Great Plains has amended one of its popular vertical tillage tools, the Sub-Soiler, aiming to optimize its performance and longevity, according to a company press release.

The VT1500 Sub Soiler is intended to break yield-robbing soil compaction layers, leaving behind a uniform soil density with less topsoil disturbance and residue burial. The new VT1500 Sub-Soiler has been redesigned to include additional features for no-till and rocky applications and features to support product longevity.

The Sub-Soiler is now available with new high protection trip pack auto-reset shanks. This new shank mount trips at 2,000 pounds to enhance performance and reduce shear bolt breakage in rocky conditions. The Sub-Soiler is also offered with an auto-reset shank option with 3,000 pounds of trip force, or an economical shear-bolt mount option for lighter soil conditions and obstructions.

Offered in both rigid and folding configurations, the VT1500 Sub-Soiler can be customized for each operation’s specific needs. The implement offers multiple shank spacing options, along with a choice of shank styles, mounts, and points. 

Options include a 1¼" straight-legged shank with or without fins, or a ¾" no-till shank, where less ground disturbance is desired. No-till shanks and points minimize soil disturbance by shattering below the surface. The ¾" no-till shank is available with 10" points for 30"+ spacing, or new 4" points for 24" spacing. These narrow points allow the machine to operate at shallower depths (10"-12") with less horsepower. 

All point and shin options are now manufactured from a hardened chrome alloy to extend the life of the points and reduce potential breakage of the shins.

“We have seen some significant wear life improvement with the new chrome alloy points and shins," says Great Plains Sails Agronomist Blake Bergkamp. "We worked with a customer from the Texas Panhandle who grew irrigated corn and triticale in some pretty sandy conditions. After switching to the new chrome alloy points, this producer now has over 1,700 acres on the chrome alloy points and shins. As a comparison, he replaced one shank with a standard shank, and it wore out after 400 acres; in this case, these new points and shins had over four times the wear life.”

With these new enhancements, the Sub-Soiler is designed to withstand more rugged conditions with an extended lifespan to help producers maximize yields and profitability. More information about the Great Plains VT1500 Sub-Soiler is available online.

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