Question 1

How does Gopher General control pocket gophers?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General is a tractor-pulled machine that creates treatment tunnels underground and meters slow-release fumigant tablets into them as it moves through the field. Independent packers close and smooth the surface without collapsing the tunnels, so phosphine gas can spread through the tunnels and surrounding soil to reach pocket gophers. The fumigant application method is patented, and Gopher General was the first machine built specifically for it.

More about how Gopher General works →

Question 2

How is Gopher General different from a gopher baiter?

Accepted Answer

Baiters rely on the gopher finding and eating poison bait. Gopher General skips that step and delivers fumigant directly into the tunnels it creates, so gas reaches the gopher whether or not it ever takes the bait.

Question 3

What fumigant does Gopher General use for pocket gopher control?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General is calibrated for slow-release aluminum phosphide products such as Phostoxin and Weevilcide. Always follow the current product label and the fumigant regulations in your state or province.

Question 4

What tractor do I need to run a Gopher General?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General needs at least 50 horsepower, plus the hydraulic and electrical connections to power and control the machine. That's a low enough requirement that most farm tractors already on hand can run it. Full specs can be found here.

Question 5

What field and soil conditions work best for Gopher General?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General works best when soil moisture is high enough to form and hold a sealed treatment tunnel. Soil temperature, moisture, and field conditions all affect how well the fumigant performs, and an automatic shank cleaner helps keep the machine running in wet conditions.

Quick start guide →

Question 6

Can Gopher General handle rocky ground?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General uses a hydraulic accumulator rock protection system that lets the ground-engaging assembly move when it hits an obstruction, instead of staying rigidly fixed.

Question 7

What types of farming operations use Gopher General?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General is used for pocket gopher control in hay, alfalfa, pasture, rangeland, tree farm, and sod operations, by owner-operators, custom operators, renters, and conservation districts of every size.

Question 8

How far apart should Gopher General passes be?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General passes are typically spaced 15 to 20 feet apart. Fields with heavier gopher pressure may call for tighter spacing. Reference your model's user manual for additional information.

Question 9

How fast should I drive while using Gopher General?

Accepted Answer

Operating speed should match your application rate, pass spacing, and field conditions. Calibrate the metering system and follow the current fumigant label before you start.

User manuals →

Question 10

Do I need to treat my whole field, or just the areas with gopher activity?

Accepted Answer

Full-field treatment isn't always necessary. Some operators fumigate the entire field for pocket gopher control with Gopher General, while others treat only the areas showing active gopher activity, depending on how concentrated and severe the infestation is.

Question 11

How do I know if Gopher General treatment worked?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General works fast, and new digging should stop within days of treatment. If you still see fresh digging, tighten the distance between your passes and go a bit slower on the next application.

Question 12

How does Gopher General reduce hand handling of fumigant tablets?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General meters fumigant underground automatically while the operator stays on the tractor. That removes the need to locate individual burrows and place tablets by hand across the field.

Learn more about operator safety →

Question 13

How does the air delivery system help protect operators?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General uses moving air to keep fumigant tablets moving through the delivery system, instead of relying on gravity through an open-bottom torpedo. Gravity-feed systems can clog without warning, and clearing that clog exposes the operator to concentrated phosphine gas. Air delivery keeps tablets moving so that risk doesn't come up during normal operation.

More about how Gopher General works →

Question 14

Is fumigant released above the ground?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General is designed to dispense fumigant only while the delivery system is operating underground. It stops dispensing as the machine comes out of the ground.

Question 15

What PPE and applicator requirements apply when using aluminum phosphide?

Accepted Answer

Operators must follow the current aluminum phosphide product label for PPE, respiratory protection, handling, and storage requirements. Certification and licensing requirements vary by state, province, and jurisdiction.

Question 16

What parts on a Gopher General wear out and need replacing?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General's ground-engaging wear parts, including the shank points and cutting components that work through the soil, are the parts most likely to need replacement. Wear depends on soil conditions and how much ground the machine covers.

Question 17

How can I get replacement parts or service support?

Accepted Answer

Call 306-705-7576 to order replacement parts or get help with service and troubleshooting for your Gopher General.

Question 18

What is the warranty on a Gopher General?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General comes with a one-year warranty on parts, but your satisfaction is important to us. If you're having trouble with your machine, contact us.

Question 19

Where can I find the Gopher General owner's manual?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General owner's manuals and other operating resources are available here.

Question 20

How do I buy a Gopher General?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General machines are sold directly through the company. Share your location and a bit about your operation to get a quote, using the short form at the bottom of this page. Or simply give us a call at 306-705-7576.

Question 21

Where does Gopher General sell and ship machines?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General sells and ships machines throughout North America, including the United States and Canada.

Question 22

Can I see or talk to a Gopher General owner near me?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General can help prospective buyers connect with owners in their region when possible. The Owner Locations page shows where machines are already working across North America.

Question 23

Can neighboring farms, renters, or custom operators share a Gopher General?

Accepted Answer

Gopher General can be shared between neighboring farms, rented out to other operations, or used by custom operators and conservation districts for contract pocket gopher control work.

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