Many farms, despite all the efforts of the farmer, suffer from low yields and poor-quality swards. In most cases, this is caused by the compactness of the soil that results in limited water flow and reduced aeration. Soil health is vital for the success of your field and crop whether it is on a large scale or on a small scale. Soil health is the sole factor that decides the type and quality of yield you will get in the end. Grassland subsoiler and middle busters are one of the most common tools currently being used for tillage, loosening and breaking of soil. They are also extensively used for making rows in the fields. These tractor-mounted tools are currently being manufactured by many tops of the line companies. For your ease, we have reviewed the 6 best grassland subsoiler and Middle Busters.
If you are not a mood to go through the whole review you can check from the below list…
Best Grassland Subsoiler and Middle Buster Reviews
For our reader convenience we divide the entire review in some subsections. So that, they can choose their subsoiler according to your requirements. The subsection is as follows…
- Overall best value for the money :King Kutter Mid Buster Subsoiler
- Heavy Hitch’s Middle Buster Plow:No products found.
- Middle buster plow point: King Kutter Middle Buster
- Middle Buster plow with blade: Subsoiler Plow Combo Shank
- Subsoiler For Tractor: Behlen Country 80111720YEL
- Behlen country subsoiler: Sub-Compact Middle Buster/Sub Soiler
( all above text links are #ads of amazon)
Before starting the review lets check the detailed compatibility of these subsoilers and middle blusters
Comparison of Table
| Product | Shank Length | Tractor Compatibilit | Hitch Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Kutter XB Middle Buster/Subsoiler Combo | 14 inches | 25HP | 3-point hitch |
| Heavy Hitch’s Middle Buster Plow: Subsoiler Plow/ – Standard Shank | 18 inches | 40 HP | 3-point hitch |
| Middle buster plow point: King Kutter Middle Buster | 14 inches | 25HP | 3-point hitch |
| Middle Buster plow with blade: Subsoiler Plow Combo Shank | 28 inches | 40HP | 3-point hitch |
| Subsoiler For Tractor: Behlen Country 80111720YEL | 14 inches | 40HP | 3-point hitch |
| Behlen country subsoiler: Sub-Compact Middle Buster/Sub Soiler | 7 inches | 30HP | 3-point hitch |
Now lets start the detailed review of best grassland subsoiler
1. Overall best value for the money: King Kutter XB Middle Buster/Subsoiler Combo
This King Kutter XB Middle Buster/Subsoiler Combo is one of the top grassland subsoiler and middle buster combos. Apart from featuring top of the line quality, durability, and sturdiness, the tool is designed such that it can be used for all types of fields. Hence, the versatility improves its overall value for money, making it our top pick. This subsoiler with middle buster can endure up to 25 HP and has a 14 inches long shank. This means it can go at least 8 to 10 inches deep ensuring proper water retention, aeration, and slurry distribution. Its shank is constructed using thick steel and has a tubular structure which reduces the chances of the shank bending due to force.
Key features :
- Category 1 3-point hitch.
- Compatible with 25 HP tractors.
- Tubular steel shank.
- 14 inches shank length
Pros :
- It is ideal for dry as well as silty soil.
- The tool is designed to be durable and sturdy.
- It comes with the universal three-point hitch.
- It is compatible with all kinds of subsoiler points.
Cons :
- It is not compatible with a quick hitch system.
- The shaft is not long enough for compact tractors.
If you are looking for something versatile, durable and sturdy yet reasonable, get your hands on the King Kutter XB Middle Buster/Subsoiler Combo. Since it comes with high value for money.
2. Heavy Hitch’s Middle Buster Plow: Subsoiler Plow/ Standard Shank
Finding a super deep soil conditioning subsoiler is pretty difficult. However, the heavy hitch has come up with a solution for you. This subsoiler and middle buster combo are not only ideal for plowing the fields, making rows and mixing the soil of the field but also for installing water and wire lines. The best part is, the long shank has multiple depth settings which improve the versatility and greatly improves the number of tasks that can be carried out using this tool. It features 2nd grade 5/8 inches bolts that provide protection against breakages and sheers in case something hard and immovable comes in front of it. The subsoiler and middle buster combo are compatible with both, category 0 and category 1 hitches.
No products found.
Key features :
- 28 inches combo shank length.
- T1 steel construction.
- It comes with 11 inches furrower.
- 2 inches receiver adapters
Pros :
- The bolts are designed to provide protection against breakages.
- Shank’s length is variable.
- It can be connected via both category 0 and category 1 hitches.
- Designed to endure 40 HP.
Cons :
- The adjustment of depth operation is difficult.
This Heavy Hitch Subsoiler plow/Standard Shankis ideal for people who are looking for something heavy-duty and versatile yet extremely reasonable.
3. Middle buster plow point: King Kutter Middle Buster
This is a slightly toned-down variant of its previously mentioned heavy-duty sibling. King Kutter is a well-known company when it comes to plowing and gardening related tools. This particular middle buster is designed for field preparation, row creation as well as for digging vegetables like potatoes. It comes with a 14 inches long shank. However, it is not adjustable. Just like all the other king Kutter ploughs, it comes with a category 1 three-point hitch that is compatible with most of the tractors. Apart from this, this middle buster comes with solid steel construction that makes it durable and prevents it from bending during the plowing process.
