A heavy-duty implement towed behind a high-horsepower tractor to shatter hardpan and deep soil compaction without inverting the topsoil. It uses long, curved steel shanks that penetrate 12 to 24 inches down. Breaking this compacted layer allows water to drain properly and roots to penetrate deeper into the subsoil.
Heard on the job
Hook up the ripper to the big Deere, we need to bust up the hardpan in the south field before the rains hit.
Insider tip
Pulling a ripper requires massive draft power; running it too deep in wet soil will just slice through without shattering the compaction zone.
Also heard as
- subsoiler
- deep ripper