I'm thinking about buying a three in one Howse subsoiler. It is a combination subsoiler, middlebuster and can be used as a hitch for a trailer. Apparently these different parts are a matter of removing and bolting-on the different attachments. I was wondering if anyone has used this implement, and has any comments regarding the units quality. This picture shows a little about appearance of the implement.
Anyone using a Howse Subsoiler?
- Thread starter dlmpsy
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daBear
Gold Member
I have one and it bends easily being made of only the finest Chinese steel. My mighty 29 hp Kubota is just too much for it. So enjoy.
DeeDubya
Silver Member
I bent the foot on mine while ripping some old cedar roots. I got the root out but it was so big that it got stuck under my Branson. That 3pt hitch has some power. :thumbsup:
So, it sounds like you're satisfied with the subsoiler?
DeeDubya
Silver Member
Actually there were two different attachments when I bought mine. I bought what was the Middle Buster, removed the sweep and bolted on a pointed chisel. The "Subsoiler" had a flatter foot angle than the middle buster and might be stronger "or not". Otherwise the two are identical. The forged chisel I put on might be a little longer and therefore more leverage on the foot. Understand, I not only bent the foot but also the 2 5/8" bolts holding it on. Hey, I got the stump out.
DeeDubya
Silver Member
This culprit here was an old cut cedar, about a 15" tree. You never know if a cedar has rotted or not. Either way they last a long time in the ground. I hooked the chisel under the stump and then raised the 3pt to pull upward. I did this several times, finally tearing it loose. I'm 6'1" and 220lbs and it took all I had to roll the stump into the bucket.
No, I wasn't surprised that I bent the subsoiler, nor was I upset. The labor it would have taken to dig out that stump would far outweigh the repair on the subsoiler.
I have some old locust stumps in a field I am reclaiming, sizes are generally around 8". I'm tired of hitting them with the bush hog, and dealing with the sprouts that are always popping-up, so they 'gotta go. I used my boxblade to get some out...and it actually worked pretty good, but I figure there is a better tool and I've read on this forum that many seem to like a subsoiler for this job. I figure that I'll cut the roots, and if the stumps are smaller in size maybe just pull them out with the subsoiler, if they are bigger, I'll use a chain after cutting the roots. That's my theory anyway.
daBear
Gold Member
Chinese bolts no doubt. Howse is located in Laurel, MS about 80 miles from me. When I discovered an almost local manufacturer I was delighted. I bought a dirt scoop from them and it lasted one weekend with my mighty 29 HP Kubota. The dealer took it back and said he had never seen a scoop bend like that. I got a King Kutter and have been happy ever since. I had also bought a Howse multi purpose, sub soiler and middle buster. The large horizontal angle iron holding it together is what bent on mine. Plus the furrow broke in two. When I called Howse to complain the company itself said the steel was fine Chinese steel, so I did not make that up. Since then I have been a no House zone and very happy.