Which Ripper Pipe Layer is best for my application?
Jan 26, 2024 Posted by Stewart Knight
(Pictured here ☝️ Standard Series, 105mm Layer Box and 2.8m Reel)
Installing water troughs for stock comes with the inevitable task of laying pipes to get water to those troughs efficiently. The labour intensive nature of this job can be significantly alleviated with the use of a ripper pipe layer.
In this blog, we will walk you through how to choose the best model of Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer for your application. If you have other questions on Ripper Pipe Laying check out our learning centre.
Understanding the Basics
1. Working Depth and Series
Delmade Ripper Pipe Layers are available in two series. The series determines how deep your unit will go into the ground.
- Standard Series: Suitable for depths of up to 700mm.
- Deep Series: Ideal for challenging conditions, capable of reaching depths up to 1000mm.
How to choose your working depth and series:
Choose the series based on the depth requirements of your application.
The Deep Series is recommended for very dry or harsh conditions where it is essential to bury the pipe deeper. In most instances, the Standard Series will be more than sufficient to bury your pipe deep enough to avoid disturbance.
The Deep Series also features hydraulic depth control, whilst the Standard Series is designed to work using the linkage arms on your tractor for depth control.
Both Series are heavy duty and built for working at depth. The deep series does have extra strength because of the hydraulic system.
2. Pipe Size and Layer Box Options
The Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer features two different layer box sizes. The size of your layer box dictates the maximum size of poly pipe that can pass through the box and into the ground.
- 105mm Layer Box
- 150mm Layer Box
How to choose your Layer Box:
The choice of layer box depends on the pipe size you intend to use and whether or not you intend to put fittings/joiners through your layer box.
Putting fittings/joiners through your box takes a great deal of the strain out of laying pipe eliminating the need to dig back and join the pipe after laying so we would always recommend getting a layer box big enough to take your fittings/joiners.
Here is a table of common pipe sizes and which layer box suits as a guide.
| PIPE SIZE | FITTINGS | LAYER BOX |
| 50 mm (2") | With fittings | 105 mm |
| 63 mm | With fittings | 150 mm |
| 2.5" | Polyweld | 105 mm |
Typically, we find that the 105mm Layer box is best suited to most applications. If you don’t need the bigger 150mm box we would recommend sticking with the 105mm box as this will minimise your Hp consumption.
You can also purchase two boxes and switch between the two easily as required.
How to measure your pipe: You need to measure the widest point of what you're laying. So, if you are using fittings/joiners this will be the fitting/joiner and if you're not using fittings/joiners this will be the poly pipe.
Simply lay your tape over the widest point. Then allow 5mm clearance on either side. So, for example, if the widest point is 50mm the total clearance required is 60mm so this would suit the 105mm Layer Box. If the widest point were 110mm the total clearance required would be 120mm so this would suit the 150mm Layer Box
There is a calculator at the bottom of this article where you can enter any custom pipe size and it will tell you which model you need.
3. Poly Pipe Roll Size and Reel Size
(Pictured here ☝️ 2.8m and 3.2m Reel on the same tractor for size comparision)
The Delmade Ripper Pipe Layer features two reel options. The 2.8m reel and the 3.2m reel. Reel choice is dictated by the size of your poly rolls.
- 2.8m Reel: Fits most standard rolls of poly pipe.
- 3.2m Reel: Ideal for big projects and long distances, minimising the need for joiners.
How to choose the right Reel size:
Choose the reel size based on the scale of your project.
The 3.2m Reel is recommended for large scale projects, as you will be able to hold roughly a kilometre of pipe depending on pipe size meaning fewer fittings and fewer rolls.
Most applications are suited to the 2.8m reel. Which holds standard agricultural size rolls of poly pipe.
Make sure your poly pipe rolls will fit in the reel. Use the following specifications as a guide.
| POLY PIPE REEL SIZE | MAX OUTER DIA. | MIN INNER DIA. | MAX WIDTH |
| 2.8m Reel | 2800mm (9'2") | 750mm (1'7") | 500mm (1'8") |
| 3.2m Reel | 3200mm (10'6") | - | 700mm (2'3.5") |
Matching Models to Your Needs
Model Comparison
🔍 Click here to view a larger copy of this diagram
- Determine Working Depth: Assess the depth requirements of your project. Choose between the Standard and Deep Series based on your specific conditions.
- Select Layer Box Size: Consider the pipe size and fittings you plan to use. Choose between the 105mm Layer Box and the 150mm Layer Box.
- Evaluate Reel Size: Choose your reel size based on the scale of your project. For standard projects, the 2.8m reel is sufficient, while large-scale projects will benefit from the larger 3.2m Reel.
By considering these key factors, you can confidently choose the Delmade ripper pipe layer model that best suits your application.
Use this calculator to help you determine which model Ripper Pipe Layer is best for your needs.
How to measure your pipe
You need to measure the widest point of what you're laying. So, if you are using fittings/joiners this will be the fitting/joiner and if you're not using fittings/joiners this will be the poly pipe.
Simply lay your tape over the widest point. This is the measurement that you need to enter into the calculator.
For example in the image below the tape measurement is at 50mmm. So, you would in turn put 50 into the calculator.
How does the calculator work
What the calculator does is checks the dimension entered against the aperture of the box. Allowing for a 5mm clearance on either side of the pipe or fitting. (The aperture is a measure of how wide the box is. 👇 Pictured below.)
If you have other questions on Ripper Pipe Laying check out our learning centre or call our friendly team 1800 335 623 or 👉 click here to enquire now and order yours.
