Root Ripper

[Dougryan]

Hi,
I have some roots that I would like to rip out from some old shrubs that were cut down in the spring. I don't have a tractor with enough power, so I plan to use my Jeep. Any suggestions for how to build the ripper. In my head I see something that looks like a giant fish hook. I would plant the hook on the far side of the root bed, extend the long part of the hook over the root bed, then connect it by cable to the hitch on my Jeep. Put it in 4 Low and ease out the roots.

Any thoughts, ideas, pictures would be great about the design of the fish hook root ripper?

Thanks,
Doug

 

[Dougryan]

Well, I cut some steel tonight and I have a rough design figured out. I will need some help with the geometry. I would like this ripper to rip as it's pulled without digging down too deep. It must be all about the angles. Any suggestions about the angle between the long draw bar and the ripper shank? What about the attachment point for the pull cable?

Thanks,
Doug

 

[Martian]

I'm not sure how well this will work to be honest. You will need down pressure to keep it 'ripping'. I see it just floating over the roots and possibly falling sideways. I'd say you need some way to stabilize it, and add a bunch of weight over top of ripper itself to keep it down.

 

[bcp]

Here is a study about subsoiler angle vs curved:

View attachment 275609

Bruce

 

[Dougryan]

Martian - good call on stabilization and weight. I do plan to use a post hole digger (manual) to set the hook about a foot or so behind the root bed. Then if I can 'rip' for 4 or 5 feet without the ripper falling to the side, that will accomplish what I need. If it doesn't I will need to find a way to stabilize.

bcp - Thanks for the study. It seems that soil condition plays a role in the equation too. Great, another variable.

Thanks,
Doug