THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY UNDERSTOOD
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO BEGIN ASSEMBLING THIS MACHINE
1. Select an area for assembly that is clean and free of any
debris which might cause persons working on the
assembly to trip.
2. Do not lift heavy parts or assemblies. Use crane, jack,
tackle, fork trucks or other mechanical devices.
3. Preview the assembly instructions in your operator’s
manual before proceeding further.
4. If the assembly instructions call for parts or assemblies to
be blocked up, use only blocking material that is in good
condition and is capable of handling the weight of the
assembly to be blocked. Also insure that the blocking
material is on a clean, dry surface.
5. Never put hands, or any part of body, under blocked up
assemblies if at all possible.
6. After completing assembly, thoroughly inspect the
machine to be sure that all nuts, bolts, hydraulic fittings
or any other fastened assemblies have been thoroughly
tightened.
7. Before operating the machine, thoroughly read the
operation section of your operator’s manual.
8. Before operating, read the maintenance section of your
operator’s manual to be sure that any parts requiring
lubrication, such as gearboxes, are full, to avoid any
possible damage.
9. Before operating equipment – If you have any
questions regarding the proper assembly or
operation, contact your dealer or representative.
OWNER’S/
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.’s
ER-30
MBP-36
MBR-2/1
CAUTION
For Safe Operation
Read Rules And
Instructions Carefully
SINO LEEINGLES, PIDAAYUDA
A AIGUIEN QUE SI LO LEA
PARA QUE LE TRADUZCA LAS
MEDIDAS DE SEGURIDAD.
Page 2
T o the Owner/Operator/Dealer
All implements with moving parts are potentially hazardous. There is no substitute for a cautious, safe-minded operator who recognizes the potential hazards and follows reasonable safety practices. The manufacturer has designed this
implement to be used with all its safety equipment properly attached to minimize the chance of accidents.
BEFORE YOU START!!
Read the safety messages on the implement and shown in your manual.
Observe the rules of safety and common sense!
THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL IDENTIFIES IMPORTANT
SAFETY WARNING MESSAGES. CAREFULL YREAD EACH
WARNING MESSAGE THAT FOLLOWS. FAILURE TO
UNDERSTAND AND OBEY A SAFETY WARNING, OR
THIS SYMBOL MEANS
– A TTENTION!
– BECOME ALERT!
– YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
RECOGNIZE A SAFETY HAZARD, COULD RESULT IN AN
INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS AROUND YOU.
THE OPERATOR IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
SAFETY OF HIMSELF, AS WELL AS OTHERS, IN THE
OPERATING AREA OF THE TRACTOR AND ATTACHED
EQUIPMENT.
UNDERSTAND SIGNAL WORDS
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING
and CAUTION with the safety messages. The
appropriate signal word for each has been selected
using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme
situations typically for machine components which, for
functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
If you have questions not answered in this manual or require additional copies or the manual is damaged, please
contact your dealer or the manufacturer directly.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury, and includes hazards that are
exposed when guards are removed. It may also
be used to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!
Working with unfamiliar equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your tractor,
before assembly or operating, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the implement owner’s responsibility, if this
machine is used by any person other than yourself, is loaned or rented, to make certain that the operator, prior to
operating:
1. Reads and understands the operator’s manuals.
2. 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 this entire manual, paying
particular attention to safety and operating instructions, prior to using. If there is something in this manual you
do not understand, ask your supervisor, or your dealer, to explain it to you.
1
Page 3
All equipment is potentially hazardous. There is no substitute for a cautious, safe-minded operator who
recognizes potential hazards and follows reasonable safety practices.
When the use of hand tools is required to perform any part of assembly, installation, adjustment, maintaining,
repairing, removal, or moving the implement, be sure the tools used are designed and recommended by the
tool manufacturer for that specific task.
Personal protection equipment including safety glasses, safety shoes, and gloves are recommended during
assembly, installation, operation, adjustment, maintaining, repairing, removal, or moving the implement.
Always use two people to handle heavy, unwieldy components during assembly, installation, removal, or
moving the implement.
Never place any part of your body where it would be in danger if movement should occur during assembly,
installation, operation, maintaining, repairing, removal, or moving the implement.
Never place yourself between the tractor and implement while implement is in operation.
