“The key advantage of the Pan Buster is its ability to work in stony soil conditions, which prevail so predominantly in most grassland areas,” proprietor David McCoubrey told farm-link.

“The specification includes discs that are spring loaded with a full trip reset on the legs. The hydraulically adjusted roller allows depths to be varied on the move. This unique combination allows the subsoiler to work effectively in stony conditions and to avoid important field features such as existing drains."

Research carried out over many years confirms that sub soiling can put new vigour into existing grass swards. This is a direct result of the improved drainage and the fact that the roots are better aerated.

“The new Pan Buster is also extremely reliable and robust,” concluded David McCoubrey.

“Contractors have reported back to us that they are using the new system on up to 1,000 acres of grassland per year without good results. Farmers are under severe financial pressure at the present time. However, effective sub-soiling is an extremely cost effective way of improving grassland output.”

Brian Torrens, from Garvagh-based Heathfield Contracts, recently purchased a Pan Buster and is already very impressed with the results.

“We are using it to subsoil grassland at the present time behind a Valtra T130,” he told Farming Life.

“It is doing an excellent job, is easy to use and is extremely robust.”