SUBSOILER

SUBSOILER
- an implement for intermittent tillage at
depths sufficient to shatter compacted
subsurface layers, equipped with widely
spaced shanks either in-line or staggered
on a V-shaped frame
- are large and robust chisels, which can
reach down to a working depth of more
than a meter. Because of the tractive
force required, their use is restricted to
tractors, not animals.

SUBSOILER
- sometimes called mole plow
- breaks up the soil so that water may
seep into the open spaces and be
stored
- works best when the soil is hard and
dry

*If the soil is wet, only a compacted
path, which is of little value, is made
through the earth.
Draft
Because subsoilers work deep, the draft is
great so heavy that usually only one
unit is pulled at a time even by large
crawler tractors.

Some of the smaller units, working about
16 in. deep can be pulled by a two-plow
tractor. Larger ones working as deep as 3
ft, require a crawler tractor with as much
as 80 hp.

Basic Parts
Shank or Standard used for attaching a tillage
tool to a beam. It is vertical or curved toward the
front.
Ripper Point tool attached to the shank of the
subsoiler to cut through the soil
Transverse Tool Bar part of the main frame to
which shank assemblies are attached
Gauge Wheel auxiliary component that helps
maintain uniform operating depth and for adjusting
depth of cut
Wear Shin metal plate attached to the shank to
reduce abrasion and enhance durability of the shank
Foot found at the lower end of the shank where the
point is bolted

Attachments
wheels and axles. Usually one wheel
powers the axle so that it can act as a
crank to raise the soil-working unit. The
wheels vary in size some may be as
high as 38 in and have rims as wide as 8
in. The wheels lift the subsoiler, keep it
level, and act as depth guides. The axles,
of high carbon steel, are 2 3 in. in
diameter.
Colter - to assist in cutting grasses rather
than having it accumulate on the shank.


Attachments
Mole an oval-shaped object with
diameter 3-8 in. pulled behind the unit
leaving a tunnel.
Colter - to assist in cutting grasses rather
than having it accumulate on the shank.
Fertilizer attachments for fertilizer
application


Classification
According to type of mounting
- Drawn type subsoiler main
frame is mounted far behind the
tractor. Guide wheels are necessary
for transport
- Three-point hitch mounted
main frame is mounted to the rear of
the tractor using the 3-point hitch
linkages

Classification
According to type of shank
Straight shank
Curved or parabolic shank

Principle of Operation
The subsoiler shall be attached on
the tractor. After being transported to
the field, the implement shall be
lowered on the soil. The desired
operating depth shall be set by
adjusting the gauge wheels or
through the action of hydraulic
cylinders. The subsoiler shall be
pulled by the tractor to cut through
the soil.


Safety and Maintenance
The subsoiler shall be painted and shall
have a rust-free finish.
The subsoiler shall be free from
manufacturing defects that maybe unsafe.
All bolts shall conform to standards for
strength application and shall be made of
hot-galvanized steel for corrosion
resistance.
Grease points for shank protection
mechanism shall be provided.
Tools for adjustment of shank assembly
shall be provided.

Determination of draft
A spring, hydraulic or stain-gauge type
dynamometer shall be attached to the front of
the tractor on which the implement is
mounted. Another auxiliary tractor shall pull
the implement-mounted tractor through the
dynamometer in neutral gear but with the
implement in its operating position. The draft
in the measured distance of 20 m as well as
the time it takes to traverse it shall be
recorded. On the same field, the draft in the
same distance shall be recorded while the
implement is lifted above the ground. The
difference in the draft readings shall yield the
draft of the implement.
References
PAES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsoiler
http://www.tradenote.net/keyword/Subso
iler/