Subsoiler or Middlebuster before tilling?

[JDLou]

Hi All:

Well, picked up the 48" KingKutter Tiller I was investigating a few weeks back; it seems like a great machine. While I've run it through our existing garden that has been tilled in the past and cleared of rocks, we are looking to create another planting plot. As anyone living in New England knows, the land is full of rocks. On our property, it is pretty hard to dig something like a post hole without running into a rock that slows or forces a change in the operation. In any event, I'm thinking of getting either a subsoiler or middlebuster to run through the new area with the idea of dislodging the big rocks down to about 8" before tilling. Any thoughts on whether a subsoiler or middlebuster would be better, or if this is even the way to go at all? As you know, Tractor Supply Co. is now selling a line of products under the name "County Line," which, as far as I know, are made by KingKutter. Their middlebuster and subsoiler look good, but does anyone have firsthand knowledge? Also, can the same 3-pt. frame be used with the option of changing out the subsoiler and middlbusting "business ends?"

Thank you and best,

JDLou

 

[nmu98]

IMHO you ony have one choice with the tractor you have, and that is the subsoiler. I dont think you have the HP or traction to dig down with the middle buster to 8". I have a middle busted and it is nice for trenching, but in my soil I could stop my 5203 dead with it and lose traction. I am assuming that you would be using the 2210 in your signature.

 

[JDLou]

nmu98:

That's good data to have; if you could stop your tractor, 2210 would have no chance. Just curious as to what size middlebuster you have (14"?). From what the TSC guy described on the phone, he has two versions, including one designed for subcompact tractors. I am definitely keeping what you say in mind, but I"ll take a look at the TSC models in person. Also, while it sounds like clearing down to 8" isn't gonna happen in a single pass no matter what, perhaps I can take it down in successive 2-3" increments?

Best,

JDLou

 

[ChuckinNH]

TSC has two sizes of middlebusters, and subsoilers. The XB, or subcut size is perfect for your 2210, and comes with both middlebuster, and subsoiler shanks. I'm not sure you can get down 8" but you might depending on how low your 3 pt arms go. You might have to take two passes. The full size subsoiler that TSC sells is too big to put on your JD, and I'm not sure I can get any ground clearance with my B2620 for transport. I have used the "XB" size on a BX22, and have attached some photos of it being used so you can judge how well it works. I also have the Countryline full sized middlebuster, and have used that both in my gardens, and to "hook" rocks out of my NH yard. I have rolled some rocks out that were perhaps 3' long with it though they were tapered, and not too thick. It worked very well for that, and I am going to either make a subsoiler type shank for it, or buy the full size subsoiler to give that a try. In the yard the subsoiler will make less mess, in the garden it doesn't much matter.

As you can see, playing with the top link length does affect how deeply the middlebuster goes into the soil. I was able to stop the tractor when I hooked large roots from surrounding trees, and rocks too big (read feet across) to move, but it did pull up, or move where I could get at them several pretty good sized rocks. It went deep enough to penetrate the "tiller hardpan" that was there when set right. As rough as the ground looks afterwards, I was surprised that it smoothed out pretty easily with my chain harrrow.

 

[nmu98]

I have the Cat 1 Subsoiler. I have not seen any other ones at my TSC. I do not have the country line one, but it looks like this :

CountyLine Middle Buster - 2128228 | Tractor Supply Company

I have fairly heavy soil.

If I were tilling, I would not want to use the middlebuster to separate the soil then have to use the tiller to level it out again. The subsoiler would do a good job of getting the ground loose then tilling would break up the surface.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

my kk middle buster does fine breaking new ground and yes, you can swap the plow for the chisel on the subsoiler.
The ss will break the sod and tear out tree/shrub roots, but the mb will roll up the sod for you at the same time, which can make leveling the plot out difficult later. OTOH, MB can be used to harvest potatoes.
I would use roundup or something similar to kill the grass and other greenery in the place you want to till, wait a week or so for it all to die and the roots to start rotting, then go through with the subsoiler before tilling.

good luck!

 

[nunyabinis]

I recently purchased a KK Cat 1 subsoiler and used it around the edges of a 40 acre hayfield to cut/rip out tree roots that have grown out into the field over the years. It'll go down about two feet deep if you sink it up to the cross member. It did a fantastic job. I plan to use it in my garden this fall to bust up the hard pan that starts at about 8" deep and runs down to about 15".





.

 

[Bird]

I had a TSC middle buster, then I bought a single big heavy duty chisel or "tooth" that I sometimes bolted on in place of the middle buster plow which gave me something similar to a subsoiler. It worked well, but I'm not sure I ever went 8" deep; maybe, maybe not.

 

[JC-jetro]

IMHO you ony have one choice with the tractor you have, and that is the subsoiler. I dont think you have the HP or traction to dig down with the middle buster to 8". I have a middle busted and it is nice for trenching, but in my soil I could stop my 5203 dead with it and lose traction. I am assuming that you would be using the 2210 in your signature.

Your idea is right with one exception and that may be just semantic. Subsolier main beam is longer than middle middle buster so it can go deeper to break the hard pan and that you can not do with middle buster AKA potato plow. Now you can do what Bird suggested very cheaply and have a dual use tool by buying a $120 KK middle buster and add a chisel point to do what a subsoiler does. KK middle buster is only longer about 6-8" if I remember right.

JC,

 

[Maxfli]

JD Lou,

I have the KK Middle buster (looks just like JC's Pictured above). I do not think it is the XB version. I does fit my 2210 ok (the XB would probably have been a better fit). I have no problems going down 8" with the plow, but that being said my soil is pretty easy to till. 8" in depth is probably the max, and it will give the tractor a pretty good workout. I pulled a waterline from the house to garden last year about 300', worked great. Expaned the garden this year by 50% and used the MB before I rototilled.

BS