Do You Use A Utility Sized Driveway Scraper?

[Lewiston]

I am in the market for a driveway scraper to be used on my private drive, consisting of crushed granite, and am the owner of Kubota L4740 (45 hp at the drawbar). For many years I致e used a box scraper, back blade and landscape rake. I need a time efficient solution for maintaining our 3/4 mile driveway. I've read all of the threads here and understand the general consensus that heavier is better.

I've spoken with folks from Duragrader, Grademaster, and Road Boss Grader and have received conflicting recommendations as to the size/weight that can be used with my tractor. It would seem that 45hp is the minimum recommendation for all scrapers above the utility grade weighing in around 500 to 600 pounds.

While I need solution that works, my primary concern is not damaging my tractor. Who owns and uses a utility sized scraper and does it get the job done?

-Rik

 

[irvingj]

Have you checked out the DR Power Grader? I've been looking, but haven't yet made a decision. Seems ideally suited to small pulling vehicles, supposedly works well.

 

[Wayne_Freeman]

I have used a six foot Duragrader for two years with my Kubota L3400 with very good results. A good rule of thumb is a size that covers your tracks as you grade. Any of the units you mention will yield satisfactory results after you get past the learning curve!

 

[Lewiston]

Hello Wayne,

So you are using their utility model: 12" walls, same weight range listed in my first post?

-Rik

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I don't have a utility size grader, mine is an industrial sized one, 24" sides, 1600lbs. Anyway, I have found with all of my rear implements that heavier is better, especially anything with a cutting edge. If you have a 45+ hp tractor, I would be looking at an 800lb grader minimum.

Just my opinion, let us know what you get and how it works for you.

 

[satcomm]

I use an Agritek 8' DS-96 with a Kubota L2900 and it has worked very well. I believe it weights around 400 lbs.

 

[RobR]

Have you checked out the DR Power Grader? I've been looking, but haven't yet made a decision. Seems ideally suited to small pulling vehicles, supposedly works well.

I have a DR Power Grader (48in) and really like it. I had it prior to a tractor and pulled it with a 4x4 4-wheeler. It is somewhat expensive but I would buy it again after having it. We take care of about 300 ft of gravel road. The only complaint is the big rocks. If you have some it does get'em out of the ground but then you have to hand pick them off the road (unless you have room to drag off the road). You also can't put a crown in the middle of the road if you need to.

 

[Pat Sarley]

Hi, I have a similar problem, but an even smaller tractor. I have a 2630 B Kubota and need an attachment that can deal with gravel/dirt roads. My driveway is 1/2 mile long, and runs off a private (non maintained) road. I've also looked at road boss, dura grader, and various back blades. My concern is that my 26 HP tractor will bog down pulling these things. Does anyone have any advice for which attachment will work? I also have some hills, so that will be another limiting factor in how much I can pull. The road boss looks pretty neat, but I'm concerned that my tractor will not pull it, even if I only get the 4 foot model. -Pat

 

[Wombat125]

I have a 7' Cat 1 Road Boss that weighs about 1100 lbs that I use to knock down washboard bumps on our hard gravel road. If I get it loaded up pretty good, I can spin all four tires on my 64 engine hp, 6000 lb tractor. I think it's sized about right.

With that as a guide, an 800 lb grader sounds about right for a 45 hp tractor.

When I was shopping, Road Boss told me their 7' grader was 1100 lbs and Grademaster told me their 7' grader was about 600 lbs.

 

[Lewiston]

Thank you gents for your helpful input. I've narrowed it down to three models:

GradeMaster 6' Utility - 560lbs - $1000
GradeMaster 6' Industrial - 850lbs - $ unknown
Road Boss 6' - 850lbs - $2675

I'd like to go with more weight as long as it will not damage the tractor. I'll let you know what I purchase along with pics.

-Rik