Potato Digging

Dieselrider · Apr 22, 2014

I have been contemplating a potato digger. They seem hard to find used and pricey when you do. Also not sure how much wear you get with a used tool.

Thought about attempting to build one. Have searched online for plans on DIY without much success. Lots of videos on many different models for sale at way high prices.

I have seen where several people (some on this site) have suggested to others using a middle buster to dig potatoes. I have done that in the past but, it never brings all the potatoes up to the top in one pass and I had to stop the tractor to pick up the potatoes that do come up, then run the tractor through several more times attempting to get all the potatoes.

Am I doing something wrong when using the middle buster? If I run too shallow I slice some potatoes.

There must be a better way than what I am doing. Suggestions are welcome.

W R · Apr 22, 2014

I'd be tempted to have ago at building one.
Try and find an older one to copy from, old sales brochures could also give you some ideas.

Dean Olson · Apr 22, 2014

Your not doing it wrong.

everythingattachments.com has a new digger for about $3000.00. Every used one I've found was about wore out, old, and pricey.

I hand dig 1 plant at a time and start that process when they are about the size of golf balls. New potatoes are the best eating. I then use the middle buster. I have to make multiple passes and still will have some volunteers the next year. Using the middle buster is far better than hand digging like I used to have to do.

I plant 20lbs of Red Lasota seed potatoes and end up with about 300' of row.

I've researched selling potatoes in my area and the economics won't work trying to pay for a planter or digger.

caterpillar guy · Apr 22, 2014

Dieselrider Look in the WI ID MI areas there are old ones around. I looked for a few years to find an old windrower. I intend to use it as a stone picker. I have a few bugs to work out yet. You might fine a windrower more available than a regular harvester.
If you are going to use it in only the garden. Have you considered a single bottom plow and just run it real deep?

Anonymous-0 · Apr 22, 2014

I have an ancient, non PTO powered one. Kinda looks like a middle buster, with a star shaped wheel, on the back, that vibrates a platform connected to the shoe. All the taters end up clean, and in the bottom of the ditch it makes.

Randy Shoe · Apr 22, 2014

Try to find one like this they are plentiful here in Id. the potato state.

Leroy · Apr 22, 2014

Years ago (50+) used simular to your middle buster and after patch was done that way took the spring tooth harrow and set it deep and went over, picked up, repeated with the spring tooth, picked up repeated till no more showed up. Lot less work than multi passes with middle buster and will find more potatoes.

Kevin Happke · Apr 24, 2014

So where are you located?

Briar Hill Brittanys · Apr 24, 2014

(quoted from post at 18:39:27 04/22/14) I have an ancient, non PTO powered one. Kinda looks like a middle buster, with a star shaped wheel, on the back, that vibrates a platform connected to the shoe. All the taters end up clean, and in the bottom of the ditch it makes.

I'd like to see a picture, maybe get an idea for a build. Don't see many like the one in Randy's picture in this neck of the woods. When you do, they're either worn plumb the heck out or not for sale for love or money. Mark

Dieselrider · Apr 25, 2014

West Central PA. Why?

Potato Digging

Dieselrider

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W R

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Dean Olson

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caterpillar guy

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Anonymous-0

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Randy Shoe

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Leroy

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Kevin Happke

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Briar Hill Brittanys

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Dieselrider

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