3 pt single shank sub-soilers

   / 3 pt single shank sub-soilers #1  

spruce Deere

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 1, 2009
Messages
1,074
Location
Northmost Idaho
Tractor
John Deere 790 with loader LS xr3140h also with loader plus a cab
I got an ol' no.15 a dinosaur of a deere draw bar pull sub-soiler that works but is large, cantankerous and finicky to raise when ya' pull on the trip lift rope and not to mention has its own ideas of depth after I have set it for a desired depth. But when it decides to work with me, its a beautiful thing....

I know I would sub-soil more if the experience was more "work" oriented and not argumentative. Its size, roughly as long as a brontosaurus, is not really up to smaller areas I tend to work. I've tried using the boxblade angled hard for a sorry excuse for sub-soil'n, just cannot get the depth.

So, been look'n at different 3 pt sub-soilers for the 790. Everything from some "pretzeled" ones that different TBN members have experiences and posted pics of, to what looks like the king of them all the Fred Cain sub-soiler. A non-shear bolt model would be fine, I generally sub-soil slow to very slow anyway.

I like the simplicity of the kk, county line, tarter sub-soilers. But from what I have seen, quality is very brand/build dependent. Frontier has a nice simple 3 pt sub-soiler also and looks to be built the heaviest out of the non-shear bolt models, for the typical 100 bucks more of the next comparable model.

Building one is an option, I can be swayed rather easily ether direction if I find something that strikes my affordable fancy.

So, what sub-soiler do you use and how do you like it??
 
   / 3 pt single shank sub-soilers #2  
I got one from TSC about 5 years ago, not sure if it is county line or KK; it was yellow so I think KK. I have used it to bust lots of 8" roots and it is still straight as new. The main upright is made from about 3/4 inch steel. I think this is the same one: Amazon.com: King Kutter Sub-Soiler, Model# SUB: Home Improvement

When I got it from TSC is only had the middlebuster blade so I made a subsoiler blade from an old shredder blade.
 
   / 3 pt single shank sub-soilers #3  
I suspect the KK pictured in bikerdib's post would be about all a 790 could handle. I would see about bracing it up before use though and check the welds on it. I have one like it and haven't really used it yet but plan on bracing it before it becomes a pretzel. These are only good for a ft or better. My larger parabolic subsoiler works pretty well, don't have a picture of it handy but here's a Deere picture of it.
 

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   / 3 pt single shank sub-soilers
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Thanks for the info bikerdib and jenkinsph:thumbsup: Thats is usefull information. I install gardens now and again and have been just using the box blade for the 'ground breaking work' befor using anything elts.... Its amazing how far tree roots will go and where one finds them, even with the absents of any trees:D

So far, I'm leaning toward that type of sub-soiler.
 
   / 3 pt single shank sub-soilers #5  
The heavier sub-soilers work really well but you may be unable to pull it to the depth you want to go. I have a thread out there on rebuilding such a ripper you could look at.
Worth noting is the current thinking on depth of a chisel plow is to only go maybe 12" to 14" max because it inverts the soil layers and does more damage than good beyond that depth. The days of 30" ripping are over.
 
   / 3 pt single shank sub-soilers #6  
The heavier sub-soilers work really well but you may be unable to pull it to the depth you want to go. I have a thread out there on rebuilding such a ripper you could look at.
Worth noting is the current thinking on depth of a chisel plow is to only go maybe 12" to 14" max because it inverts the soil layers and does more damage than good beyond that depth. The days of 30" ripping are over.

Link? To your rebuild?
 
   / 3 pt single shank sub-soilers #7  
I have and use one of the dino. deere subs. also and love it in my gardens!---always run it 36" deep--pull with AC 190xt diesel tractor. its a load but takes big horse in front of them!
I made a smaller 3-pt model for a smaller tractor that only goes half that deep and was not at all pleased with it!
I also made a 2 shank pull type using DMI shanks and it works ok, but requires many trips over the ground!---NOT good!--I like the deere one pass jobber! thanks; sonny580
 
   / 3 pt single shank sub-soilers
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Thanks everyone:D
I like that style of sub-soiler sixdogs. The deere dealer hear has had one of that style since I bought the 790, four years ago. Can't seem to talk them down on price on that item even with considerable' lot rot'. I can buy the Fred Cain model, have it shipped to me clean across this great country for less that what they want for there at least four year old sub-soiler sitting right there on the lot....... Hmmm, maybe I should try that line on them:laughing:.

Far as depth, 18 inches or so would be fine with me. Thats more than I can get from the box blade and try to get with ol' no 15.... Far as ripping depth, there is different schools of thought and different soil situations, but I am limited by H.P anyhow:D
 
   / 3 pt single shank sub-soilers #10  
Subsoilers are made to be pulled straight. Turning the tractors direction while pulling them will bend them.
 
 
 
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