8' Box Blade for a 45hp tractor ?

[Arky217]

I need a box blade, preferably a heavy duty one to use on rocky and root infested ground. My tractor is a Kubota L4200, 4wd, 45hp. The rear tire width is 71".

The largest BB that I can find locally new is the 72" King Kutter standard duty for $550. Suppose to weigh about 515 lbs.

But I have located a used Kodiak HD 96" in good condition, also for $550.
I saw on a post where a 60" Kodiak HD weights about 530 lbs. so I imagine this 8' may weigh over 800 lbs.
One problem that I see is that it may be too much for this tractor to pull.
But I plan on adding a top cylinder since I already have the rear remote for it, thus I may be able to control the 'bite' somewhat better.
Another potential problem would be 12" sticking out on each side; it may make the tractor cumbersome to use in the woods. ( I like the idea of the extra weight as a counter balance for my loader though)
Plan on using the BB first as a 'root rake', and then to put in a 1000' driveway on a ridge that is rocky in some parts.

What say ye, is this too much BB for this tractor, or would it be ok if I take it slow and easy ?

Thanks,

 

[Mousefield]

I would think the 8 ft box blade will be too much for your 45 HP, especially if you are planning to use it in the woods. Look at a 6 ft and add some weight to it. I have a CK35 and use a 6 ft box blade. I bought the box blade used, it was at a good price. I really should have gotten a 5 ft. I have to be careful how full mine gets. Used it today on our gravel road and had to stop and go into 4 X 4 to get moving again, got fairly full of gravel. Hope this helps.

 

[NSBound]

I think you'd be pushing it too far with an 8-footer. I have a 6-foot on my 41 hp and it's about right. You could maybe go to 7' but I think 8' would be too much, IMHO!

 

[greg_g]

I have a six footer for my 45hp/4wd. If I'm not careful, it will stop that sucker right in it's tracks. Fortunately I have draft control, which (when I remember to set it) automatically lifts the boxblade before it gets a chance to bite too deep. I don't think you need anything bigger that a six footer for that Kubota. And as you're already beginning to find out, it's possible to find a decent NEW six footer for not much more than's being asked for that used eight footer.

//greg//

 

[magicheater]

Another potential problem would be 12" sticking out on each side; it may make the tractor cumbersome to use in the woods.

I like to be as narrow and short as I can when in the woods. Even having a loader on can get you in trouble if you are not careful. It can get you out of trouble too. My loader stays on 24/7.

 

[nickel plate]

This has been stated on all of the past box blade threads so again-just wide enough to cover your tire tracks.

 

[Jay4200]

I need a box blade, preferably a heavy duty one to use on rocky and root infested ground. My tractor is a Kubota L4200, 4wd, 45hp. The rear tire width is 71".

71"?!! Wow - what are you running for tires? Galaxys or something?

JayC

 

[sandman2234]

Arky,
My thoughts are you might be fine using it to smooth an existing road around these parts, where there is a lot of sand mixed in with the rest of the road base, but if you have the same type soils that Daddy has in Polk County, Ar.,then your not going to be happy with an 8' boxblade. However, just to give you some idea of what a typical boxblade owner has for horsepower, here is what I have used/owned.
I needed a boxblade to smooth out some delivered dirt, and being cheap (and over budget), I took some 10" I-beams and made a 5' boxblade that worked fine for knocking down dirt piles and spreading them around the yard. That blade wasn't worth even bringing to a root/rock workout, but did fine with loose dirt behind my Ford 1100 4x4 tractor.
I have a 6' medium duty behind a JD2555 (70 hp) and I am constantly tearing up the boxblade. Just recently modified it's weak point to allow me to work the medium duty bettter without braking the boxbade again. The 8' boxblade would probably work fine behind the JD.
If you decide your going to "go for it" and buy the used 8', and you decide you don't like it, be sure to keep me in mind when you decide to put it on the market. It might take me a few weeks to get out there, but I would appreciate getting the chance to buy a bigger boxblade.
Thanks, David from jax

 

[carpenter383]

I'd be worried about "snagging" the ends on trees, roots, etc. The wider the impliment the more stress it will put on the 3ph with uneven loads.
I have a Kioti dk40se, and a 6ft box blade just barley covers my tracks with the rear wheels set out all the way. I use a heavy I-beam on it for added weight, and can pull it relatively easy through packed dirt at my place, even in 2wd if it's dry. On gravel or other loose material I don't see it having any trouble with an 8ft'er. BUT if you hook a root or large rock then a 4 ft box blade would stop you, so it depends on what your doing.
I'd say stick with a 6 ft box blade and maybe get an 8 ft "regular" blade that you can angle for the loose stuff.

 

[PA hayseed]

Like others have said, I think 8' would be too big for any woods, but fine for driveways, dirt leveling etc. I agree that the BB will be a great counterbalance for the FEL, I only take my BB off my tractor to cut grass or to use the PHD.