Fred Crain Subsoiler conversion

[rickyb01]

Can I convert a Fred Crain subsoiler to a middle plow or do I have to buy them seperate.

I was going to buy a subsoiler from TSC but I can get a FC subsoiler used for the same price and I think the FC is better built. I will need to bury an electric line to a well house about 12" deep and I would like to convert it to a middle plow to plow out a ditch and break up a food plot. Thanks Rick

 

[bcp]

Some will convert, with or without an adapter/spacer to adjust the angle.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/108919-what-sub-soilers-middle-busters.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/243311-subsoiler-middle-buster.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...sub-soilers-middle-busters-3.html#post2824813

 

[rickyb01]

Thanks BCP for the threads.

After reading them I still don't know if a Fred Crain subsoiler can convert to a middlebuster. I can buy a FC subsoiler or a combo unit from TSC. If the FC will convert I will buy it because I think it's better built. Rick

 

[rickyb01]

Just called FC and they said no it can't. It looks like TSC is getting the business. Rick

 

[JoelT]

Sure it can. Hole center differences between the tooth and the furrower would be the only reason I can think of that someone would say you can't convert. Mine were different (KK std subsoiler - strong as any of them) but I shifted the furrower up and drilled a third hole. I use a couple of oversized nuts on a longer carriage bolt to increase the angle. Works great. Also, the price I saw on the Crain unit seemed way high. Any 100lb subsoiler should be around $175 or so. Way less on specials - mine was $98 plus $30 for the furrower blade.

 

[rickyb01]

The guy wants 175 for the fc. Hardly used but may borrow one until I find a better deal. Thanks guys

 

[JoelT]

Forgot to mention....the combo units I've seen are half the weight, 40 or 50lbs - not sure how strong that leaves them.

 

[Herkypilot]

The guy wants 175 for the fc. Hardly used but may borrow one until I find a better deal. Thanks guys

$175 for a Fred Cain Subsoiler is a good deal. New ones are over a $100 more than that. I intend to use mine as a middle buster - I bought the bolts I needed from TSC to do it when I need it. Just need a spacer on the rear bolt.

 

[Redbug]

I have Fred Cain subsoiler and and use it as a middle buster. Just like Joel said.

When you get your subsoiler, unbolt the tooth on the foot, and bolt on a furrower blade in it's place. The hole alignment is the same for the furrower blade and the tooth. That's what I do. Two tools in one for less than $15, (for a blade).

I use a 12 incher on my subsoiler. You adjust your top link for the blade angle.
12 X 4.75 Mm Furrower

Here's a few other sizes to make your decision harder...(and you can also go to the store and measure the width of a middle buster blade).
Agri Supply - Search

 

[rickyb01]

Thanks again guys and Dave thanks for making it easy to see how you converted it.
I borrowed a friends old JD subsoiler and we welded a pie e of angle iron to the back for the plastic conduit sweep and ran 150 foot of wire. Went perfect and just like I had read on here. Ran tractor over area Couple of times and it looked almost like we had never been there.
I have just bought my first tractor and really glad I have found this site. You guys are great and I thank you for your imput on all post