The EarthBuster device, shown in a utility trailer.
The EarthBuster device is a patented solution (US Patent # 6,939,085) for issues caused by soil compaction.
Applications
Environmentally Friendly
EarthBuster remediates soil compaction in the “greenest” way possible: releasing bursts of clean air at depths of up to 6 feet. This breaks up compressed soils, opening channels through which water, nutrients, and air can flow. It does not introduce anything other than air into the ground. As a result, it’s considerably better for the environment than other machines that inject toxic polystyrene beads (like beanbag chair filler) into the soil.
Mounting
This skid-steer tractor applies a pressure of 4.3 psi to the ground, where its wheeled counterpart applies 65 psi!
The EarthBuster device is mounted on any farm tractor, skid-steer, or excavator (not included) with a quick attach system. Make sure it is also rated to carry devices of this weight (See EarthBuster specifications here). The ideal tractor to use is one with tracks (as opposed to wheels) because tracks apply less than 10% of the pressure per square inch than wheels do and doesn’t disturb the ground as much. Wheeled tractors can be used, however, by starting in the middle of the compacted area and driving backwards. This will avoid ground that has already been treated.
EarthBuster’s pneumatic system is powered by compressed air from a portable compressor (not included). Compressed air is forced into the ground through the EarthBuster probe, which is driven as deep as six feet into the ground by the tractor’s forward boom arms. For highly-compact or rocky soils, the EarthBuster’s built-in Sullair pneumatic hammer helps to drive the probe into the ground.
Once probing is completed, 1.75″ holes are left in the ground. These may be either left to heal naturally, filled with pea gravel, or used to apply nutrients (solid or liquid) deep into the soil by simply pouring into the hole. Generally speaking, these holes, drilled 4 to 6 feet apart, are the only disturbance to a lawn, provided the ground is dry at the time of treatment. The tractor’s wheels (or tracks) are more likely to cause tearing to the lawn as the amount of moisture (or standing water) in the lawn increases.
Because the EarthBuster device is tractor-mounted and powered by an external compressor, it is much faster to use than other walk-behind machines. Not only can the tractor move faster, but so can the actual probing. The recommended outboard compressors for use with EarthBuster are adequate to provide “one shot after another”, unlike walk-behind machines that can take minutes between shots.
