Box Scraper Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

[jjmaes22]

Well - I've had (and destroyed three times - and welded back together twice) a lighter weight "medium" duty box blade from BUSH-WHACKER. My bad for not understanding how I would be using the BB and knowing that these lighter units just can not do the type of work that I am trying to push them to all the time (built two sheds - lots of heavy dirt moving and site prep, etc) - anyway - that is a different story.

I'm to the point now that instead of continuing to try to built up, repair and overcome the short comings in an BB that is being pushed way too hard - I am looking at replacing it.

I normally like to buy the best that I can - knowing that I can push it HARD and still have it for the rest of my years.

So I am down to looking at new 72+ inch BB for my Mahindra 4035 4wd tractor. The tractor is filled - weighs in at around 6,000 lbs and has all the power I need - but I want a BB that will spin my tires before bending in half.

Looking at the
- Gannon 76HB (76HB Landscape Equipment)
and the
- Everything Attachments XTreme Duty 78" (Everything Attachments Xtreme Duty 78 In Box Blade for Tractors With 30-70 HP)

Leaning towards the Gannon (1,200 lbs vs 500 lbs) - but still waiting for price quotes from local Gannon dealer (ie, ???? vs $887.00).

My goal is to spend less than 2g - but want something that last and can handle my abuse. If the Gannon comes back at 3,500 - what am I missing. Is there something between these two or is the EA heavier duty than it looks (ie, 500 lbs sounds light for a HD 6.5 ft BB).

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

We also make a heavier 78" box blade that would be closer, but still not apples to apples, to the Gannon.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

I think the Gannon will be $3,000+. It is in the same league as the FFC Box Blade, but the FFC is over 1,500 pounds. Both the Gannon and FFC are overkill for your tractor IMO, but there will be others with different views.

 

[jjmaes22]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

We also make a heavier 78" box blade that would be closer, but still not apples to apples, to the Gannon.

That with the 1/2" sides upgrade might be just what I am looking for. (the FFC BB can make your mouth water too..... but ya, 3,500+ is a bit much).

I like using a BB to do backfill work - but with my current one - with a back blade - any pushing at all - and the top tower just buckled - same thing with the rippers down - any root and it buckled the top tower (I replaced it twice with flat stock from the company - and then welded in my own - before twisting the ripper bar 90 degrees).

What's the weakest point on the Severe Xtreme Duty Box Blade? I also just ordered a hydraulic top link from fitrite hydraulics - hoping to have a nice BB setup that can last for the next 30 years.

 

[Baby Grand]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

The Cammond 4C5 80" looks like it might be competitive:
Back to Photo Gallery

 

[TripleR]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

You are not going to like the price on the Gannon, I own a Land Pride HRL3584 and love it, also like the Gannon, but the price is pretty steep. EverythingAttachments makes some good points, you may be overloading your tractor with the Gannon. For some of us the price of the Gannon, LP etc. are worth it and for some not.

Have you considered a roll over box scraper? Dirt Dog and makes a nice looking one, I am sure someone else does also, I've never used one, but a lot of people really like them.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

That with the 1/2" sides upgrade might be just what I am looking for. (the FFC BB can make your mouth water too..... but ya, 3,500+ is a bit much).

I like using a BB to do backfill work - but with my current one - with a back blade - any pushing at all - and the top tower just buckled - same thing with the rippers down - any root and it buckled the top tower (I replaced it twice with flat stock from the company - and then welded in my own - before twisting the ripper bar 90 degrees).

What's the weakest point on the Severe Xtreme Duty Box Blade? I also just ordered a hydraulic top link from fitrite hydraulics - hoping to have a nice BB setup that can last for the next 30 years.

I don't know of any weak points on that box blade.
With or without the recently available 1/2" sides, it should last you forever!

There are plenty of ETA box blades out in the field, and we never hear of any issues with them. You should get some feedback from some of the owners in the TBN community.

 

[PhysAssist]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

You are not going to like the price on the Gannon, I own a Land Pride HRL3584 and love it, also like the Gannon, but the price is pretty steep. EverythingAttachments makes some good points, you may be overloading your tractor with the Gannon. For some of us the price of the Gannon, LP etc. are worth it and for some not.

Have you considered a roll over box scraper? Dirt Dog and makes a nice looking one, I am sure someone else does also, I've never used one, but a lot of people really like them.

At least per Brian (MtnViewRanch) if he has the hydraulic top link, he won't get as much benefit from the rollover BB. It's most helpful for folks like me that don't have TNT so we don't have to manually tilt the BB to decide which blade we are engaging.

Kinda wierd for me to espouse anything other than a rollover, but I am quoting Brian.

The best other thing about the rollovers is their heavier weight and solid construction per foot compared with standard box blades.

Thomas

PS: I forgot to say that as TripleR said, we absolutely love ours and only remove it in favor of the ballast box when mowing because of the improved clearance with the ballast box.

 

[Deerherd]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

I have the heavier EA in 96" on a 88hp 10k lb tractor and it works great for me. For less than $2k you could get the EA box blade AND top n tilt and be extremely happy.

 

[TripleR]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

At least per Brian (MtnViewRanch) if he has the hydraulic top link, he won't get as much benefit from the rollover BB. It's most helpful for folks like me that don't have TNT so we don't have to manually tilt the BB to decide which blade we are engaging.

Kinda weird for me to espouse anything other than a rollover, but I am quoting Brian.

The best other thing about the rollovers is their heavier weight and solid construction per foot compared with standard box blades.

Thomas

PS: I forgot to say that as TripleR said, we absolutely love ours and only remove it in favor of the ballast box when mowing because of the improved clearance with the ballast box.

I didn't know he had a hydraulic top link, but yeah I too defer to Brian, he knows a lot more about this stuff than I ever will and he sure has helped me.