Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing a shank onto a ripper assembly of a tractor or crawler. A rotating shank installer (RSI) is welded onto a front face of a ripper assembly of a tractor, e.g., on the outside surface of a pocket beam. A portion of the RSI is allowed to rotate with respect to the pocket beam. With the shank in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground, the shank is secured between two plates of the RSI using pins wherein the plates can rotate with respect to the pocket beam. The shank is locked in place by two pins placed through the plates and the shank's weight is unbalanced with respect to the RSI. The ripper assembly is elevated causing the shank to rotate within the RSI to a substantially vertical position. The crawler is moved forward while lowering the ripper assembly in order to rip a groove into the ground with the bottom portion of the shank where the shank lowers into the ground.