Tillage Chisel Points & Shanks Illustrated

April 8, 2017

Chisel Points

Subsoiler Shanks

The selection of type of points or blades is important to accomplishing what the grower is aiming for in regard to weed control, residue management and seedbed preparation, according to the Tillage Equipment Pocket Identification Guide published by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. For example, the less inversion action the point or shovel creates, the less residue is buried.

Sweeps and spike points bury less residue than do straight points or twisted points. Slower speeds and shallower operating depths usually leave more residue.

Chisel Points

A variety of types and sizes of chisel points can be utilized when tilling soils. Among these are: A. 2 inch reversible pike point; B. 2 inch reversible straight chisel point; C. 3 inch right and left twisted shovels points; D. 4.5 inch reversible shovel; E. 8 or 10 inch shovels; 12, 14, 16 or 18 inch sweeps.

Subsoiler Shanks

A subsoiler is typically designed to penetrate 12-22 inches deep to alleviate soil compaction. Subsoiling is often used to loosen compacted areas of fields where heavy loads have passed. The amount of disturbance will depend upon the shape of the shank and the working angle of the tool bar.

Types of subsoiler shanks include: A. straight, B. parabolic and C. bent leg.

Back to Vertical Tillage Report

Dave Kanicki

Dave Kanicki is the former Editor/Publisher (retired in 2020) Editor & Publisher of Ag Equipment Intelligence (AEI) and its related research, reports and broadcast channels. He joined Lessiter Publications in 2005 after decades of experience as an Editor & Publisher of metals manufacturing titles. His Farm Equipment and AEI work has been nationally recognized by both trade business and business press associations. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University.

Tom Evans

Before retiring from Great Plains in 2016, co-author, Tom Evans had been in the farm machinery business for 45 years. He worked with Deere & Co. for 17 years, during which time he held various positions in manufacturing, wholesale and retail sales including store manager of Salina Implement Co. in the mid 1980s. For the remainder of his career, he held various positions with Great Plains Mfg. Inc. and focused on planting and seeding equipment, as well as both conventional and vertical tillage equipment.