Behlen 80111700ORG - Manual (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.
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
DANGER