Bucket-Mounted Chisel Shank "Trencher"

Bucket-Mounted Chisel Shank "Trencher" TILLAGE EUIPMENT Chisel Plows (9) 26-4-8 "It's a simple idea, but it works great to dig shallow trenches for electric and gas lines around our farm," says Jim Schreifels, Watkins, Minn., about the chisel plow shank he bolted to the bucket on his Gehl skid steer loader. He started with a Glencoe Soil Saver shank with a 4-in. twisted shovel. He bolted the shank to a hole in the front lip of the bucket. To dig a trench, Schreifels backs up the skid loader and tilts the bucket down to push the sweep into the ground. He makes multiple passes, making a deeper cut each time. "It's an excellent way to dig a trench - nothing rips better than a chisel plow," says Schreifels. "I used it last year to install an electric line between our outside wood burning stove and our house. I had to put the line through our driveway. It took six passes before the trench was deep enough to install the line. Then I shoveled the loose dirt out of the trench. By making several passes I can easily get down 12 inches deep or so. I don't bolt the shank on real tight, which allows it to pivot on the bolt and center itself as I back up. "The same idea would work on a front-end loader, but the problem is that the shank would be more difficult to see. "I have to make sure the shank is out of the ground before I move forward with the skid loader, or else the shank will snap like a toothpick." For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Jim Schreifels, 64893 375th St., Watkins, Minn. 55389 (ph 320 764-6093 or 320 764-6094).

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