Subsoiler/Middle Buster

[schoolsout]

Are they all pretty much "switchable" from one to the other?

Anyone have a preference as to which brand? I think "Hawkline" or whatever was about $220 or so for the combo unit. Is that a good one for the money? If not, is there another brand people out there like?

 

[IslandTractor]

Most are not switchable. I recall King Kutter makes a switchable model.

A subsoiler typically has a significantly longer shaft than a middle buster. A middle buster is after all just a double sided plow while the subsoiler is intended to get below plow depth to break up the pan.

 

[schoolsout]

I'm hoping to use the subsoiler to rip smaller roots up from just below the surface so it doesn't really need to be too long. Just had some pines (and smaller trees between) cleared and would like to start popping the roots/smaller stumps up (if possible with our MF 1533).

Does that sound doable? Soil is sandy.

 

[Ford850]

I bought a subsoiler from TSC. I then bought a middlebuster blade from Agri supply that fits right on it. In sandy soil, my subsoiler will rip out roots as you describe.

 

[radioman]

getting a "switchable model" yes.:laughing:

I'd say using a subsoiler in sandy soil to rip pine roots sounds doable with your size tractor. I just hope the stumps are not over 12 inch in diameter since pine roots in clay can be over 6 inches in diameter. I am not sure about sandy soil. Just go slow and if you encounter a root you cant "plow through to rip" hopefully your 3 pt lift will pull it out in a somewhat cutting action while applying forward direction.

 

[Sassi]

I am going today to purchase a subsoiler to use to loosen up Georgia red clay so I have an easier go at picking that clay up with my FEL. I have a middle buster with the wide plow on it as was mentioned. I have used it for years to help lay off my garden rows. I considered getting a narrower plow head, but on the implement I have now that would require a very short length narrow plow head for subsoiler use. I want a longer plow head on my subsoiler.

The one thing that I have noticed is that all the new subsoilers, or middle busters are not made the same, or priced the same. Some are made a lot stronger, with thicker metal, and support brackets to help keep the part that goes into the ground more stabilized. Some look very flimsy and have what appear to be what I call subpar welds on them. The prices i have seen vary from $119 to $299. The one i am picking up later today has the support brackets and appears to be well made. The price is $200.

 

[schoolsout]

I am going today to purchase a subsoiler to use to loosen up Georgia red clay so I have an easier go at picking that clay up with my FEL. I have a middle buster with the wide plow on it as was mentioned. I have used it for years to help lay off my garden rows. I considered getting a narrower plow head, but on the implement I have now that would require a very short length narrow plow head for subsoiler use. I want a longer plow head on my subsoiler.

The one thing that I have noticed is that all the new subsoilers, or middle busters are not made the same, or priced the same. Some are made a lot stronger, with thicker metal, and support brackets to help keep the part that goes into the ground more stabilized. Some look very flimsy and have what appear to be what I call subpar welds on them. The prices i have seen vary from $119 to $299. The one i am picking up later today has the support brackets and appears to be well made. The price is $200.

Yea...I've noticed the cheaper ones, too. Don't want anything that looks like it would break on me. I'm thinking the $200 range is what I'm looking for.

Any good brand recos for a subsoiler in that range?

 

[JoelT]

KK has 3 versions only one of which is interchangeable and it weighs around 50lbs, half what the other 2 do. I bought a "std" subsoiler on closeout for $98. It has a long shaft that rips almost 21"+ if neccessary and able. The rip tooth back plate has a shallower angle and 2" center holes . All furrower plow heads, even KK's seem to have 2 1/4" centered holes. One's on order and I'll accommodate that somehow though.

 

[djradz]

Many of the middle-busters and often the combo units will not have as long of a shaft and thus won't go as deep as many of the subsoilers.

 

[Baby Grand]

KK has 3 versions only one of which is interchangeable and it weighs around 50lbs, half what the other 2 do. I bought a "std" subsoiler on closeout for $98. It has a long shaft that rips almost 21"+ if neccessary and able. The rip tooth back plate has a shallower angle and 2" center holes . All furrower plow heads, even KK's seem to have 2 1/4" centered holes. One's on order and I'll accommodate that somehow though.

Sounds like the one I have.
Just posted on another thread about setting it up to use a potato plow/middle buster (see posts #24 & 33):
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/108919-what-sub-soilers-middle-busters-4.html
I've used mine to grub out about a dozen hardwood stumps up to 8" diameter. Not quite a backhoe, but gets the job done as long as it's not too big and you can get all around it.