tubing

Carefully thread your plastic tubing up the bottom of the disc fountain so that it fits inside the hole drilled in the bottom of the tractor disk.

Then set your outdoor fountain in place making sure the fountain legs fit through the top grate and rest on the bottom of the water basin.

Connect your plastic tubing from the bottom of the fountain to the water pump and make sure it fits snugly.

Step 8: Fill Your Outdoor Fountain with Water

To finish, fill your water basin with water and plug the submersible pump into a 110V outlet. Adjust the pump setting as needed until you get the perfect bubbling flow from the top of your fountain.

Once the water is flowing, your antique farm disc fountain is all set! For a nice finishing touch, try adding small river rocks around the base and over the grate. This creates a disappearing water effect that looks beautiful and helps everything blend into your garden.

Benefits of an Outdoor Fountain

Small outdoor fountains can bring more than beauty and charm to your outdoor space. The sound of the water is so soothing and really helps create a peaceful atmosphere in the garden. You might want to add a small seating area nearby, like this DIY outdoor garden bench or a cozy spot on the porch, so you have a relaxing place to sit and enjoy the view at the end of the day.

If you’re a wildlife lover, you’ll be happy to know that water fountains can also double as a bird bath. They often attract birds, frogs, butterflies, and other small wildlife looking for a drink or a place to cool off. It’s such a fun way to bring even more life and movement into your garden

Who would have thought a rusty antique farm disc could be transformed into a beautiful water fountain, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature?

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Final Thoughts

Creating this fountain from an old tractor disc was such a rewarding project and a wonderful way to add vintage charm to the garden. I love how the gentle sound of the water makes the space feel calm and inviting. It’s also a great way to repurpose something old into something beautiful.

I hope this inspires you to try your own version. If you do, I’d love to see what you come up with.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy crafting!