Grader/Scraper - how wide?

[SW3]

OK, I have read a ton of great info on grader/scrapers (land planes) here on this site! I am wanting to buy one to maintain my 1/2 mile long gravel driveway in NW Minnesota. I keep a crown on this road. I currently drag an railroad tie with a metal edge at an angle....it works OK.
I have been researching many models such as Woods, Befco, Landpride, etc. My requirements are adjustable depth blades and Scarifier teeth. I know there are plenty of other brands out there too. I want something that I can just drag with minimal input from the 3 pt.
My main question is this - how wide do I buy? My tractor is a 43 hp Oliver 550 with loader. My driveway is about 10 or 11 feet wide in places. I know a 5 foot would work, but would a 6 foot be better or worse? My concern would be that the edge of the 6 foot model would be too wide and hang over the crown causing it to cut too deep.
Any input is appreciated!

 

[Russ7127]

I would suggest the 6 foot blade. Adjusting the angle on the blade will reduce the effective width. I cut the outer edge of the driveway at a slope pulling the material into the center. Th final passes I level the center of the driveway.

 

[oosik]

My primary summer implement for maintaining my mile long gravel driveway is an 84" Land Pride GS2584 grading scraper. I also have a Bush Hog RO-720 roll over back blade and a Land Pride RB3596 back blade. I use the grading scraper to level, crown, smooth and scarify/fill potholes on the driveway. I use the RO-720 when I need to move a large amount of material from one place to another on the driveway, also the FEL, and I use the back blade only in the winter to clear snow off the driveway.

For me - the width of the implement is only related to how many passes will be required to get a job completed. My grading scraper is, in most instances, more that half the width of the driveway and I have no problems maintaining crown or slope. I use to try maintaining the driveway with a smaller tractor and back blade only. It was not possible to cut thru the driveway in the summer because it would "set up" like cement. Even with the new Kubota and larger, heavier back blade I do not us it for summer maintenance. In my circumstance the back blade will only produce a ripple, choppy effect and not improve the overall driveway surface. The grading scraper with scarifiers is the implement that does keep the driveway properly maintained.

You should have the ability to adjust an implement so it only cuts the way you want. This will be by making adjustments on the three point hitch and/or the implement. The major concern on width of implement will be - can my tractor pull this size implement and I'm sure your tractor can handle a six foot grading scraper with scarifiers. The six foot wide grading scraper will ensure you are covering half the driveway at all times and help maintain crown & slope.

By the way - WELCOME TO TBN.

 

[SW3]

Thank you for the detailed info Oosik. I do own a back blade, but it just takes too much work for decent results. I use the railroad tie drag mostly, but it only works OK. Our school bus comes up and down the driveway twice per day and that seems make washboards. I can't wait to get a grading scraper to use. Thank You.