What's the best box blade?

[kbota]

I am shopping for a 5' box blade, and I want a good one. Are the rollover box blades worth $1400? Bushhog makes one, but I'm not sure if it brings that much additional performance to the table. A regular 5' bb runs in the $500 to $600 range. Cammond makes a bb with retractable teeth, but it's tough getting a price and availability from them, and their website is disfunctional and void of information.

I'm interested in the rollover blades, but have never used one, and hate to spend that much money, and then find it's not what I really want, and no one stocks these to look at.

Just curious what everyone thinks, so, please share your opinion. My tractor is a Kubota L3010 GST, 4x4, FEL

Thanks

k

 

[RonR]

Well I'm cheap. Never used a rollover BB, nor automaticly adjustable teeth. I'm sure if I used the BB daily for my job, that would be a requirement.

For occasional use, I can stop, get off, move 5 teeth, get back on and go, for a lot less $$$$$$$$$$$$.

To me, any heavy BB that doesn't fall apart (bad design/bad welds/built too lightly) is fine, especially if it's less $$$$$$$$$$.

I have a King Kutter 5ft. My little Bota will never destroy it.

ron

 

[scott_vt]

Afternoon Kbota,
Ron gave you some very valid points, but I thought if you dont mind doing a little reading you will find this post by Bob Skurka very interesting along with photos and comparisons !

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/59301-box-blade-photo-comparision-brands.html

 

[jhortonvt]

I'll just say two things:

-I'm VERY happy with the quality of my Frontier 5' BB

-I'm even happier since I got a hydraulic Top Link. It is just awesome how much more usefull and productive the BB is with it. Now the only time I have to get off the tractor is to adjust the teeth which is not very often. I am constantly making minor or major angle adjustment with the top link, it's just great.

 

[kbota]

Afternoon Kbota,
Ron gave you some very valid points, but I thought if you dont mind doing a little reading you will find this post by Bob Skurka very interesting along with photos and comparisons !
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Thanks Scott. That is an excellent thread.

 

[Z-Michigan]

If Modern is available in your area I would look at them, because of the galvanized finish.

Woods is a very solid, no-nonsense choice.

Frontier is made by dozens of 3rd party manufacturers and the quality is equal to whoever made it. Woods used to make some Frontier but I think this is no longer the case. Worksaver is now making some of the boxblades, and is a good brand but not, IMHO, equal to Woods.

 

[jbrumberg]

kbota:

I had a few criteria that I felt important when choosing my box blade/scraper: dealer location, good paint and welds, weight, side plate thickness, box bracing, ease of adjusting the scarifiers, and "captured" lower links. I looked a few brands and it came down to Land Pride, Bush Hog, and Woods. Surprisingly Woods was the cheapest of the three , but still expensive . I went with Woods. Jay

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Take a look here. There are a few pictures and some comments. I sure like them and am not sure if I would go with an all hydraulic setup myself. Gannon is owned by Woods, so if you get a Woods rollover scraper it most likely is similar. But unfortunately they are pricey and may not be worth the extra $$$$ for your needs.

 

[cp1969]

The only brand I have used is my Woods, so I'm in no way qualified to say which one is "Best."

But the Woods seems to be a good, heavy duty unit. I never regretted buying it and can't think of any weak point on it. I "think" I paid around $600 for it. Haven't used it lately so maybe I ought to get rid of it.

edit: IIRC, Woods makes several different grades of box blades. Mine is not the most heavy duty but is still plenty good.

 

[kbota]

Thanks to everyone for their input. Also, thanks Brian for the link. I have looked at your Gannon blade before, and am fascinated with the rollover blade. I would love to rent one for a weekend. Not sure if that's possible, but I plan to call a few of the equipment rental centers and see.

I sure like the rollover setup, but the price is hard to swallow. Right now, I've got time on my side. I don't ever recall seeing a used rollover blade for sell though.

Anyway, thanks again everyone.

k