middle-buster or sub-soiler?????

[mdc2544]

which is best to break up gound and roots before tiller to prep a vegitable garden???

 

[uphill]

A subsoiler will surely break up the ground and can handle roots the size of your arm. It cuts a crack in the ground as deep as your tractor will allow and can handle. I love a subsoiler and have used one to cut ditches, trenches, roots around stumps, bury cable/pipe, etc. We usually subsoil the fields every 4-5 years to break up the upper packed layer which allows rain to soak down rather than run off.
The middle buster plows the earth to both sides and creates a furrow. Not quite as good on big roots. It's a good garden tool. You'll need a disc to follow up with regardless of which ever you buy or choose. Once you disc, you can lay out your rows with the middle buster.
Howse makes a combo unit that is a subsoiler, middle buster and trailer/gooseneck towing attachment for ~$250.

 

[JC-jetro]

which is best to break up gound and roots before tiller to prep a vegitable garden???

Nothing keeps you from using a middle buster with a chisel to perform duties of a subsoiler. sub soilers are generally 6" to 8" longer than middle busters. The good thing is the hole spacing between the furrower and all kind of sweeps and chisels are the same, so things are interchangeable. Both work well to bust the sod before tilling. If you have turf tire then You'll have much difficulty with traction if you use sub soiler. You may find link below useful. Kubota 7610 may lack HP to go deep with sub soiler.


JC,


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/99323-my-tomato-garden.html

 

[sixdogs]

Well, a subsoiler or any type of chisel would work but...
your soil type is likely a silty, sandy loam with some stones. When I lived with that soil type I simply set the tiller deep and made multiple passes to chop up anything in it's path. Pick up the big rocks first. I took out two inch trees and bushes and whatever. Start shallow and slow and work your way up. You really don't have the clay to worry about but make sure the adjustment chain/gear on the tiller is tight so you don't strip any gears.
If you have a bigger stump or are concerned, any chisel-type thing will work but the tiller is an amazing tool.
I can' t see your situation exactly so it's hard to guess but this worked for me.

 

[Soundguy]

I agree with Uphill and JC.. a subsoiler with that chissle point will handle roots better than the shovel head of the middle buster.

I like JC's idea of switching points.. I've thought of that myself.

soundguy

 

[mdc2544]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I have R4s so hopefully traction won't be an issue. Northern has the combo unit but the $84 shipping brings the price close to buying both at TSC.

I'll keep you posted with pics.