60" 66" or 72" box blade?

[mbosma]

Hi All,

I'm new to this and would like some advice. I've recently acquired a Kubota L3130 (manual transmission) and need to maintain a 1/3 mile gravel drive. It has many pot holes and some drainage issues need addressed eventually. A box blade seems to be the best tool for the job. I don't know how big I should go.

60" seems too small, but might be easier to operate for a newbie. It also won't tax the tractor too much, so I won't worry about breaking stuff. Biggest downside is it's not wide enough to cover the tracks.
66" seems to be about right. Not too big, not too small.
72" might be too much for the 31 HP to handle. May be too much weight and break links or where the blade connects.

So, my gut tells me to look for a 66". Am I correct, or should I consider larger/smaller?

One other consideration - there is a 60" fairly new on craigslist for 1/2 the price of a new one. Should I snag it NOW and smile? $325 seems like a great deal.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[GreenWannabe]

The general consensus here seems to be that you would want it to be at least the width of your rear tires, outside to outside. Since the 60" unit would not cover your tracks, I would say to bypass this one. Good luck in your search.

 

[nybirdman]

Buy the 60",it's a good buy.Not being quite the width of the tractor is not huge.When I had my L3130 the dealer sized all my implements to 60".I have a 72" behind a L4240 and when she digs it's a pull.

 

[8N Ren]

The general consensus here seems to be that you would want it to be at least the width of your rear tires, outside to outside. Since the 60" unit would not cover your tracks, I would say to bypass this one. Good luck in your search.

I agree, measure your tractor at the rear wheels outside to outside and go from there.

 

[mbosma]

Outside to outside the rear wheels are 71". Tread touches ground around 66" I think.

 

[8N Ren]

If it was me I'd go for the 72" bb.
I went with that and ya it's a bit big but I'm glad I did.
What's your HP?

 

[mbosma]

31 HP Kubota with manual transmission. I'm also wondering if the King Kutter on Craigslist is even worth it. Only weighs 450-500 lbs.

 

[8N Ren]

Go 72" you won't regret it, mine weighs 480 lbs. The old 8N moves it around just fine unless you have it full, then she really snorts.

 

[mbosma]

Another issue I have is a pretty steep culvert the road goes over. It's about a 5' drop off the edge of the gravel that needs graded. I don't want to get close.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Another issue I have is a pretty steep culvert the road goes over. It's about a 5' drop off the edge of the gravel that needs graded. I don't want to get close.

That's a good reason to get the bigger one. Your tractor will probably object if you take too big a bite with it. But you can learn to take less aggressive bites and simply make a few more passes. Safety first.