The 915 V-Ripper has excellent residue-handling capability in primary tillage at all residue levels. At higher levels, coulters may be required to minimize plugging.

Typical percentage of residue cover remaining from the 915 are listed as follows.

NOTE: The percentage do not take into account variables such as the condition of the residue, speed, and soil type.

*Non-fragile residue includes crops like corn, sorghum, wheat (more than 45 bu).

**Fragile residue includes crops like soybeans, edible beans, peas, wheat, (under 45 bu), sunflower, peanuts, cotton.

The frame is available in 127-mm x 178-mm (5-in. x 7-in.) and 178-mm x 178-mm (7-in. x 7-in.) sizes.

The frame design of the 915 V-Ripper positions standards in a true V-pattern:

• Reduces plugging in higher levels of residue
• Gives the center standard a leading-edge shattering effect that reduces horsepower requirements over straight bar rippers

127-mm x 178-mm (5-in. x 7-in.) frame models have 10-mm (3/8-in.) thick walls:

• Ideal for tractors up to 225 PTO horsepower (hp) and 4WD tractors up to 250 engine hp
• Available in five- or seven-standard models
• Parking stands are included in base equipment

178-mm x 178-mm (7-in. x 7-in.) frame models have 13-mm (1/2-in.) thick walls:

• Ideal for tractors with up to 360 engine hp
• Basic frame can be equipped with seven or nine standards
• Bolt-on extensions can be added to allow 11 or 13 standards
• Parking stands are optional equipment

NOTE:

• 11-standard size is limited to 508-mm and 635-mm (20-in. and 25-in.) spacings
• 13-standard size limited to 508-mm (20-in.) spacing

The integral hitch provides excellent maneuverability for tight turns on shorter headlands. The hitch makes it easy to move in and out of buildings.

It is compatible for tractors with Category 2 or Category 3N or 3, 3-point hitches.

The integral hitch can be set to two position:

• 1 = Low position
  Gives maximum transport clearance and allows ripping to approximately 508 mm (20 in.) deep
• 2 = High position
  Enables ripping to a maximum depth of 584 mm (23 in.) with shear-bolt standards

Single or dual gauge wheels are available to help maintain a consistent ripping depth:

• 9.5L-15, 8 PR tires for good flotation and load bearing when ripping deep
• Turnbuckle adjustment for easy setting

Rippled coulter blades cut through surface residue such as cornstalks, wheat stubble, or other heavy crops to help reduce plugging.

The ripple on the blade bites into the soil to promote turning the blade in wet and/or firm soil, as well as lighter, drier soils.

Cushion or shear-bolt designs are available.

Cushion design

• Automatically returns the coulter to the operating position once the obstruction is passed.
  • Saves time by eliminating the need to stop and replace shear bolts.
• Unique rosette bracket used to adjust the coulter depth. Simply loosen one bolt and swing the coulter up or down to the desired height.
  • Standard does not move, so maximum trash clearance is retained.
• Protector bolt (arrow) will yield if the obstruction height exceeds the deflection range of the coulter, thus preventing serious damage to the coulter.
• 457-mm or 508-mm (18-in. or 20-in.) rippled blades are available for good cutting action. The maximum working depth is as follows*:
  • For the 457-mm (18-in.) coulter blade, the working depth is 483 mm (19 in.)
  • For the 508-mm (20-in.) coulter blade, the working depth is 457 mm (18 in.)

*NOTE: When ripping in fields with obstructions, it is necessary to restrict the working depth in order to give the coulter space to travel over obstructions. Without coulters, the maximum working depth is 584 mm (23 in.) for shear-bolt standard and 559 mm (22 in.) for safety-trip and spring-reset standards.

Shear-bolt design

• Provides economical alternative for protecting coulters in fields with few obstructions.
• 457-mm, 508-mm, or 559-mm (18-in., 20-in., or 22-in.) rippled coulter blades are available for good cutting action. The maximum working depth is as follows:
  • For 457-mm (18-in.) coulter blades, the working depth is 483 mm (19 in.)
  • For 508-mm (20-in.) coulter blades, the working depth is 457 mm (18 in.)
  • For 559-mm (22-in.) coulter blades, the working depth is 432 mm (17 in.)

The soil probe helps operators to determine the proper operating depth of their ripper points,
38 mm (1.5 in.) below the bottom of the compaction layer.

The probe allows obtaining the maximum amount of soil fracturing from the entire family of John Deere ripper points. Marked in 51-mm (2-in.) increments from 254 mm to 559 mm (10 in. to 22 in.), the probe provides accurate feedback of compaction layer depth.

It is stored on the mainframe of the ripper for convenient access. The operator’s manual explains the proper use of the soil probe.