Sub-Soiler
(Ripper, V Ripper, V Plow, Big Ox)

A sub-soiler is used to break up compacted soil layers and open the ground up so roots and moisture can penetrate more deeply into the soil. It could be a primary tillage tool i.e., one used for the first pass over a field, but is not normally a part of usual tillage operations.

This tool is useful when a plow pan or hard pan (compacted layer) has developed from annual plowing and disking or heavy animal and equipment traffic. When operated properly, in dry soil, this implement fractures and shatters the hard soil.

This implement is similar to a chisel plow but is much larger and operates at deeper depths. The shanks are about 30 inches long and plow about 18 inches deep. They are arranged in a V pattern, giving it one of its names. These require about 40-50 horsepower per shank to pull, so this one would take a very large tractor.

This picture is a typical 5 shank, three point mounted model.

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