The New Holland ST650 in-line ripper helps create ideal soil conditions in conservation tillage row-crop applications. You control residue by selecting the best combination of shanks, points and options to reduce compaction, improve water absorption, manage residue and leave the surface profile desired in your operation.

ST650 In-Line Ripper Troubleshooting Guide

Pull Hitch

1. Set depth with depth stop collars on lift wheels.
2. Use the gauge wheels to only assist the lift wheels, not to set the depth.
3. Set levelness by changing clevis height.
4. Do not turn with the ST650 in the ground.

Berm Build'r™

1. In normal conditions, the Berm Build'r down-pressure-spring should not be tripping. Set the depth of the blades to run just above the firm soil by moving the assembly up or down in three hole positions in 2 in. (51 mm) increments. 1 in. (25 mm) changes can be achieved by changing the Berm Build'r shear-bolt in either of two positions.

The blades are meant to only catch loosened soil and move it back over the shank path. Sometimes the point wings lift the firm soil surface between the shanks; the blades should not cut into this soil.

2. Adjust the arm mount angles so the blades throw a uniform berm. Too straight of an angle will leave a valley in the center of the berm. Too much of an angle will cause a dirt pile to build up between the blades.

3. Blade mount position: The reverse position will leave more residue on the surface of the berm. The standard position mixes more soil with the residue as it builds the berm.

4. The blade should catch all of the soil coming off the shank. Adjusting the blade arm longer moves the blade out to catch more soil; adjusting more angle in the arm will also catch more soil.

Berm Tuck'r®

1. Berm Tuck'rs are designed to run in soil with a firm surface like sod or no-till fields. A loose surface, such as a soybean field, will allow the wheel to push and not give the desired results. The Berm Buildírs are designed for loose surfaces.

2. The Berm Tuck'r wheel catches the surface soil, and holds it just enough to keep the surface undisturbed. It is not supposed to pack the soil back flat behind the shank.

3. The position of the Berm Tuck'r wheel to the point is very important, and is part of the patent that allows the ST650 to perform better than the competition. The Berm Tuck'r wheel should catch the soil movement before the surface is opened or flipped over. By holding slight pressure on the surface as the point wings lift the soil, the surface remains intact, and it settles back behind the shank, leaving only a slot from the shank.

4. The arm position on the Berm Tuck'r is normally mounted forward from the mount to position the wheel beside the shank. The rearward position is usually too far rearward to catch the flow before the surface is disturbed.

5. The down-pressure-spring should not be tripping in normal operation. Raise or lower the mounting in the three positions to achieve the correct height in 2 in. (51 mm) increments. Changing the Berm Tuck'r shear-bolt to the low or high setting provides a 1 in. (25 mm) adjustment.

ST650 Primary Tillage Step-by-Step Field Settings Instructions

1. Raise the gauge wheels so they don't touch the ground.

2. Lower the ST650 into the ground and set the depth with the three-point hitch. The load sensor should be set on heavy load or turned off. (If the load sensor lifts the unit up in a hard spot, the coulters will be too shallow, which can cause choking.)

3. The frame, fore and aft, should run level at operating depth. Use the top link to level the frame.

4. Lower the gauge wheels to carry 25% of the load in normal conditions. In hard spots, the gauge wheels will help maintain uniform depth.

5. Check coulter depth. Too shallow will not cut residue. Too deep will push residue or limit depth much like a gauge wheel. Adjust for proper depth, usually 3-4 in. (76-102 mm).

6. Check coulter alignment. With MRD and no-till shanks, the coulter must be directly in front of the shank. A coulter running only .375 in. (10 mm) to either side of the center of the shank will cause the other side of the shank to boil out surface soil. Drive very slowly and watch how the soil moves around the shank. Correct the location of the coulter so the soil parts directly in front of each shank. All shanks should leave a uniform path or slot at full operating speed.

Set-up check: The gauge wheels must be positioned differently, depending on which shank mount is used. Gauge wheels should be mounted on the rear bar in the rearward position for auto-reset shanks and in the forward position for shear bolt shanks.