Page 1
ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Hardware Kit
Middle Buster, Sub Soiler,
80900200
Combo SC Middle Buster & Sub Soiler
THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT
Congratulations on your purchase. Behlen Country has been in the business of providing quality
equipment to landowners for more than 70 years. Our 3-Point Equipment will provide many years of
service when maintained by the operator and used in accordance with the capabilities of the product.
For questions about this product, or for parts inquiries, please contact our
Customer Service Center listed below
Sub Soiler
.
Middle
Buster
Combination
includes
Sub-Compact
Middle Buster
and Sub Soiler
STATEMENT OF POLICY
It is the policy of Behlen Country to improve its products where it is possible and practical to do so.
Behlen Country reserves the right to make changes or improvements in design and construction at
any time, without incurring the obligation to make these changes on previously manufactured units.
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER
PO Box 569
Columbus, NE
68602-0569
F-20815-1 TECHNICAL INFORMATION 70156 Rev. 1-17-14 12-3-10
Ph: 1-800-447-2751
Fax: (402) 563-7447
www.behlencountry.com
Page 2
ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
Before operating the equipment, if you have any
questions regarding the proper assembly or
capabilities of this product please contact your
dealer.
Important Safety
Information
Working with unfamiliar equipment can lead to
injuries, read this manual and the manual for your
tractor before assembling or operating to
acquaint yourself with the items. It is the owner’s
responsibility to make certain the operator is
instructed in safe and proper use.
The use of this equipment is subject to certain
hazards which cannot be protected against by
mechanical means or product design. All
operators of this equipment must read and
understand these product instructions completely
prior to using.
Most accidents occur because of neglect or
carelessness, keep all helpers and bystanders a
minimum of 25’ from an operating implement.
No riders should ever be allowed on the tractor.
Personal protection equipment including safety
glasses, safety shoes, and gloves are strongly
recommended when using or working on your
equipment.
Never place any part of your body where it could
be in danger if movement should occur during
assembly, installation, operation, repairing or
maintaining your equipment.
Always check all pins, bolts and connections
before operating this unit and replace if
necessary.
Only people familiar with the safety rules and
operations of this unit should use this equipment.
the type of soil, operating depth, soil moisture,
and operating speed.
Some small Category 0 tractors may not lift high
enough to have the Sub Soiler's shank point clear
the ground. In this case, a larger tractor must be
used.
Check the tractor's 3-Point hydraulic lift system. It
should operate up and down smoothly and have
enough power to lift the implement. If
adjustments need to be made, refer to your
tractor's operator's manual.
Assembly and Mounting
Back the tractor up to the implement.
Adjust the tractor lift arms so they are wide
enough to go over the two lift pins on each side
of the implement.
The Middle Buster plow shanks and Sub Soiler
are shipped assembled. Make sure the lower
draw pins (pull pins) are installed correctly for
your tractor.
Insert the draw pins into the ball sockets in the
lower lift arms of the tractor's 3-Point hitch, and
lock into place with lynch pins.
Attach the mast of the 3-Point main frame by
installing the tractor top link with the top link pin.
Adjust the top link assembly to obtain the correct
angle of the implement. Check the tractor's
3-Point lift arms and adjust to level the implement
from side to side.
The deeper you set the implement the slower you
will need to go with your tractor because of
increased stress on the implement as well as the
tractor.
It is recommended that ONLY tractors with wide
front axles be used with either the Middle Buster
or Sub Soiler. Tricycle front wheel arrangements
are inherently unstable and can cause rollover
accidents.
This unit is designed to be pulled by your tractor.
Using any other means will void the warranty.
Tractor Requirements
and Preparation
The Middle Buster plow and Sub Soiler can be
used on both Category 0 and 1 tractors. The
actual horsepower requirements will depend on
F-20816-1 Rev. 1-17-14 12-3-10
Page 3
ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Underground Utilities — Contact
appropriate agencies to determine if
hazardous items are
buried under the
digging site BEFORE
DIGGING! Be certain
Underground Utilities
have been called to
locate underground
electric, gas,
telephone and other
lines. Check your telephone book for
calling instructions. Be sure the operator
is properly informed. WHEN IN DOUBT,
DO NOT DIG!
