CAP 0009233 - Caterpillar

Do not turn or back the machine while shanks are in the ground. Twisting strain on the shanks and tips may cause failure.
Inspect the ripper tips frequently for excessive wear.
The multishank ripper is intended for high production. Use the multishank ripper in hard, packed soil and loosened, embedded rock. The multishank ripper is for use in material that can be ripped with AT LEAST two shanks. Use the multishank ripper with a single center shank less than 20 percent of the time. The multishank ripper is NOT intended for high production in rock with a single center shank.A single ripper shank in an outside pocket of the ripper is NOT recommended. If necessary, locate the shank in the highest position. Operate the machine at reduced speed. The frame of the ripper is not designed for ripping with a single outside shank at full horsepower.The multishank ripper is NOT intended for ripping in deep applications. Only use shanks of the specified length.Use a single shank ripper when deep ripping is required.Packed Soil, Hardpan, Clay, Shale or Cemented Gravel
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Multishank ripper with three shanksThree shanks work well in these materials. Use the greatest possible number of shanks to break the material to the desired size. However, the number of shanks that are used should not cause the machine to stall.Rock with Fractures, Faults and Planes of Weakness
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Multishank ripper with two shanksThe use of two shanks will cause the rocks to break out in smaller pieces., Then, the machine can manage the job easily. When the machine begins to stall, use only the center shank. If the tracks spin, use only the center shank.Single Shank Ripper (Solid Rock, Granite, or Hard Spots)
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Use one shank in material that tends to break out in large slabs or in large pieces.Adjustable Ripper
The shank on the ripper has angle adjustments and length adjustment features.The angle of the shank must be varied in order to achieve the maximum performance throughout each ripping pass.
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Insert the ripper into the material that is being ripped. Adjust the angle of the shank slightly beyond the vertical position. This will give you the correct tip angle for entering the material. The angle will change because of the different materials that need to be ripped.
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Lower the ripper into the material while you move the machine forward. When you reach the desired ripping depth, move the shank forward in order to achieve the correct angle for best performance. This angle is usually between the vertical position of the shank and the forward position of the shank.
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Move the ripper shank forward to the shank in position when you pry out the lodged material.
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Adjust the length of the shank according to the following procedure.
Maintain a length of the shank so that the machine can efficiently pull the shank through the material.
Maintain sufficient clearance under the lower ripper frame. This will prevent the machine from catching on large slabs or on large rocks that are brought to the surface.
Keep the