6
4.0 Operation and Adjustment
4.1 Operating
Due to the physical nature of the Sumo Rippa
a category three enclosed ball top link is highly
recommended
as the best option for dealing with the exaggerated loads experienced during normal
working conditions.
The top link should be as short as possible whilst remaining as close to horizontal as is achievable. In
the majority of cases this means using the bottom hole on the Rippa and the top hole on the tractor. It
is important to ensure the machine is running level to allow the optimum level of soil disturbance as
well as to prolong the life of the wearing parts.
The Rippa is fitted with reversible points and once worn can be flipped over. In order to flip over or
change the points first the Rippa must be secured as not to cause any harm to the operator when
working on the machine. Also the tractor engine must be turned off with the parking brake applied. In
order to change the points it is first necessary to remove the two nuts and bolts behind the leg freeing
the worn part. Then the point can be either be flipped over or replaced with a new point in the same
position, with the appropriate nut and bolt tightened up to secure the point in position. The Rippa tines
are protected with a shear bolt located through the leg and in the event of one breaking it needs to be
replaced with the appropriated nut and bolt (see 6.3 Leg & Shear bolt Assembly).
Forward working speed should be governed by the local conditions.
4.2 Adjustments
Depth adjustment of the Rippa is achieved by altering the height at which the pair of pneumatic depth
wheels are set by using a unique pin system (see 6.4 Depth Control page 11). This and a combination
of the top link length and lower linkage height help to change the depth of the machine. Always ensure
the machine is working level to achieve uniform results.