Middle Buster Operation
For proper operation, level the Middle Buster by
adjusting the tractor linkage. This will assure that
the shank will run straight.
The tractor 3-Point hydraulic lift system should be
set to transfer most of the Middle Buster's weight
and draft to the tractor to maximize traction.
There may not be a 3-Point draft control on some
tractors. Refer to tractor owner's manual.
The Middle Buster plow can be used to plant and
dig potatoes, form ridges for other crops, and
make drainage ditches.
Set your 3-Point depth control to operate the
Middle Buster plow at the desired depth. The
deeper you operate, the greater the amount of
soil you will plow or "hill up". In dry or hard soil
conditions, you may need to make several
passes. (If this is required, operating the Sub
Soiler first may help considerably.) The faster you
drive, the further you will "throw" the soil from
both sides of the plow shovel. Operate at a speed
that forms the furrow or "hilling" operation you
desire.
By adjusting the length of the 3-Point top link,
you can adjust the pitch of the plow shovel. In
most soil conditions, the bottom of the shovel
should be level or with the point down slightly.
This "pitch angle" will also determine how much
soil is moved.
DANGER
The moldboard blade and Sub Soil shank are
sharp. Exercise extreme caution when working
around or near the blade. Failure to stay clear
of the blade can result in serious injury.
Sub Soiler Operation
For proper operation, level the Sub Soiler by
adjusting the tractor linkage. This will assure that
the shank will run straight.
The tractor 3-Point hydraulic lift system should be
set to transfer most of the Sub Soiler's weight and
draft to the tractor to maximize traction. There
may not be a 3-Point draft control on some
tractors. Refer to tractor owner's manual.
The Sub Soiler can loosen soil down to a depth
of 10" - 14". Compacted soil or "hardpan" soil
usually occurs in soil depths of 8" - 14".
Breaking up this hardpan layer will allow better
soil drainage and in dry periods, allow plant roots
to go deeper to obtain moisture. Hardpan or
compacted soil layers is sometimes caused by
compaction from tractor wheels or foot traffic. Do
NOT attempt to rip or subsoil when soil is wet.
Wet soil will not shatter and may cause more
compaction.
It is recommended that you dig a hole or use a
soil probe to identify the hardpan layer. The
objective is to operate the Sub Soiler just below
the hardpan layer. The deeper you operate the
Sub Soiler, the more tractor horsepower is
required.
In very hard soil or dry conditions (or with a
smaller tractor), it may not be possible to operate
the Sub Soiler at the desired depth. In these
cases, it may be necessary to make several
passes, increasing depth with each pass.
The best "shattering" action will be realized at a
speed of 2-4 mph. It is not recommended to
exceed 4 mph, as it will only increase fuel
consumption and wear and tear on the tractor
and implement.
Most soil types will require ripping or subsoiling
every 2-3 years. Some soils will require it every
year. It is suggested that if you subsoil a field in
one direction one year, that you operate the
F-20817 12-3-10
Page 4
ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
subsoiler diagonal to that direction when you
subsoil again. In some fields, it might be best to
rip at an angle and then again at a cross angle in
following operations.
Ripping or subsoiling passes should be from 30"
to 48" apart. In garden spots it is suggested to
rip directly under the row of a planted crop. This
will allow the best drainage and root
development for the crop. The point of the Sub
Soiler is reversible. When the first point wears
back, just knock out the roll pin, reverse the
point and reinstall the roll pin.
Do not let the point wear back too far so that
wear occurs on the lower shank body. In tough,
abrasive soils, if wear occurs on the main shank,
it is recommended that you take the shank to a
local welding shop and have a few beads of
hard surface weld put on the shank.
Note: Do NOT
the ground. Damage to the ripper will occur.
