Subsoiler/Middle Buster

[schoolsout]

Sounds like the one I have.
Just posted on another thread about setting it up to use a potato plow/middle buster (see posts #24 & 33):
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/108919-what-sub-soilers-middle-busters-4.html
I've used mine to grub out about a dozen hardwood stumps up to 8" diameter. Not quite a backhoe, but gets the job done as long as it's not too big and you can get all around it.

I'm looking at the KK XB...should work for us. Northern Tool lists it for $169 and they put out $20 coupons often so hoping to snag one for about $150 or so.

Mainly looking to leave the existing larger stumps (pines/gums) in and let them rot over time while ripping everything out between the rows (as slow as that may take).

My thread regarding what I'm doing is here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/240744-has-finally-begun.html

 

[firstfruitsfarm]

My experience is with a Northern subsoiler, which seemed stronger than the one from TSC. I was removing 8-year-old southern pine stumps and breaking up hardpan from a landing area and logging road; 50 hp tractor. It was not very successful. The shear bolts would break regularly, especially at the transition to the logging road (hard clay). I finally bought an old McCormick pull-type subsoiler with parabolic ripper. This was all my tractor could handle, and did the job much better. These chain store subsoilers might be ok for gardens, but are not up to heavy duty work.

 

[bp fick]

I'm looking at the KK XB...should work for us. Northern Tool lists it for $169 and they put out $20 coupons often so hoping to snag one for about $150 or so.

Mainly looking to leave the existing larger stumps (pines/gums) in and let them rot over time while ripping everything out between the rows (as slow as that may take).

My thread regarding what I'm doing is here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/240744-has-finally-begun.html

I bought the XB model from TSC, with coupon/sale for $129. That was 3 years ago, and I've pounded the heck out it and it has never failed. Best darn little attachment a guy could want. In our sandy soil, it snaps through Jack pine and White pine roots, up to 1 1/2 inches just fine. Plows about 10" or until it stalls the tractor, if you let it.

What I find is that neither my BX nor my B it is on now have enough power to traction to do much damage anyhow. It's likely made by Tarter, but who knows with CountyLine.

 

[charlz]

If you have a middle buster you can buy a chisel point aka 'bull tongue' to make it more of a sub-soiler.


This picture:

from this old thread shows what I am talking about:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/145667-subsoiler-middlebuster-before-tilling.html

As noted middle busters really don't go that deep. Depending on your horsepower/traction your tractor might not pull a subsoiler deep anyway. I built my own depth-adjustable version, mainly so I could reach the bottom of some ditches while straddling them.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/112775-depth-adjustable-middlebuster-subsoiler.html

 

[PhysAssist]

I am going today to purchase a subsoiler to use to loosen up Georgia red clay so I have an easier go at picking that clay up with my FEL. I have a middle buster with the wide plow on it as was mentioned. I have used it for years to help lay off my garden rows. I considered getting a narrower plow head, but on the implement I have now that would require a very short length narrow plow head for subsoiler use. I want a longer plow head on my subsoiler.

The one thing that I have noticed is that all the new subsoilers, or middle busters are not made the same, or priced the same. Some are made a lot stronger, with thicker metal, and support brackets to help keep the part that goes into the ground more stabilized. Some look very flimsy and have what appear to be what I call subpar welds on them. The prices i have seen vary from $119 to $299. The one i am picking up later today has the support brackets and appears to be well made. The price is $200.

what brand is the one you're getting, and who are you getting it from ?

When will your pictures be posted?

It's always helpful to hear/see what someone else has decided is worth buying...

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[Kioti Tom]

I did that with my middle buster. I bought a chisel point like you did and installed it. One thing to remember if anyone does this, you have to get longer bolts to be able to install it. I don't remember how long any longer as it has been about 8 years...measure the thickness of the chisel point and the thickness of the implement where the bolts have to go thru to get the length. remember to add enough for washers and nuts.

It works, not as good as a designed subsoiler, but better than not having one.

:thumbsup::2cents:my two cents worth.

Tom

 

[Herkypilot]

Word of advice - watch out for the cheaper ones if you have a tractor with some horsepower/weight. Here's some pics of the TSC one I used for half a day. Took it back for a refund and bought a Fred Cain with a shear bolt.

 

[schoolsout]

Word of advice - watch out for the cheaper ones if you have a tractor with some horsepower/weight. Here's some pics of the TSC one I used for half a day. Took it back for a refund and bought a Fred Cain with a shear bolt.

Doesn't look so good.

May be stepping it up a notch. What would be a good choice up from that County Line or KK XB?

 

[oldballs]

That's good advice Herky...An MX5100 could do that, but I doubt that the SCUT or CUT could. Wasn't it Clint Eastwood that said, "A man has to know his limitations".

 

[terraformer]

I have a few trenches that I want to dig. Thought briefly about a renting a trencher, then came across this thread. A local store had a middle buster available.

Then I thought I have a quick release frame which came with my first tractor and I never use it. I also had found a harrow type of tine in the dump at my farm.

Here is what I made up Welded on a half inch bolt that fit into an existing hole in the tine. The second hole lines up with the quick release slot.

After I built it I went out and dug a trench.

Guess I will save the 175 dollars for something else.