Do not work under a raised implement unless it is securely blocked or held in position. Do not depend on the
tractor hydraulic system to hold the implement in place.
A heavy load can cause instability of the tractor. Use extreme care during travel. Slow down on turns and
watch out for bumps. The tractor may need front counter-weights to counter-balance the weight of the
implement.
Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs which can hinder alertness or coordination while operating this
equipment. Consult your doctor about operating this machine while taking prescription medications.
Do not allow others to ride on the tractor with an operator. Riders are subject to injury such as being struck by
foreign objects or being thrown off. Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in unsafe operation. Never
allow anyone to ride on the implement!
Do not allow anyone who is not familiar with the safety rules and operation instructions to use this implement.
Never allow children to operate or be around equipment.
Watch for and avoid hidden obstructions, i.e., buried pipes, rocks, concrete piers, uneven concrete slabs,
stumps, etc., when operating equipment.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Page 4
INSTRUCTIONS
TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
AND PREPA R ATION
The model ER-30 Ripper and the model MBP-36
Middle Buster Plow can be used on both Category O
tractors (15 hp and larger) and Category I tractors.
NOTE: Actual horsepower required will depend on
type of soil, operating depth, soil moisture, and operating
speed.
Check the tractor’s hydraulic system. Refer to your
tractor operator’s manual or dealer for any adjustments
necessary to put the hydraulic system in good working
order. (I&Tshop manuals will list most specifications and
adjustment instructions – available from most farm
equipment dealers.)
Be sure tires and rims are in good condition. Inflate
tires to the proper recommended air pressure.
It is recommended that a ROPS (Roll-Over Protection
Structure) be installed on all tractors. Contact your local
dealer for a ROPS for your tractor.
NOTE: Some small category “O” hitch tractors may not
lift high enough to have the ER-30 shank point clear the
ground. In this case, a larger tractor must be used.
The model ER-30 Ripper and model MBP-36 Middle
Buster Plow shanks are shipped assembled.
The model MBR-2/1 is a combination tool consisting of
one 3 pt. mount with both a Ripper shank and a Middle
Buster shank. By interchanging the shank assemblies on
the 3 pt. mount, either tool can be used.
Make sure the lower draw pins (pull pins) are installed
correctly for your tractor.
Draw pins should be assembled inward for category
“O” hitch applications and outward for category I hitches.
Insert the draw pins into the ball sockets in the lower lift
arms of the tractor 3 pt. hitch. Lock in place with linch
pins (not furnished.)
Attach the mast of the 3 pt. main frame by installing the
tractor center link (toplink) with a toplink pin (not furnished.)
Adjust the toplink assembly to obtain the correct angle
of the implement. Check the tractor 3 pt. lift arms and
adjust to level the implement from side to side.
CAUTION!
Be sure tractor is in good condition. Read all the
safety precautions and make sure all tractor
operators are familiar with the safety rules of
operation.
ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING
Refer to the repair parts drawing in this manual to get
an idea of how the parts need to be assembled for each
individual implement.
Make sure that the two 1/2” x 31/2” bolts that connect the
3 pt. mount to the shank of your implement are grade 2
only. The lower bolt is a shear bolt and protects the tractor and the implement in case an obstruction is hit or that
the operating conditions are too severe. Agrade 2 bolt is
a “soft” common hardware bolt.
NOTE: USE OF A GRADE 5 OR HIGHER BOLT MAY
RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE IMPLEMENT.
O P E R ATION – ER-30 RIPPER
For proper operation, level the Ripper by adjusting the
tractor linkage. This will assure that the shank will run
straight.
The tractor 3 pt. hydraulic lift system should be set to
transfer most of the Ripper’s weight and draft to the tractor to maximize traction (There may not be a 3 pt. Draft
control on some small tractors – Refer to Tractor Owner’s
Manual.)
The model ER-30 Ripper can loosen soil down to a
depth of 10-14 inches. Compacted soil or “Hardpan”
usually occurs in soil depths of 8-14 inches.
Breaking up this “Hardpan” layer will allow better soil
drainage and in dry periods, allow plant roots to go
deeper to obtain moisture.