Always raise the implement and lower after
turn has been made.
make turns with the ripper in
Root Cutting
Trees in fence rows or along the edge of woods
will extend their roots out into a field to take
advantage of nutrients and moisture located
there. This results in poor crop performance in
these locations. Operating the Sub Soiler along
the edge of the field will cut the tree roots and
stop them from leaching from the crop soil.
If you stay at least 15' from the tree trunk, cutting
the roots will not harm the tree. It is usually
advisable to make a few passes down to the
depth necessary to cut the roots.
detach the Sub Soiler and reassemble with the
Furrow.
The Combo Sub-Compact (SC) Middle Buster
& Sub Soiler is designed for use with Category
0 hitches only. The function of the Middle Buster
and the Sub Soiler are the same as the
standard size models. Refer to those sections
for more information on each.
Maintenance
Cleaning and Storage
1. Make certain any safety or instruction decals
are attached to the implement's 3-Point hitch.
If they are lost, damaged, or painted over,
order replacements from the manufacturer.
Please call Behlen Country at
1-800-447-2751.
2. Clean unit of dirt and debris to minimize
rusting and wear.
3. Keep cutting edges sharp. Sharp cutting
edges work easier and better. Check more
often if working in rocky soil conditions.
4. Replace any worn or damaged parts
immediately.
5. Check all bolts and nuts to make sure they
are tight.
6. Store the unit in a shed or under a tarp to
protect it from the weather. The blade or
shank should rest on boards or some other
object. Keep out of soil when storing. Store in
a clean, dry place away from human activity
or livestock.
Trouble-shooting Guide
PROBLEM:
Combo Sub-Compact
(SC) Middle Buster
& Sub Soiler
The Combo Sub-Compact (SC) Middle Buster
& Sub Soiler is designed to be used as either a
Sub Soiler or a Middle Buster, not
combination of both.
The Furrow and Sub Soiler Shank are attached
for shipping purposes only. To use the
Subsoiler, detach the Furrow. To use the Furrow,
F-20818 12-3-10
as a
TRACTOR WILL NOT PULL IMPLEMENT
Possible Solutions:
•
Insufficient horsepower - use larger, heavier
tractor.
•
Soil too wet - allow soil to dry.
•
Soil too hard - wait for rain or irrigate.
•
Points too dull - replace points.
•
Insufficient traction - see tire slippage
problem below.
Page 5
ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Attempting to operate too deep - reduce
•
depth setting and make several passes,
gradually increasing depth.
PROBLEM:
EXCESSIVE TRACTOR TIRE SLIPPAGE
Possible Solutions:
Tractor too small - use larger, heavier tractor.
•
Insufficient traction - add dual rear tire or
•
more ballast. Increase draft control. Operate
at a shallower depth.
Ground was tilled prior to subsoiling (soil too
•
loose - subsoil first.
PROBLEM: LARGE CLODS
Possible Solutions:
Soil too hard and dry - wait for rain or irrigate.
•
Operating too shallow - operate deeper
•
(Sub Soiler ONLY).
PROBLEM: EXCESSIVE POINT WEAR
Possible Solutions:
Soil too hard and dry - wait for rain or irrigate.
•
Abrasive soil - consider having points hard
•
surfaced by local welder.
Warranty
This unit carries a 1 year warranty, with the
exception of wear parts. Dated proof of
purchase required on all claims.
Wire or foreign object on shank -
•
remove object.
1
2
Middle Buster
1
1
2
2
3
Combo Sub-Compact (SC)
Middle Buster & Sub Soiler
Sub Soiler
No. Part No. Description Qty.
No. Part No. Description Qty.
1 3018352 Category 1 Lift Pin 2
2 3018368 Furrow 1
F-20819-2 Rev. 1-17-14 12-3-10
No. Part No. Description Qty.
1 3018352 Category 1 Lift Pin 2
2 3018366 Sub Soiler Shank 1
1 3018352 Category 1 Lift Pin 2
2 3018368 12" Furrow 1
3 80605795 Sub Soiler Shank 1
Loading...