How tough is a middle buster

[Hooked_on_HP]

I need to cut some trenches through a sparsely wooded area. The trenches only need to be about 8" deep. I was thinking of using a middle buster first then tapering the sides with the BB. I know I am going to hit some roots and am wondering if the MB will go through them. Has anyone ever sharpened the front edge of the shank.

[TrippleT]

If you have a subsoiler, I would use that first, to rip through roots. After making a trench then I would use the middle buster. If you don't have the subsoiler you might make one to fit in place of the middle buster plow point. The plow can bend. Some frames have shear bolts and some don't. If you have a powerful tractor you might bend the frame for the plow, if yours doesn't have the shear bolt. I built mine, and it is strong enough to stop the tractor in its tracks, so I don't worry about damage to the frame of the plow. Many years ago I worked for a John deere dealer and we had a blacksmith shop. It had a forge and electric driven hammer. The blacksmith sharpened plow points for about everyone around there. I think you could sharpen the point.

[flusher]

I need to cut some trenches through a sparsely wooded area. The trenches only need to be about 8" deep. I was thinking of using a middle buster first then tapering the sides with the BB. I know I am going to hit some roots and am wondering if the MB will go through them. Has anyone ever sharpened the front edge of the shank.

How wide are you planning to make these trenches?

Here's what my lawn area looks like after being plowed with a KK middle buster and a 21-hp (engine) Kubota B7510HST. Didn't encounter any roots so I don't know how the MB handles that problem. But in fairly soft ground with the 3pt in float, I can bury the MB to where the lower lift arms are almost dragging on the ground. Of course, the 7510 can't plow like that so I raise the plow a few inches to get the tractor going without lugging the engine too much. The furrows I plowed are about 6 inches deep since I don't need to go deeper just to plant grass. Next step is rototilling with my Yanmar RS-1200 tiller (4-ft wide).

Don't see why you can't use your MB to get your job done.

[Smithla]

I found that the weak point is the shaft where the plow point is bolted on. I hit a root and heard a "Chink" sound, and looked back to see half of my unit laying in the garden. Some angle iron, and a few welding rods, and its now stronger than before. It also helps not to run 4th gear/low speed, can't get on the clutch fast enough to keep from breaking things.

SeeYa,

[deereman64]

I ve found the biggest problem when doing this is the tendency for the MB to float up when hitting hard or stony ground. Solution was for my son to stand on the three point ...the extra weight did the trick.
Another point is to keep going and not try to back up and make another cut. The tractor will end up going into the new trench collapsing the sides etc.
If this is for drainage then I recommend using chains . Its very easy to get stuck doing this.

[Farwell]

I use a sub soiler first and switch the blade to the middle buster. I go over the area several times with the sub soiler to make sure that all of the roots are broken. If you run into big roots they have to be removed. I also go very slow because like posted above, the sub soiler will take care of most lighter roots but it will break if you are not careful or go too fast.
If you have a heavier tractor with a bunch of horse power, they make some very heavy sub soilers that will rip everything out of your way.
David B

[Doc_Bob]

Solution was for my son to stand on the three point ...the extra weight did the trick.

I am sure that is very safe in your hands. Just gives me the willys to even think about doing it.
Bob

[deereman64]

I thought about my statement after I had posted. Perhaps I should clarify my son is 20 and its only short distances.

[Travis_R]

I used my middle buster last week to make some trenches for drainage. The UNITED middle buster is extremely tuff! I busted through (going very slow) pine tree roots that were 3-4 inches in diameter. Didn't tear up anything.

It was hooked to my 45 hp Mahindra tractor. Tractor weighs 4,092 lbs and the middle buster even stopped the tractor a few times! I had to back up and try again, but eventually got it.

Travis R

[N80]

Does anyone make a middle buster, subsoiler combo?