A Subsoiler is a good “mechanical” alternative to Broad-forking in previously-worked garden beds, breaking up hardpan, providing aeration, and loosening compacted soil up to 11” deep. When attached to a relatively light machine like a walking tractor, traction augmentation will be necessary (wheel weights, possibly dual wheels or cleated steel wheels). 2 depth positions. The more wheel weight and traction you have, the more effective this tool will be. (In testing, we achieved best results by having dual steel wheels AND wheel weights on the tractor, and we were able to rip 11 - 12” deep through sod. Our Steel Tracks would also do well with this tool, although they’re quite expensive…see our Wheel Accessories page for all our traction-augmenting gear)
Several of our customers have found the subsoiler (ripper) a much faster option than broadforking beds at the beginning of the season or when beds are re-used mid-season; two or three offest passes in a bed, and it’s broken up nicely. However, you DO have to drive the tractor on the bed-top to use it…if the tractor wheels are extended so that they “straddle” the bed, the hard pull of this implement and the resulting strain on the axle (since the axles are “extended” and the “leverage” on the axle and bearings is increased greatly) can cause damage to the tractor. But this is not typically a problem, since you will usually follow the subsoiler with a bed-finishing tool like a tiller or power harrow, which breaks up any surface compaction caused by the wheels.
Fits Differential drive tractors only; minimum recommended wheel size 5x10x20”.

Here is a review on this tool from one of our customers:

“What a great tool. Ordered the subsoiler and associated mounting pieces. Mounted on BCS 945 [with 6.5x12x23” wheels] and factory [150 pound] wheel weights. Half throttle in 1st gear low range. Walked right through the garden. Bought it not only to dig down through sod, but to bring up the hardhead rocks we have in VT. Waited until after a rain so the soil was moist. Did everything I hoped it would. Once harvest is over I’ll hit it again with the the subsoiler to pull up a few more rocks. Thanks again for great service and advice.” Gary DeWitt, Bennington, VT

THIS TOOL REQUIRES THE DRAWBAR AND TOOL CARRIER SHOWN BELOW!! Angle of frame relative to tractor adjusted by T-handle crank on Tool Carrier…this allows “attack” angle of the tool to be adjusted. (NOTE: If purchasing multiple implements made by Aldo Biagioli, ONLY ONE Tool Carrier and Drawbar need to be purchased! Tool carrier and Drawbar change quickly from implement to implement with just one pin.)

Drawbar (Left) and AT-30-ET Tool Carrier (Right)
with hookup hardware

Tool Carrier & Drawbar Assembly Instructions

SD-1 Aldo Biagioli Ripper / subsoiler

• Fits Grillo G107 - G131, BCS 749 – 948
• Requires wheel weights
• Requires minimum tractor wheel size of 5x10x20” (Larger is better!)
• MSRP: $160 $145

Drawbars for Aldo Biagioli implements

• BP-80 Fits BCS or Grillo bolt-on PTO MSRP: $50 $45
• BP-80-QH Fits Quick-coupling PTO (specify tractor brand & model) MSRP: $65 $60

Tool carrier for Aldo Biagioli implements

• AT-30-ET (fits Cultivators, Potato plow, Bedshaper, Subsoiler) MSRP: $95 $90
• ET 1006 Category 1, 3-point hitch adapter frame (allows Aldo Biagioli tools to be attached to a small 4-wheel tractor with category 1 3-point hitch mount–Requires “bolt-on” drawbar above) MSRP: $160 $150