How to make box blade type shanks penetrate further?

[sixdogs]

I have an implement that has box blade shanks on it and is some sort of a mini ripper or scarifier. It does not penetrate as much as I think it should and only goes maybe four or so inches deep. I got a little more when I shortened the top link, so that helped but I would like maybe seven inches or so. I have the three point arms correct so that's not the issue and I tried on both soft and hard ground so that's not the problem. It's heavy enough.

So is there a secret? How do I get these shanks to penetrate further or is this all there is? Anyone know?

 

[k0ua]

I have an implement that has box blade shanks on it and is some sort of a mini ripper or scarifier. It does not penetrate as much as I think it should and only goes maybe four or so inches deep. I got a little more when I shortened the top link, so that helped but I would like maybe seven inches or so. I have the three point arms correct so that's not the issue and I tried on both soft and hard ground so that's not the problem. It's heavy enough.

So is there a secret? How do I get these shanks to penetrate further or is this all there is? Anyone know?


View attachment 466561

Did you try lengthening the top link?. That should make the angle of attack greater. I would think shortening to be just the opposite of what you would want.

 

[pwright]

Measure your 3 pt hitch distance to ground at the lowest setting. Measure the distance from lower pins of your ripper to the bottom of the scarifiers. Subtract the first value from the second and that is how far you can go down. You can get a little more depth by adjusting the top link either shorter or longer depending on the position of the shanks relative to the hitch pins and how for forward the tips of the shanks protrude.

 

[bcp]

You might be at maximum already.

Take it off. Lower your hitch all the way and measure from the pin hole to the ground. Call this "H."

Hook it up again. Measure down from the pin hole a distance "H" and mark a scarifier. That is your maximum depth without modifications.

Bruce

 

[sixdogs]

I lowered the lift arms and no change in depth of shank so tomorrow I'll lengthen the top link and see what happens there.
Good comments so far. Thank you.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm with James, I think longer top link will improve the angle to make it bury itself.

I don't think either of my tractors would be able to lay the main beam on the ground.

Do the Bruce suggestion to check for maximum depth on the tractor 3pt.

 

[gwdixon]

I agree with the idea of taking off the implement and measuring the 3PH balls to the ground. Before you do that, measure the distance from the balls to the ground with the implement at full depth in the ground. The difference is how much digging room is left.

From the photo, it appears that your adjustable right lift arm could be set quite a bit longer. Try lengthening it and see how deep the scarifier on that side penetrates. The digging won't be equal side-to-side, but this would be just an experiment to find out if the implement has the ability to go deeper.

If there is room to go deeper, applying weight of some sort to the implement might help it dig to full depth.

My scarifiers are on a fairly heavy box blade and max out with the top link shortened before the blade reaches the ground. That may just be how it is.

 

[Teachu2]

If you take the scarifiers off, can you set the beam on the ground by dropping the 3pt? If not, you may need to lengthen the lower arms or do a bit of fabricating to move the pins higher on the attachment. If it will drop to the ground, maaaybe it's NOT heavy enough....you also might try just one scarifier on it and see if it goes deeper.

 

[oosik]

I have a hydraulic top link and if I extend this link, increase the angle of attack, the rippers on my ROBB become MUCH more aggressive. With the angle of attack increased the rippers will actually pull themselves to the full depth allowed by the lower links & sides of the ROBB.

By doing this, you should be able to have the rippers go deep enough to almost bring the tractor to a four wheel digging halt.

 

[k0ua]

I have a hydraulic top link and if I extend this link, increase the angle of attack, the rippers on my ROBB become MUCH more aggressive. With the angle of attack increased the rippers will actually pull themselves to the full depth allowed by the lower links & sides of the ROBB.

By doing this, you should be able to have the rippers go deep enough to almost bring the tractor to a four wheel digging halt.

That is what I thought too. I don't know why guys are talking about shortening the top link. :confused3: