Box Scraper Rear Blade or Box Blade for project, size?

[Qhorse]

Questions for the been there done that crowd?
I am considering a purchase of a new attachments for my recently purchased JD 2720 31 HP wheel width base 4' 5". I have a need to do some rough grading, finish grading and putting in a ditch/V for spring run off to an exit point. Soil is, dirt, weeds and some grassy stuff. What is the best attachment for this and other like grading projects, rear blade or box blade, if box blade, what size and what brands are suggested. Due to the budget, I can only buy one for these type of projects. I am considering the rear blade with a tilt but not sure if this is the best choice for most grading needs? I currently have a bucket and 6' rake. Suggestions please? Thank you.

 

[gpflepsen]

Box blade is rated 1,000,000% better for the type work you describe. Go with a box and don't look back.

The lack of down-pressure and inability to hold material are big shortcomings of the blade.

I'd think a 5' would be wide enough, as it covers your track. 6' will start to bog down the tractor in the more demanding situations.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The best would be to have both, but since that is out, get a box blade. Get the best and heaviest 5 footer that you can afford. Weight is your friend when it comes to grading. If there is any way that you can afford a top&tilt set up, that would make life a lot easier for you. And if not the whole set, then at least the hydraulic top link. Makes working with the BB soooooo much better.

Good luck and let us know which way you decide to go.

 

[sld]

A box blade will do most anything a rear blade will do. It takes a while to acquire the skill but box blades rule.

I do still use my rear blade when I am in a hurry when moving gravel on the driveway. I am still working on the "acquiring the skill" part still but the more I use the box the better I am getting.

Still love the rear blade for snow removal though.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Each and every implement has it's intended use. That's not to say that an implement can't be used for other than it's intended purpose, just that it's harder to use an implement meant for one purpose and use it for another. A few implements have multiple uses, but even they don't do as well as the ones that are intended for one specific use. The box blade is a multi purpose implement. Probably one of the reasons that they are so popular.

 

[dirt ditch]

I like using a tilted, angled blade for cutting a V ditch, but the rippers on a box blade will be needed for grading plant covered soil.

Watch the farm+garden section of Craigslist in your area. Quite often, barely used 5' blades are listed for $100. Box blades for $350 or less.

 

[bpsooner]

You will find far more uses for a Box Blade than a angle blade. You can move more dirt in a far less amount of time with the BB. A 5ft BB would work very good with your tractor.

 

[Qhorse]

Thank you all for your responses to date, I appreciate the input and ideas. I am feeling with the projects on the to do list the BB would be a better attachment at this junction given the rough grading and since most of it is covered in weeds, grasses and stuff.

I am thinking the 5' BB might be alright for the 31HP tractor, the 4' will just be under by a few inches the wheel base width.


Again, thanks for the responses to date, it makes placing down the $'s a bit easier knowing more from the tractor community.

 

[Fly Boy II]

A box blade will do everything a angle blade can and more. When cutting; the heavier the better. I don't know if a Gannon is available in your area, but, I have two of them and wouldn't trade them for anything else. Old ones (manual lever scarifier) should be found for under $500. A great value since new ones with hydralic scarifier are (I'm told) about $2,500.

 

[AchingBack]

A box blade will do everything a angle blade can and more. When cutting; the heavier the better. I don't know if a Gannon is available in your area, but, I have two of them and wouldn't trade them for anything else. Old ones (manual lever scarifier) should be found for under $500. A great value since new ones with hydralic scarifier are (I'm told) about $2,500.

I don't understand how a box blade can crown a road. Also, some angle blades have extensions allowing you to carve a ditch without driving the tractor in it. How could you do that with a box blade?