Key features :
- 14 inches shank length.
- Solid steel shank construction.
- Category 1 three-point hitch.
- Complete welded frame
Pros :
- Makes field preparation, vegetable digging and row creation very easy.
- Has the universal hitch.
- It is compatible with all sub-compact tractors.
- The solid steel construction makes it very durable.
Cons :
- Shank length is not variable.
- In case a very hard immovable object comes in front of it, it will bend.
If you are looking for something to plow your fields that don’t have a lot of silt or clay content. Get your hands on this King Kutter Middle Buster, since there is no better option.
4. Middle Buster plow with blade: Subsoiler Plow Combo Shank
This ripper with subsoiler including middle buster is the best you can get on the market for heavy-duty works. Apart from the basic plowing and field prepping it can also be used for digging lines and lanes for water pipes and electricity wires. Since the shank is adjustable, it can be used for a variety of different tasks which improved the overall value for money. Apart from this, it comes with both, category 0 and category 1 type hitches, which means it is compatible with both old and new tractors. Since the shank is adjustable, its height compatibility with different tractors is also on point. Moreover, the tool can endure 40 HP and has the ability to sheer in case something immovable comes in the way.
Key features :
- 28 inches long shank.
- Category 0 and category 1 hitches.
- 2 inches receiver adapters.
- Multiple depth settings.
Pros :
- It is heavy duty and can endure 40 HP.
- This subsoiler comes with two types of hitches.
- It is equipped to prevent breakages.
- The shank height is adjustable.
Cons :
- Adjusting the hitches is inconvenient.
If you are looking for a plowing device that has the ability to do other tasks as well, you are in the right place. This subsoiler and middle buster combo will give you amazing value for money and versatility.
5. Subsoiler For Tractor: Behlen Country 80111720YEL
Behlen is known for its range of farm and ranch products. This Behlen subsoiler is one of its best and most durable products constructed using heavy-duty steel and finished with powder coating. The proper finishing ensures that the device remains corrosion and resistance-free for a lifetime. The tool has been designed to do various other tasks apart from plowing and prepping the soil. It can be used to drain areas that have been holding water breaking the compact and silted soil. Since it weighs 96 pounds, it can penetrate deep into the soil promoting aeration. The shank length is not adjustable and it can endure up to 40 HP.
Key features:
- Heavy-duty steel construction.
- 96 pounds in weight.
- 14 inches shank length.
- 40 HP endurance.
Pros :
- The heavy-duty steel construction improves its durability.
- Designed to do various farm and ranch-related tasks.
- The points are easily replaceable.
- Has a high 40 HP endurance.
Cons :
- It cannot be used for laying water pipes and electricity lines.
- It can be too large for sub-compact tractors.
This product is ideal for farmers and ranchers looking for a heavy-duty yet compact subsoiler and middle buster. However, if you have a compact or sub-compact tractor, this might be too big.
6. Behlen country subsoiler: Sub-Compact Middle Buster/Sub Soiler
This subsoiler and middle buster combo is designed for compact and sub-compact tractors. Even though it does not have a high operation depth, it works well for smaller farms. The construction is pretty high quality since it has been constructed using powder-coated heavy-duty steel which means, users, don’t have to worry about rust or corrosion eating the tool away. Overall, the combination tool is very sturdy, durable and versatile. It comes with both category 1 and category 0 hitch and it the perfect tool for a small gardener.
Key features :
- Heavy steel construction.
- 7 inches shank length.
- 30 HP endurance.
- Category 1 and category 0 hitch.
Pros :
- It is compatible with all compact and sub-compact tractors.
- It has heavy-duty steel construction that improves its durability.
- Despite being compact it has 30 HP endurance.
- Are rust and corrosion-free.
Cons :
- Operational depth is not as much as other subsoilers.
- The shank length is not adjustable.
If you are a small gardener looking for something to help you prep your garden or field, get your hands on this Behlen subsoiler.
Best Grassland Subsoiler Buying Guide
Getting the right subsoiler and middle buster for your tractor is a tricky job. There are more than a few factors that you need to look into. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information about the topic on the internet which is why consumers suffer while deciding the type of subsoiler that will work best for them. However, the key features you need to factor in before choosing a subsoiler and a middle buster are:
Shank size
The shank size of a subsoiler or a middle buster directly corresponds to the durability and sturdiness of the product. It also decides the compatibility of the product with the tractor. Mostly, the compact subsoiler and middle buster combos come with a slightly thinner shank with a lower shank length while the bigger ones have thick shanks and longer lengths.
Usually, shanks are 2 cm to 4 cm thick, however, for extremely heavy-duty subsoilers and middle busters you might find shanks thicker than four centimeters. Shanks are mostly constructed using powder-coated heavy-duty steel in order to prevent bending or breakages.
