A number of different types of mole plough were made by Fowler which worked in one direction only.

At the start of each run the steersman positions the mole in an ‘eye’, cut into the side of the main drain or ditch by locating the mole using the wooden pole, then release the catch to lower the mole. The tail rope being retained by the chain stop block and release lever.

When the mole plough nears the end of the run the foot operated release lever releases the stop block and the idle engine at the lower end engages its clutch to provide the resistance to operate the lifting system, while the plough is still moving forward. The mole is raised and retained by a catch, the plough is then returned for the next run.