EA Land leveler for driveway, comments please

[JerryK]

Just a novice's opinion and yes we know everyone has at least one but also my opinion is based on looking at the Land Pride (LP) unit in person and looking on the web to,see the EA Unit.
The LP unit is built rugged, compared to what I see on the web, as rugged as any and the lowest priced unit with Stratisfiers of any.
The EA unit is rugged looking, built to last but the $1600.00 price tag is almost $500.00 more than LP, why should it be, I for one do not see any justification for the additional cost.
the Gearmore does not look very rugged and it too costs more than the LP Unit.

Part of the price difference is shipping the individual unit to where you live. Free Shipping means that the shipping is included in the price they quote you... not that the shipping is ' free '.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

If it's the GS15 that you're comparing ours too, I believe the ETA is better built.

The ETA hitch is more substantial....not bolted on, but solid welded. More expensive to make? yes More expensive to ship? yes

Our shanks are mounted behind the tube for extreme durability, unlike the LP that has shanks mounted like a lighter duty box blade, through the tube with bent flat steel for attachment points.
The ETA has more weldments and is more expensive to make? yes Is it worth it to us? yes

Ted, in his experience, has found that more angle to the cutting blades produces better results, so you'll notice that ours has a more aggressive angle than the LP.

The weight of the ETA models without shanks is comparable to the LP units with shanks, so that means that ours are heavier.

The ETA modes all feature a Category 1 and 2 QH comptible hitch. It appears that the LP 15 Series is only Category 1.

 

[aeblank]

the $1600.00 price tag is almost $500.00 more than LP

Where are you getting prices of $1100 for a Land Pride LPGS??
Me wants...

Actually though, I got a grademaster quote for $1250, shipped to my door, for a 72"er. That's likely what I'll do.
I want to buy *something* from ETA so bad, but the extra couple hundred dollars will just make it not happen on this item.
Also, I like the grademaster unit as well.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Where are you getting prices of $1100 for a Land Pride LPGS??
Me wants...

Actually though, I got a grademaster quote for $1250, shipped to my door, for a 72"er. That's likely what I'll do.
I want to buy *something* from ETA so bad, but the extra couple hundred dollars will just make it not happen on this item.
Also, I like the grademaster unit as well.

If the photos on their website are accurate, it doesn't look like the grademaster's cutting edges are reversible.
Hitches are way different...no back braces and nothing for side stability.
No other specs are given, so it's very hard to even compare.
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

BTW, there is a Fed Ex freight terminal on Hanthorn St. in Cadillac that we can ship to for free.

 

[Xfaxman]

---------------------------

Actually though, I got a grademaster quote for $1250, shipped to my door, for a 72"er. That's likely what I'll do.
I want to buy *something* from ETA so bad, but the extra couple hundred dollars will just make it not happen on this item.
Also, I like the grademaster unit as well.

The extra couple hundred dollars over the lifetime of a better, longer lasting product is money well spent. :thumbsup:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

If the photos on their website are accurate, it doesn't look like the grademaster's cutting edges are reversible.
Hitches are way different...no back braces and nothing for side stability.
No other specs are given, so it's very hard to even compare.
Travis

Travis, maybe look again regarding the back brace. From the looks of it they all have some back bracing, just different amounts per size of unit. As far as side bracing, not sure that it is needed between no real load on the mast and probably 3/8" or 1/2" tube. Don't the top links have ball swivels to allow side-side movement? I know that on my Road Master LPGS, no side braces, no problems so far after some 8 years of use.

As far as the none reversible cutting edges, typically these types of setups have a second set of holes to allow for lowering the cutting edge. I know that is how mine are.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Travis, maybe look again regarding the back brace. From the looks of it they all have some back bracing, just different amounts per size of unit. As far as side bracing, not sure that it is needed between no real load on the mast and probably 3/8" or 1/2" tube. Don't the top links have ball swivels to allow side-side movement? I know that on my Road Master LPGS, no side braces, no problems so far after some 8 years of use.

As far as the none reversible cutting edges, typically these types of setups have a second set of holes to allow for lowering the cutting edge. I know that is how mine are.

Yes, a tiny triangular gusset and no side bracing. I'm not saying that would be totally necessary for general use with a 40hp and under tractor(which is what theirs is rated for), but we all like a little extra don't we?
A unit with back and side braces would withstand more punishment and be more likely to survive a side impact from a blunt object.

Regarding the cutting edges, wouldn't flipping the blade and having a brand new edge be better than moving down a worn out edge?

I'm not saying that the other wouldn't get the job done, but i think they're far more than a couple hundred dollars of extra value packed into ours.
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Laser cut steel with rounded edges. Tabbed assembly points for extra durability and uniformity when welding it together. US Made reversible cutting edges. Category 1 and 2 step pins on the clevis hitch.
A trip to the wash booth prior to electrostatic painting cleanses and etches the metal.

Rainy day cell phone pics:

 

[RDrancher]

Regarding the cutting edges, wouldn't flipping the blade and having a brand new edge be better than moving down a worn out edge?

I'm not saying that the other wouldn't get the job done, but i think they're far more than a couple hundred dollars of extra value packed into ours.
Travis

I agree. I prefer the reversible cutting edges too. What I would like to see on a landplane are hydraulic rippers like this. Even a handle operated system would be great.


I'd also like to eliminate the bottom skids and have thick replaceable wear bars on the side. It would require more operator input, but make a cleaner "cut" on the edge of the gravel. IMHO... The skids are a crutch.