Durability and wear geometry of subsoiler shanks provided with sintered carbide plates

Durability and wear-related geometry change of three constructional solutions of subsoiler shanks were determined in field conditions: a shank with no additional reinforcement (shank A) and elements reinforced by pad welding and with sintered carbide (WC) plates (shanks B and C). The wear phenomena were observed using SEM and EDS analysis. The study demonstrates the influence of design construction of the shanks to its durability. The durability of shank C, was over four times larger than other shanks. Limit state of elements A and B was determined by reduction of their length. In case of shanks B it was considered with the spalling of underwent plates, whereas the spalling of the carbide plates of shank C only took place sporadically.