Box Scraper Box Blade Scraper Repairs

[Gittyup]

Nice job straightening it back out. When I took my blade off, I noticed my channel was also bent slightly in the middle by about an inch. I was originally thinking I didn't really need to straighten it. But, after seeing how easy (relatively, I suppose) that you were able to do it, I'm rethinking it. Only thing is that I don't have a hoist to hold the box up like you did, and I don't have any railroad track or I-beam either.

On the rear hinge plate, I'll try to take some photos of how the hinges work. Basicly short sections of heavy (1/8" thick or more) tubing is welded to the back of the main box and corresponding pieces to the back of the hinge plate. Then pins are inserted and tack welded into place. Mine doesn't look like it was meant to come apart, at least not without cutting or grinding.

As I understand it, the advantage of the rear blade is to smooth and even out loose material, plus the backfill application. I think smoothing can be done, though not quite as effectively, with the front blade by angling the box with the toplink. If you have a hydraulic toplink, then the hinged blade may not be all that necessary.

If you plan to do a lot of digging in hard pan, then you'll need the scarifiers. Again, I'd try tractor and other salvage yards before I'd fork out money for new ones.

 

[GreenWannabe]

Gittyup, how about putting it on the 3 pt and lifting it a little bit? Would you have enough clearance to be able to work on it?

 

[Gittyup]

I have a set of forks I can use to pick it up. That way I can work on it upside down. But, the lack of a steel beam is the biggest problem. Might try to borrow something from my neighbor. Or do ya'll think I can just tighten the blade into the bend and live with it?

 

[Gittyup]

Was able to straighten out my box by using a ratchet binder and a chain. Worked quite well and was actually pretty easy.

Was too dirty to come in the house and get the camera. But, I'll take photos tomorrow of the rear hinge plate hinge design.

 

[smgutsch]

Gittyup
I'm glad to hear you got it straightened. I had thought about using a chain binder but did not think it would be strong enough.
I tried to set up the chains, rail and jack while the scraper was horizontal, but I couldn't hold all those things in position to do the jacking. So, I picked it up and hung from a beam I had put in the ceiling of the barn.

So far I haven't put any money into the project so I thought I'd buy 2 more scarifiers. That would bring it to 5 total, and $80.00 spent. Next when the ground dries out I'll start using it. If I find out I need more I will buy more. In the mean time if I come across any at a sale or something I'll buy them.

As far as the back, I was thinking that if I can get a plate bent at the correct angles I could weld it to some pipe or tubing to make the hinge. I'll have to price out all the parts first and see if it's worth it. You never know I might find a better scraper at a sale, buy it, and get rid of this one. But, at least I can start working when the sun starts shining on a regular basis.

 

[Jarrett]

Picked up my replacement blade today. It was $88 plus tax. Not too bad for hardened steel.

Then I asked for plow bolts. Boy was I ever surprised at what they cost: $7 each plus .30 for the nut. I needed twelve. Wasn't counting on that expense. Just one more thing to remember when you take on these kinds of projects. Good hardware ain't cheap. But, in this case, I thought it was better than substituting cheap hardware. I think that contributed to the holes being broken out.

Where did you get your replacement blade? Was it a local tractor dealer? A local dealer here wants $160 for a 6'.