Operating depth of chisels and sweeps is usually 4 to 8 inches. Manure exits the supply tube below the soil surface, making these units true manure injectors. Schematic of manure injectors and applicators. Spacing between the centers of the individual disks is generally 12 to 24 inches. Because of the angled shaft, the disks are skewed to the direction of travel, giving a wider spacing between the disks at the front edges than at the rear.
Manure exits slightly above the soil surface through the supply tube between the disks.
Operating depth is generally 3 to 6 inches. As the applicator moves through the field, the disks throw loosened soil and crop residue upward and toward each other, mixing them with the manure flowing from the supply tubes. Following application, the field often appears as strips of essentially undisturbed residue and soil alternated with strips of mixed soil, residue, and manure. The width of the undisturbed strip is dependent on both the spacing between the two opposing disks, and the spacing of the disk units along the toolbar, which is typically 15 to 60 inches. The coulter is slightly skewed or twisted compared to both the direction of travel and to vertical.