Box Scraper Box Blade Question???

[TEAM_ORANGE]

I'm looking to purchase a new 8' box blade and I have a question. Is it worth the additional $250 to purchase the box blade with a hinged back, or should I save the extra $$$ and just purchase the one with the fixed back? What are the pros and cons?

 

[jgrreed]

I'd get the hinged one. It'll allow you to 'dribble' dirt/gravel at a rate determined by how open the tailgate is.

-J.

 

[jake98]

You had better have a big *** tractor if you're talkin bout an 8' box blade. jm

 

[john_bud]

Only a $250 difference on an 8' box? Is that a light duty box or a very light duty box?

The swinging rear blade allows the front blade to dig in with less restriction (in swing mode) with nose down) so it digs deeper, faster and easier. When bolted down, the rear blade can be used tilted nose up, to smooth the ground without any digging action from the front blade.


I looked at your profile. I hope you are looking at boxes like the Gannon Industrial series like the high backed landscapers or similar. Either with or without hydraulic scarifier bars. Considering the power of your tractor, the hard Texas clay etc, you had best be getting one that has a weight in the 1500-2000 pound range. If not, you will bend it up fast.

jb

 

[TEAM_ORANGE]

Only a $250 difference on an 8' box? Is that a light duty box or a very light duty box?

The swinging rear blade allows the front blade to dig in with less restriction (in swing mode) with nose down) so it digs deeper, faster and easier. When bolted down, the rear blade can be used tilted nose up, to smooth the ground without any digging action from the front blade.


I looked at your profile. I hope you are looking at boxes like the Gannon Industrial series like the high backed landscapers or similar. Either with or without hydraulic scarifier bars. Considering the power of your tractor, the hard Texas clay etc, you had best be getting one that has a weight in the 1500-2000 pound range. If not, you will bend it up fast.

jb

I've looked at everything from VERY heavy duty industrial units all the way to the KK stuff sold at the local Tractor Supply. The heavy duty/commercial box blades seem to be way more than I need....I'm just looking for something stout enough to maintain/grade my 1/4 mi. driveway without falling apart!

 

[john_bud]

I've looked at everything from VERY heavy duty industrial units all the way to the KK stuff sold at the local Tractor Supply. The heavy duty/commercial box blades seem to be way more than I need....I'm just looking for something stout enough to maintain/grade my 1/4 mi. driveway without falling apart!

If you don't have rocks or roots that will catch the blade, you can get away with the cheap units. But, if you are going to do more aggressive ground engaging, you will damage the cheap ones before you notice anything.

Certainly, if you don't need the (much!) higher priced industrial units - don't get them.

If you are just pulling gravel around to smooth the driveway, the fixed blade will probably be fine.

jb

 

[daBear]

Woods works for me. Never been disappointed in their products.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

When it comes to most implements, you get what you pay for. As was already said, if you are just moving loose stuff around, then you might get away with a less costly unit, but for a multi use implement, you will for sure need one 1000lbs or more. I have a 75hp tractor that weighs over 12k. I have an 81" Gannon that weighs in at 980lbs and it has worked good for me so far. In the right conditions it will stop my tractor cold. If you are doing more than your road maintenance, I would give that 8' box a 2nd thought or two. An 8 footer seems a bit big to me.

Good luck with whatever you decide to get.

 

[GinNB]

Off topic, but how do you like the 12 speed tranny on the 8540? Got many hours on it yet? I've got a 48/48 on my 105S and like it light years better than the regular 4 speed stick on my M9000s.

 

[TEAM_ORANGE]

Off topic, but how do you like the 12 speed tranny on the 8540? Got many hours on it yet? I've got a 48/48 on my 105S and like it light years better than the regular 4 speed stick on my M9000s.

I love it! I've found it much easier to keep the engine revs and MPH where I want it.