34
Page 5
OP E R ATION – MBP-36
MIDDLE BUSTER PLOW
Hardpan or compacted soil layers is sometime caused
by compaction from wheel tractors or foot traffic.
Do not attempt to rip or subsoil when the 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 ripper point just below the hardpan layer.
The deeper you operate the Ripper, the more tractor
horsepower and traction will be required.
In very hard soil or in dry conditions (or with a small
tractor), it may not be possible to operate the ER-30
Ripper at the desired depth. In these cases, it may be
necessary to make several passes. (Increase the depth
with each pass until the desired depth is reached.)
The best “shattering” action will be realized at forward
speed of 2
1
/2to 4 miles per hour. It is not recommended
to exceed 4 MPH as it will only increase fuel consumption, horsepower required, and wear on the tractor and
implement.
Most soil types will require ripping or subsoiling every
2-3 years. Some soils will require this every year. It is
suggested, that if you subsoil a field one direction one
year, that you operate the Ripper diagonal to that direction when you “Rip” 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 planned crop. This will allow the best
drainage and root development for the crop.
The point of the ER-30 Ripper is reversible. When the
first point wears back, just knock out the rollpin, reverse
the point, and re-install the rollpin.
Do not let the point wear back so far 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 hardsurface weld put on the shank. This will
increase the life of the shank.
NOTE: Do not make turns with the ripper in the ground.
Damage to ripper will occur. Always raise implement and
lower after turn is made.
For proper operation, level the Middle Buster Plow by
adjusting the tractor linkage. This will assure that the
plow’s shovel will run straight.
The tractor 3 pt. hydraulic lift system should be set to
transfer most of the Middle Buster Plow’s weight and
draft to the tractor to maximize traction (There may not
be a 3 pt. Draft control on some small 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 form drainage
ditches.
Set your 3 pt. hitch 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 a few passes. (If this is required, operating the
ripper first may help considerably.)
O P E R ATION – ER-30 RIPPER
(Continued)
Underground utilities – Contact appropriate agencies to determine if hazardous items are buried
under the field BEFORE OPERATING! 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 operator is properly informed. WHEN
IN DOUBT, DO NOT SUBSOIL!
CAUTION!
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 subsoiler 16-20 inches deep along the
edge of the field will cut the tree roots and stop them from
“stealing” the nutrients and moisture from the crop.
If you stay at least 15 feet from the tree trunk, the cut-
ting of the roots will not harm the tree.
It is usually advisable to make a few passes to make
sure the subsoiler point is down to the depth necessary
to cut the roots.
Page 6
OPERATION – MBP-36
MIDDLE BUSTER PLOW(Continued)
The faster the forward speed, 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 pt. Toplink, you can
adjust the pitch of the plow shovel. In most soil conditions, the bottom of the shovel should be about level or
with the point down slightly. This “pitch angle” will also
determine how much soil is moved.
TROUBLE-SHOOTING
CAUTION!
NEVER allow anyone to ride while operating this
equipment and keep bystanders at a safe distance.
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of the
implement. The operator must be properly trained.
Operators should be familiar with the implement and
tractor and all safety practices before starting operation.
Read all safety rules.
MAINTENANCE
1. Check all nuts and bolts and make sure they are tight.
2. Check points for wear and damage. Replace when
necessary.
3. After seasonal use, paint the shanks and points to
prevent excessive rusting during extended non-use
periods. This will reduce the scour time when you use
the implement again.
4. SHEAR BOLT REPLACEMENT
If a shear bolt is sheared due to hitting an obstruction,
or operating in very hard ground, replace it with a 1/
inch grade #2 bolt. (No markings on head)
PROBLEM: Tractor will not pull Implement
1. Insufficient horsepower – Use larger, heavier tractor.
2. Soil too wet – Let soil dry.
3. Soil too hard and dry – Wait for rain.
4. Points too dull – Replace points.
5. Insufficient traction – (See tire slippage below)
6. Attempting to operate too deep – Reduce depth setting and make several passes, gradually increasing
depth.
PROBLEM: Excessive tractor tire slippage
1. Tractor too small – Use larger, heavier tractor.
2. Insufficient traction – Dual rear tire or add ballast,
increase draft control, operate at shallower depth.
3. Ground was tilled prior to subsoiling (Soil too loose) –
Subsoil first.