Usually, we have three main types of subsoiler and middle buster shanks:
- Straight (has an ‘L’-like shape)
- Parabolic (as the name suggests, looks like a parabola)
- Bent leg (looks similar to a robotic leg)
Type of Hitch
Hitches decide the way a plow, subsoiler or a middle buster is attached to the tractor. Most of the subsoilers and middle busters nowadays come with category one three-point hitch. This type of hitch, scientifically speaking, is the most durable way of attaching two heavy bodies together. The hitch resembles a three-point triangle or the letter A.
Before investing in a subsoiler or a middle buster, ensure it comes with a three-point hitch. Since this is considered a universal connector now and most of the tractors only feature compatibility with three-point hitch subsoilers and middle busters.
Operation depth
As a rule of thumb, the greater the operational depth of a subsoiler or a middle buster the better will be the efficiency. Typically, a subsoiler mounted on a utility tractor has an operating depth of 12 inches. For comparison purposes, plows and disc harrows have an operational depth of 6 to 8 inches only.
Subsoilers and middle busters that consist of three or more heavy vertical shanks (based on market standard) can go as deep as 18 inches to 30 inches into the ground. This is especially ideal for plants with longer roots or for planting fruit trees since a higher subsoiling depth means better root aeration and better water retention. Soil that has a higher quantity of silt or clay requires deeper subsoiling since it is naturally prone to compression.
Apart from this, if you plan on using the subsoiler and middle buster on different types of grounds, it is best you look for a subsoiler and middle buster combo that has a variable shank. This will allow you to change the operating depth of the device. Thus, you will be fully equipped to prep fields with a different types of soils as well as for different types of crops as well.
Subsoiler points
Subsoiler pointsare a critical part of the tilling process. Its shape and its configuration decide the amount of disturbance in the soil and the amount of residue that settles in. Subsoiler points are basically the blade or the face of the shank used to break the surface of the ground to get the tilling started.
As far as subsoiler points are concerned, there are six main types typically used:
- 2inches reversible pike point
- 2 inches reversible straight chisel point
- 3 inches right and left twisted shovels points
- 4.5 inches reversible shovel
- 8 to 10 inches shovels
- 12 to 18 inches sweeps
Of course, the larger the size, the higher will be the operational depth.
Tractor compatibility
Apart from tractor connectivity, it is necessary that the subsoilers and middle busters are compatible with the power of the tractor. Most of the standard subsoiler and middle buster combos can not endure being pulled behind tractors with power more than 25 HP. However, there are other subsoilers/middle buster combos specifically designed for more powerful tractors and larger fields. They can endure up to 40 HP.
Field type
Now that the specifications of the subsoilers and middle busters are out of the way, one last thing that you need to consider is the type of field you will be working with. If you are working on a field with slightly higher sand content, then you don’t need to look into very sturdy, premium quality and longer shanks, however, if your field has higher clay and silt, the deeper the operation depth of your device the better.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Since subsoilers and middle busters are a not very popular topic on the internet, many beginners have a lot of questions regarding the working and the performance of these tools. We have combined some of the most asked questions in case you are wondering the same things.
How do I match my subsoiler and middle buster combo with my tractor?
While purchasing the tool, just check its compatibility with the power of your tractor. Also check whether the type of hitch with work with your tractor. For example, those who have John Deere Tractors can easily invest in any subsoiler and middle buster combo that goes with 25 to 45 HP and have a category 1 3-point hitch.
What angle should the shanks be inclined at?
Preferably, shanks should be inclined to the vertical at an angle greater than 450, but anything between 25 to 300 will also work fine.
Do all shank pointers have the same efficiency?
No, every subsoiler and middle buster pointer works differently, has a different efficiency and is used for different purposes. For example, torpedo-shaped tip pointers are used to create tile drainages.
Does shank weight affect tilling efficiency?
Yes! It does. The heavier the shank the lower will be the vibrations produced and the higher will be the efficiency. However, heavier subsoilers and middle busters are more expensive.
What kinds of shanks are preferred for agricultural use?
Usually, the thinner shank is prefer for agricultural use. For example, 2 cm shanks are ideal for agriculture-related tasks.
Conclusion
Initially, farmers used livestock and handmade equipment for the prepping and plowing of soil. However, over the years slurry spreading and plowing equipment have been revamped. This has not only improved the efficiency of soil plowing but has also helped farmers improve the quantity and quality of their yields by multiple folds. Among those all spreading and plowing equipment grassland subsoilers and middle busters are one of the most versatile, efficient and functional tools developed to date. Most of the farmers who own acres of land have invested in subsoiler and middle buster combos.
Because it not only makes the task easier but increases efficiency. Since most of the subsoilers (not the compact ones) dig deeper than disc tillers and other kinds of plows. Among the list of 6 best grassland subsoiler and middle busters the King Kutter XB Middle Buster/Subsoiler Combo is our top pick. It not only provides top of the line features, quality and durability but also provides the best value for money. However, beside this review, if you wish you can also check our selected top 5 tows behind tiller review Which is also a very handy tool for agriculture and farming . So that’s all from this article. Hopefully, this article will help you to ger your desired grassland subsoiler.
