Recommendations for Working Hard Soils

HARD GROUND MACHINE PROFILES

Hard soils will cause shank type tillage tools to operate in following manners.

• Ground engaging tools, typically wide sweeps, will penetrate to hard ground and then slide over its surface. Depth control wheels will not carry machine weight or control operating depth on main frame or wings.
• Main frame tools will not penetrate while either one, or both, wings penetrate. Wheels on one or both sides of main frame may not be contacting ground. Machine will have one of illustrated profiles.

PENETRATING HARD SOILS

One of following options can be used to establish a uniform machine operating depth. Regardless of chosen option, it is essential that wheels support machine weight and gauge depth. Hopping walking beams indicate that depth gauging is not being done by wheels.

NOTE: Replace worn tools first.

Option #1-TRU-WIDTH sweeps provide BETTER PENETRATION than conventional sweeps. TRU-WIDTH sweeps are tipped 2 degrees for improved entry and have a redesigned nose that holds its point for improved penetration throughout wear life of sweep. Where penetration is a problem TRU-WIDTH sweeps are recommended to improve penetration throughout wear life of sweeps.

Option #2-Install shims on conventional 47° sweeps (2° increased sweep angle per shim) under top sweep bolt for improved penetration. This will require a longer sweep bolt. Re-leveling machine may be necessary once hard ground has been penetrated.

Option #3-Raise depth of machine in 3 mm (1/8 in.) increments until wings run level with main frame.

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Option #4-Install 44 mm (1-3/4 in.) spikes on front rank of standards. Spikes will penetrate hard pan and allow you to operate deeper. Wider sweeps on remaining standards may be required to ensure adequate weed kill. Re-leveling machine may be necessary once hard ground has been penetrated.

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