South Africa’s diverse agricultural conditions require purpose-built implements for different soil types. The Agrico reset T1250 ripper tine has been specifically designed for the deep sandy soils of central South Africa. It was on these sandy soils near Wesselsbron, on the farm of Aser Nel, where the performance of the T1250 was demonstrated.

The demonstration day gave farmers from the wider region the opportunity to see the T1250 in action, pulled by the most powerful tractor in production: the John Deere 9RX 830. This tractor delivers a maximum engine power of 913hp (672kW). The 9RX pulled the T1250 with its 14 tines 800mm deep through the soil, truly a remarkable performance by both tractor and implement.

“This is possibly the ripper we’ve built that requires the most power (or kilowatts) to pull,” says Paul Burger, implement product manager at Agrico. “This 14-tine is a basic ripper (no coulters or rollers), but exactly what you need in these types of soils. It’s ideal for sandy soils where farmers want to work as deep as possible.”

The T1250 is designed as a trailed implement with a main frame of 6m and 3m wings. The frame folds hydraulically for transport, with main wheels mounted on the frame for stability and easy handling.

Why deep rip in sandy soils?

Nel says deep ripping is crucial in his region. “We farm in sandy soils. We need to rip deep to achieve effective tillage, especially to break subsurface compaction layers.”

He purchased the T1250 four years ago and is still extremely satisfied.

“The tines are reinforced, and we’ve had no structural issues. I get the depth I need, and the width of the implement helps me work my rows accurately.”

The T1250 is part of Agrico’s T-series of rippers, which include:

• T800 for minimum tillage and conventional soil preparation in clay soils;
• T1000 works up to 600mm deep, ideal for medium to heavier soils;
• T1250 is the top of the range, for sandy soils, up to 800mm deep;
• In-line tine is suitable for narrower row spacing and high-resistance soils.
  This T1250’s 14 tines are spaced 762mm apart, ensuring good flow and soil fracturing. According to Burger, farmers in this region typically work between 700mm and 800mm deep.

“In some soils, you can gain an extra 500kg to 800kg of yield per hectare for every 100mm you work deeper. With benefits like that, the implement pays for itself in one season.”

Strength and durability

To ensure durability, the ripper tines are made from high-strength steel, reducing wear. The tine is 25mm wide, the optimal balance between pulling resistance and strength, with a 40mm-thick share for sandy soils.

“On this specific ripper, the tines have already worked more than 500ha and still have about 75% of their lifespan left,” Burger explains.

The 4m drawbar provides good turning capability without compromising stability. The top link precisely sets the implement’s working angle, a key feature for efficient and deep tillage.

Adjustments and options

Agrico also offers additional options:

• Coulters (cutting discs) in front, which cut through crop residue;
• Various rear rollers, saw-tooth, pipe, tandem, and light rollers, depending on the soil and the farmer’s requirements;
• Share options, including thicker, wing-type, straight, and clay-specific points for different soil types.

“With the right combination of tractor and ripper, you work smarter, not harder,” says Burger. “In some cases, you can do a one-pass operation before planting. You can cut, rip, and roll with the right attachments. When soil is worked like this, it saves fuel and reduces unnecessary traffic on the soil.”

After-sales service

The success of the T1250 lies in its efficiency, robustness, and adaptability. Agrico’s expertise in implement design, combined with practical input from farmers like Nel, has resulted in a tool that truly performs.

Nel says his experience with Agrico has been excellent.

“I didn’t know them when I ordered the ripper, but since then they’ve never let me down. They supported me from day one. I’d confidently recommend Agrico’s equipment and service to other farmers.”

For more information contact Agrico by filling in the contact form on agrico.co.ca, sending an email to [email protected], or phoning Paul Burger on 082 374 6938.