963B Track-Type Loader Caterpillar

Always use the center shank when you are ripping with one ripper shank. If material breaks up satisfactorily, do not increase the speed of the machine. Rather, use more ripper shanks.

Only cross rip if a one-way ripping pass will not adequately loosen the material.

When possible, rip the ground downhill.

Inspect the ripper tips frequently for excessive wear.

Hints for Operating the Ripper

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Rip the ground as deep as possible according to ground conditions. You may rip at partial depth in order to remove the material in natural layers.

In order to cushion the machine, keep material above the unripped formation. This will also provide traction.

When final material size must be relatively small, close spacing of passes is recommended.

Packed Soil, Hardpan, Clay, Shale, or Cemented Gravel

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Three ripper shanks work well in these materials. Use the greatest possible number of ripper shanks to break the material to the desired size. However, the number of ripper shanks that are used should not cause the machine to stall. The number of ripper shanks should not cause the machine to hang up.

Rock with Fractures, with Faults, and with Planes of Weakness

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Use two ripper shanks when rocks break out in small pieces. If the machine begins to stall or the tracks spin, use only the center shank.

Solid Rock, Granite, and Hard Material that is Difficult to Rip

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Use one ripper shank in material that is difficult to rip or in material that tends to break out in large slabs or in pieces.

If one ripper shank is being used, always use the center shank.

Asphalt Road Surfaces

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Raise the ripper shanks in order to lift out the material and raise the ripper shanks in order to break the material.

Concrete Road Surfaces

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Use a single ripper shank to sever any mesh. The ripper is also effective in severing the reinforcement rods.