Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer vs Traditional Ripper & Layer

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So, you're needing to move water from one place to another, and burying km of poly pipe seems like an overwhelming task. Fortunately for you there is a tool that can make this job so much easier, the Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer.

In this article we will look at the Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer, how this compares to traditional rippers without a reel system, which properties are a good fit for a Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer and when a Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer is not a good fit.

What is a Ripper Pipe Layer?

A riper pipe layer is something that has been around for many years and there is a wide range of brands on the market today. These range from light duty (20-40 hp) units right up to units capable of handling 200 Hp+.

Pipe Layers Boxes

Pipe Layer Boxes usually consists of a laying tube or box section and will be fitted onto the rear of a single ripper tyne. The single tyne will be mounted to the 3PL on the rear of a tractor and will pull or open a single furrow in the centre of the tractor as its move's forwards.

Usually these will be suitable for placing pipe between 500 mm to 700 mm deep depending on conditions, horsepower, and terrain. Some heavier built models will go up to 1 meter deep when horsepower is correctly matched.

Layer boxes vary greatly between brands. Lighter duty or lower cost layer boxes will consist of a length of bent or rolled pipe bolted onto the rear of the ripper shank. A flat metal dirt shroud welded at the bottom to give the pipe bend some strength and move any dirt to either side. This makes a cavity for the poly to lay into.

More heavy duty units will be usually constructed from 5 – 6 mm plate. These units will have a removable backing plate so that pipe can be taken out of the layer box without being cut. This is very useful when stopping at fences and water troughs as the job then requires less joiners minimising potential leak points.

Heavy duty layer boxes will also usually be pinned on the ripper shank so that they can be easily removed should pre ripping be required.

Reels

Laying pipe can be a tedious time-consuming job especially in hot conditions where poly is prone to expanding and shrinking or kinking when being uncoiled. Anyone that has spent time unrolling poly pipe will know once you have the straps cut off the coil it becomes a very floppy hard to move and difficult to unroll.

With a ripper pipe layer that has a reel fitted this task is made easy as the pipe simply uncoils as the ripper is pulled through the ground. For a unit without a reel attached, the pipe will need to be uncoiled by hand or with a spinner of some kind and laid parallel to the proposed ditch or waterline.

Comparing traditional Rippers to the Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer

Traditional Rippers are light, simply made units. Whether they be a John berends, Hayes or Daken (please note the quality of build differences between these brands are substantial!) or something similar these units are perfect for the small operator / hobby farmer or lifestyle block. They can also be used on a large scale farm however it pays to factor in the labour cost if attempting a large project.

For the larger projects the Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer which has the option of a hydraulic reel to hold the pipe coils and removable backing plates in the layer boxes is ideal. The Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer is Australian made and features a simple mounting mechanism to fit the layer box to the ripper shank.

Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer

Pros ✅ Cons ❌
  • Heavy Duty.
  • Fittings/joiners go through the layer.
  • Removable Faceplate so you can access inside the Layer.
  • Varying sizes for larger projects.
  • Don’t need to unroll the poly. – Hydraulic Unroller.
  • Heavy Duty Ripper & Reversable Heavy Duty Ripper Point.
  • Layer Box is hinged for manoeuvrability (turning in the ground).
  • The unit is free standing.

 

  • Up front Cost is more than a traditional unit (usually offset by time saved)
  • Higher Hp Requirement

 

Traditional Ripper / Layer

Pros ✅ Cons ❌
  • Cost Upfront
  • Low Hp Requirement
  • Can’t access the pipe in the layer
  • Cannot fit fittings down the layer
  • Light duty
  • Need to manually unroll the pipe and feed it into the layer

So don't get me wrong if you are only doing a small area at a time or pipe depth isn't a big factor for your operation then there is nothing wrong with a John Berends traditional unit or similar. However, if you want to lay a lot of pipe and speed and ease of operation is in your mind then you can't go past a Delmade unit. As we know in today's age time is money, so be sure to factor that into your decision as a well built machine will have a higher purchase price however this is offset by the lower operating costs and less man hours required to get the job done.

In the words of Nick Gabbe a Delmade Ripper pipe layer owner “it does a great job quick and easy and time saving.”

Delmade ripper pipe layers can be packed onto a half pallet and shipped anywhere. So, if you're ready to take the hassle out of laying pipe, give Delmade a call on 1800 335 623 to get a ripper pipe layer on its way to your farm today.

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