Box scraper basics

   / Box scraper basics #1  

RobertN

Super Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2000
Messages
8,655
Location
Shingle Springs California
Tractor
New Holland TC40D
I just bought a box scraper with rippers. Until now, all I have used is a roll-over scraper.

I can see how this thing can scrape, but how do you smooth with one of these? It has two blades, one "in the box", and one on the back of the box.

To smooth, do you roll it way back, so it rides on the back blade? Or do you roll it way forward, so it rides the "box side rails"?

The roll over scraper worked well to smooth, when the blade was facing backwards. I'm not sure on this one though.

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif
 
   / Box scraper basics #2  
RobertN, basically you shorten the top link to tilt the box forward to dig or scrape up material with the front blade; lengthen the top link to tilt it back to smooth by dragging it on the back blade. Which is what I did this afternoon to smooth my gravel driveway a bit. A hydraulic top link is a big help in doing it.

Bird
 
   / Box scraper basics #3  
I used to have a rollover box scraper ("E A R T H C A V A T O R")!!!

Gannon is now owned by Landpride I think which sells them. They are usually heavier and more costly. I should have bitten the bullet and got one as a "typical" box scraper seems worthless to do both leveling and digging. I use my Box scraper for scarifiing and for leveling, I took the front blade off so I could use the rear blade effectlively, I hang extra weight on it when leveling.

If I decide to get a bigger scraper for the L35 it will definitely be a rollover. If you haven't seen one of these landpride.com has pictures. To change from scarifiers to level to dig you just put the implement down so it is "dragging" on the ground lightly, pull the lever and drive forward or backward to turn it and it will lock in place if you release the lever.

Of course I've also seen these kits to have a scraper that tilts sideways hydraulically. As with most of you...I WANT EVERY TOY!

Forget about the fact that if I hired a SKILLED operator with a 6 way blade on a dozer my entire property would be done in a day (that I'll spend the next few years doing!) /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

dig on


del
 
   / Box scraper basics #4  
This is confusing to me also. I have a 48 inch Kubota box scraper. The rear blade has a hinge in it that lets it float back. Again, how do you set these things up to level and smooth vs digging?? Do all blades have a hinged rear blade? Is that good or bad? What controls digging depth? Thanks. J
 
   / Box scraper basics
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Bird,
That's what I thought... But, it's rained like the Dickens here, so when I did get a minute to level a couple pot holes I made in the drive, it was just that, a minute without rain.

Oh, and rub it in /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif That fancy hydraulic stuff /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I did get a chance to check for mount of my new valve this weekend; soon... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif
 
   / Box scraper basics
  • Thread Starter
#6  
I still have the roll-over, although I hope to sell it to make up the cost of the box scraper.

I got the box scraper, becuase there have been so many times when it would be nice to rip just a little while scraping. It just seems more versatile.

The roll-over is nice, when you just want to either rip, push, scrape or smooth though. When it is rolled backwards, pulling forwards really does smooth things nicely.

I guess, it's one of those things where it is nice to have every tool. It's a shame, 'cause I bought the box scraper with the intent to sell the roll-over to cover the cost /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

The tip and tilt, it's in the works... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif
 
   / Box scraper basics #7  
My box blade has both blades fixed. It is very easy to change from digging to leveling by a small adjustment of the tip of the box. I find very small adjustments make a big difference. If both front and rear blades touch the ground somewhat equally, it will do a nice job of leveling. You should see the box fill about a quarter of the way and pretty much stay that way. It's filling in the low spots and taking off the high spots. If you tilt if slightly forward, (shorten the top link), it will then dig. If you tilt it slightly back, it will ride on the back blade and do a nice job of smoothing. The trick is to use SMALL adjustments. I have hydraulic top link and it makes a big difference in using the box blade. I used it a lot today doing just what you are asking. It works great once you figure out the tricks.

Larry...
 
   / Box scraper basics #8  
I have a box blade with the hinged back. they work just opposire from what you have been told. To smoth and level shorten the top link, to cut or dig lengthen the top link

6-27459-jimsford.gif
jim
 
   / Box scraper basics #9  
on a fixed back, when you lenghten the top link, it leans back on the curved side of the back blade and smooths. on the swing back the blade swings back and the front blade has a better cutting angle

6-27459-jimsford.gif
jim
 
   / Box scraper basics #10  
Jim -

Now you've got me confused (not that great a feat, actually). /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

My box has a hinged rear blade, and it clearly works the way Bird describes. With the top link shortened, the front blade digs in and the rear blade makes little, if any, contact. With the top link extended, the front blade is elevated (relatively speaking) to where it has no effect, and the box floats on the rear blade, smoothing the ground.

Maybe we need pictures, diagrams, 3D animations. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

HarvSig.gif
 
 
 
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