Farm Star MBR-2/1 - Manual (Page 4)

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&T shop 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.
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 3 1 / 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 trac-
tor and the implement in case an obstruction is hit or that
the operating conditions are too severe. A grade 2 bolt is
a “soft” common hardware bolt.
NOTE: USE OF A GRADE 5 OR HIGHER BOLT MAY
RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE IMPLEMENT.
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 fur-
nished.)
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.
3 4
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 trac-
tor 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.
O P E R ATION – ER-30 RIPPER
O P E R ATION – MBP-36
M I D D L E B U S T E R P L O W
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 / 2 to 4 miles per hour. It is not recommended
to exceed 4 MPH as it will only increase fuel consump-
tion, 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 direc-
tion 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)
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.
C A U T I O N !
A S S E M B LY A N D M O U N T I N G
I N S T R U C T I O N S
T R A C T O R R E Q U I R E M E N T S
A N D P R E PA R AT I O N
Underground utilities – Contact appropriate agen-
cies 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 instruc-
tions. Be sure operator is properly informed. WHEN
IN DOUBT, DO NOT SUBSOIL!
C A U T I O N !
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.