PROBLEM: Large clods
1. Soil too hard and dry – Wait for rain.
2.
Operating too shallow – Operate deeper. (Ripper only)
3. Wire or foreign object on shank – Remove object.
PROBLEM: Shearing pins
1. Wrong size shear bolt – Use
2. Too much load – Reduce speed or operating depth.
3. Hitting rocks or obstructions –Remove (if possible).
4. Soil too hard and dry – Wait for rain.
2
PROBLEM: Excessive point wear
1
/2” grade 2.
NOTE: USE OF A GRADE 5 OR HARDER BOLT MAY
RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE IMPLEMENT.
1. Soil too dry – Wait for rain.
2. Abrasive soil – Consider having points hard surfaced
by local welder.
/2” – 13NC Full Hex2
7800308Middle Buster Shovel1
82503245Bolt
7
/16” – 14NC x 4” Carriage Head2
92502006Washer
7
/16” Springlock2
102500012Nut
7
/16” – 14NC Full Hex2
PART NO.
DESCRIPTION
NO.
REQ.
REF.
NO.
MBP-36
MIDDLE BUSTER PLOW
EXPLODED PA RTS VIEW
Page 8
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
MOST ACCIDENTS OCCUR BECAUSE OF NEGLECT OR CARELESSNESS.
AVOID NEEDLESS ACCIDENTS BY FOLLOWING ALL OF THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS LISTED BELOW.
• Machinery should be operated only by those who are
responsible and are authorized to do so.
• Stop the engine, lower all equipment, lock the brakes,
and remove the ignition key before dismounting from the
tractor.
• Never stand between tractor and implement while tractor
is being backed to hitch.
• Loose fitting clothing should not be worn, to avoid catch-
ing on various parts.
• Detach implement in area where children normally do not
play.
• When performing adjustments or maintenance on an
implement, first lower it to the ground or block it securely
at a workable height.
• Only a qualified operator should be permitted on tractor
when in operation; no riders allowed.
• Make certain everyone is in the clear before starting
tractor or raising or lowering equipment.
• Operate the tractor and implement only while seated in
the driver’s seat.
• Reduce speed when transporting mounted implements to
avoid bouncing and momentary loss of steering control.
• A heavy load can cause instability of the tractor. Use
extreme care during road travel. Slow down on turns and
watch out for bumps. Tractor may need front counterweights to counter-balance the weight of the implement.
• Reduce speed on hillsides or curves so there is no
danger of tipping.
• Avoid driving too close to the edge of ditches or creeks.
• Do not transport implement on public roads without
reflectors and slow moving vehicle emblem in daylight
and with approved warning lights at night and other
periods of poor visibility.
• Due to the width of some implements, use extra caution
on highways, farm roads, and when approaching gates.
• Always be sure the implement is in the proper position for
transport.
• Keep alert and watch the front as well as the rear when
working with the implement.
OWNER’S/
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.’s
ER-30
MBP-36
MBR-2/1
WHEN ORDERING
REPAIR PARTS,
ALWAYS GIVE
THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION:
1. PART NUMBER
2. PART DESCRIPTION
3. MODEL NUMBER
4. NAME OF ITEM
Please work, drive, play and live each day with care
and concern for your safety and that of your family
and fellow citizens.
MAKE EVERY DAY
A HOLIDAY FROM ACCIDENTS
SMALL 3 PT. TILLAGE EQUIPMENT
Cat. O/I 3 pt. Hitch Tractors (from 15 to 35 H.P.)
LIMITED WARRANTY
Farm Star warrants its implements, parts and accessories to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of six (6) months from date of purchase. Upon
written approval, F a r m S t a r will repair or exchange without charge any part, which
upon examination by F a r m S t a r or its authorized agent, shall disclose to be defective.
This does not apply to (1) parts that have worn out in normal use, (2) parts broken
because of improper assembly or operation by the customer, (3) parts accidentally
damaged, (4) failure of parts traceable to improper care, (5) parts failing through use
of implement for purposes other than those for which it was designed.
The obligations assumed by Farm Star the limitations expressed herein are in
lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied.
OCTOBER 2001
FS-RP010-OG
FARM STAR
P.O. BOX 100 LITCHFIELD, IL 62056-0100 (217) 324-5973