Italiano 
Plough, ripper or cultivator: how to choose the right implement
The choice depends on three factors: the type of cultivation, the tractor's power and the type of soil. An implement that is too large strains the tractor and works poorly; one that is too small makes the job take longer.
1. The type of cultivation
- Ploughing: the plough turns the soil over and buries crop residues and weeds. It is used to break up grassland, vegetable gardens and uncultivated land. The single-furrow plough suits the smallest tractors, the two-furrow plough doubles the working width, and the reversible plough works back and forth while always turning the soil to the same side, leaving no open furrows.
- Subsoiling: the ripper breaks up the plough pan and compacted layers down to 50–60 cm without turning the soil over. It improves drainage and root development.
- Cultivating: the spring tine cultivator refines the soil after ploughing, aerates it and removes weeds. With duckfoot shares it works on the surface and cuts weeds.
2. The tractor's power
Each implement states the recommended power: the smallest ploughs and potato diggers already work with 12 hp, while wide cultivators and deep rippers need 30 to 60 hp. Weight matters too: the tractor must lift the implement with the three-point hitch while remaining stable, with front ballast if necessary.
3. The working width
Cultivators range from 120 to 217 cm and grading blades from 110 to 250 cm. As a general rule, the working width should at least cover the tractor's track width, so the wheel marks are worked on every pass.
4. Hitch and drive
Ploughs, rippers, cultivators and blades connect to the category 1 or 2 three-point hitch. Augers and potato diggers, on the other hand, need a 540 rpm PTO and a CE-approved PTO shaft. One version also has a hydraulic cylinder on the arm, operated from a tractor hydraulic outlet.
5. The type of soil
On clay and compacted soils it is best to use the ripper first and then the cultivator. On loose or sandy soils the cultivator is often enough. On stony ground, spring tines absorb impacts against stones and reduce the risk of breakage.
6. Safety
Never approach the PTO shaft, auger or moving parts while the PTO is engaged, and check that the PTO shaft guards are intact. At the end of work, always lower the implement to the ground before getting off the tractor.
| Type | Cultivation | Tractor power | Width or depth | Connection | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plough (single-furrow, two-furrow, reversible) | Turning the soil | 12–40 hp | 1–2 furrows | Three-point hitch | Vegetable gardens, grassland, small plots |
| Ripper | Breaking compacted layers without turning | 12–60 hp | Down to 50–60 cm deep | Three-point hitch | Compacted soils, drainage, vineyards and orchards |
| Spring tine cultivator | Refining, aerating, mechanical weeding | 16–50 hp | 120–217 cm, down to 35 cm deep | Three-point hitch | Seedbed preparation |
| Auger | Holes for posts and plants | from 35 hp | Augers from 10 to 30 cm diameter | 540 rpm PTO | Fencing, vineyards, planting |
| Potato digger | Harvesting potatoes and tubers | 12–60 hp | — | 540 rpm PTO | Vegetable gardens and potato fields |
| Grading blade | Levelling, grading, moving soil | — | 110–250 cm | Three-point hitch, fixed or swivelling arm | Driveways, yards, land shaping |
Are these implements suitable for high-power farm tractors?
No. They are designed for small compact and articulated tractors of about 12 to 60 hp, such as Kubota, Iseki, BCS, Valpadana or Carraro, used by private owners, hobby farmers and small businesses for vegetable gardens, vineyards and small plots. High-power tractors and large-scale cultivation require larger implements with higher hitch categories.
What is the difference between a plough, a ripper and a cultivator?
The plough turns the soil over and buries residues and weeds. The ripper works deep down to break up compacted layers without turning the soil. The cultivator works closer to the surface to refine and aerate the soil after ploughing and prepare it for sowing.
Which implements do you need to prepare a vegetable garden?
For a vegetable garden you usually start with a single-furrow plough to turn the soil, then use a cultivator or a rotary tiller to refine it. If the ground is very compacted, a pass with a ripper before ploughing is worthwhile.
How much power does the tractor need?
It depends on the implement: from 12 hp for the smallest models up to 50–60 hp for wide cultivators, deep rippers and large potato diggers. The recommended power is stated on each product page: respect it, along with the lifting capacity of your three-point hitch.
What is a category 1 and 2 three-point hitch?
It is the standard system for attaching implements to the tractor's rear lift. The category indicates the size of the pins: category 1 is typical of small, compact tractors and category 2 of medium-power ones. Check your tractor's category before buying.
What is a reversible plough?
It is a plough that can be flipped: at the end of the field the mouldboard is rotated and you come back turning the soil to the same side. This lets you work in both directions without leaving open furrows in the middle of the field.
When is subsoiling worthwhile?
When the soil is compacted, for example by repeated machine traffic, or when water stands on the surface. Subsoiling is done on dry ground, usually every few years rather than every season.
Cultivator with tines or with duckfoot shares?
Spring tines work deeper and loosen the soil. Duckfoot shares work on the surface and cut weed roots, making them suitable for mechanical weeding between crops.
Which auger diameter should I choose?
It depends on the hole: 10–15 cm augers are fine for thin stakes and vines, the 20 cm auger for fence posts and the 30 cm auger for planting trees and shrubs. Augers can be swapped on the same post hole digger.
Standard auger or with hydraulic cylinder?
All augers are driven by the tractor's 540 rpm PTO through the PTO shaft. On the version with a hydraulic cylinder, the arm is moved by a cylinder connected to a tractor hydraulic outlet, so the auger's descent and lift are controlled with the hydraulic valve.
Grading blade with fixed or swivelling arm?
A fixed-arm blade is ideal for levelling and grading. A swivelling-arm blade can be angled and offset to the side, to push soil towards an edge, clear ditches and work along walls and fences.
Are the implements compatible with my tractor?
Yes, if the tractor has the three-point hitch of the stated category and the recommended power, plus a 540 rpm PTO for augers and potato diggers. They suit small and medium-power tractors of the main brands, such as Kubota, Iseki, Carraro, Goldoni, Pasquali, BCS and John Deere.
Products marked with the Italian flag and the Made in Italy indication are designed and manufactured predominantly in Italy; products without these indications are essentially manufactured abroad.