chorusguy 227 #1 Posted February 1, 2016 As with any addiction, I just can't seem to be content with what I've got. Thinking about a box blade. Can you tell me how you use yours and what you use it for? Or tell me what it can be used for? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 7,164 #2 Posted February 1, 2016 I have a box blade for my Diesel CUT and use it for levelling the gravel in my driveway. I have also put down the rippers to pull out small tree stumps and roots. Cleat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HokieAg07 129 #3 Posted February 1, 2016 Box blade has its limitations with sleeve or slot hitch application as there is no down pressure. It has its purposes but I find the mid mount grading blades to be much more effective. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chorusguy 227 #4 Posted February 1, 2016 Interesting. I already have the mid mount grader blade. What about the benefit of the scarfier blades? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JPWH 6,318 #5 Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) The scarfier blades help break up the soil you are trying to move. The box blade is a good way to drag dirt from one place to another. Here is a simple one I built. I also have homemade. hydraulics Edited February 1, 2016 by Hank01 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 7,164 #6 Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) The box blade especially if the scarifiers are down deep is the hardest thing my tractor pulls at times. I usually require 4x4 engaged. It does a great job of loosening and levelling but because of the sides holding material in it can get very heavy. For a garden tractor I would think the mid or front blade would be as good or better, just my 0.02. Here are pics of the 72" unit for my CUT. Hydraulic top link is great for the box blade, it lets you keep adjusting the depth of cut on the fly. Cleat Edited February 1, 2016 by cleat 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractorhogg 612 #7 Posted February 1, 2016 A 72" box blade on a CUT is really pushing it, not because of a lack of horsepower, but a lack of weight, when the bucket fills up it starts to equalize with the tractor, a 60" would be really as wide as i would want to go until my tractor was for 3500-3700 pounds. Older 30-40 hp tractor average well over 3500 pounds, most pushing 4500 pounds up to 6000 pounds, today it is closer to 2500-2500, but even with a older heavier tractor a 6 foot box blade would need loaded tires and weights to preform optimally. BTW the skid steer tires they put on all new tractors are not a great option in my opinion, supposedly they work well in turf or AG, but I find the only time they work well is with the key off. Just my .02 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 7,164 #8 Posted February 1, 2016 I had to go 72 to be as wide as the wheels. Tractor with cab and loaded tires weighs in at 5600lbs on the truck scales at work. Traction would be better with ags but they would tear up my yard. Turfs would plug up with mud then plowing. R4's are what I ordered on the tractor for that reason, compromise. Cleat 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #9 Posted February 1, 2016 With limited power, I use a mid-grader blade. Dresses up my stone and millings driveways rather nicely and without effort. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractorhogg 612 #10 Posted February 1, 2016 10 minutes ago, cleat said: I had to go 72 to be as wide as the wheels. Tractor with cab and loaded tires weighs in at 5600lbs on the truck scales at work. Traction would be better with ags but they would tear up my yard. Turfs would plug up with mud then plowing. R4's are what I ordered on the tractor for that reason, compromise. Cleat I hear ya. Well your tractor with loaded AGs certainly can pull a 72" BB, but its a crummy trade off they give us as far as tires go, have you thought of a rock yard? I guess my problem is that if ground conditions get soft from rain, you can't get into the yard with these tires or AGS without tearing up the yard, if you do get into the yard with those tire you have a high probability that you may get stuck, at least with AGs you have a greater probability of not getting stuck, catch-22. In solid conditions with dew on the ground loaded tires are a good bet because traction may become iffy on even solid surfaces. I think the old diamond pattern tires were better than these, I had mine taken off and replaced with AGs, but that isn't always an option for everyone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 7,164 #11 Posted February 1, 2016 Now that my driveway is in good shape and I have the Wheel Horse mid blade, I will likely use it most often. Box blade will get limited use. Cleat 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractorhogg 612 #12 Posted February 1, 2016 I use mine to spread dirt in the yard. I can have dump truck drop a load and I can spread it around to replace washed out areas 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractorhogg 612 #13 Posted February 2, 2016 Due to this thread I talked myself out of buying another big tractor, I couldn't justify it, I'm healthy, strong, and energetic. There is nothing that I need a FEL or another large tractor for that my small tractors can't do. That said, I am rewarding myself with a D-200 or other big GT, I deserve it for coming to my senses and not letting my wife talk me into an expenditure I don't need, lol 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
