Gravel drive attachment recommendations??

[dingleberry]

I am getting ready to purchase a 3 pt attachment for grading leveling and maintenance of my gravel drive and barnyard. I do not want to mention what I am considering purchasing so as not to taint anyone's recommendation. My tractor is 25 hp 4wd and am thinking of a 5' blade. What is best box blade, regular blade, york rake etc.

I may want to use it for other chores such as pushing snow, (currently use FEL), or grading dirt in new yard etc.

Thanks for the input.
D

 

[BigAl]

Hey Dingleberry ,
If moving snow is one of its major uses then I would vote for the angle blade attachment . If I am going to be using it mainly for grading my drive , grading the front yard and so forth ,I would want a box blade . I like to be able to grab a pile of gravel or dirt with the box blade and spread it to where I want it .Some guys on TBN swear by a landscape rake for grading a driveway ,but I don't own one yet .
Oh, by the way . Welcome to the club ! The new guy is suppose to buy the first round of drinks ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Big Al

 

[LMTC]

I maintain 300' of gravel drive and about 10-12,000 sq ft of gravel lot. Box blade. Now for removing snow a grader blade is top dog, but it doesn't carry excess gravel from high places to low places nearly as effectively as a box blade.

 

[dingleberry]

Good advice, I was going to go with a box blade with the ripper shanks that can be moved up out of the way. I currently use my FEL for moving snow, (works decent) so I am not in dire need of this attachment for snow removal. I just wanted some other input on what some of you guys think is best. I have used a regular back blade in the past, and the ability to drag gravel and not have it run off in the grass sounds great. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif.

Hey Big Al thanks for the welcome, I am always willing to buy the first round as long as someone else buys the rest of them /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Let's meet halfway, maybe Nebraska??!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

D

 

[Indydirtfarmer]

To maintain my gravel drive, I like to run over it a few times a year with my 7' "pulverizer". It really does a slick job of leveling and somewhat packing it back down. If and/or when it needs serious attention, NOTHING takes the place of the box blade! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bellweather]

I use a LandPride rake with flip-down blade, and gauge wheels. The wheels are a must is you want to get smooth results. As for snow removal, I believe the grading blade is the best and most economical choice. I have no experience with box blades, but I am very satsified with the resuts I get with the rake. Good luck and don't wait too long on your purchase...a whole lot of snow is on the way!

 

[deereman63]

i recently tried to grade my gravel drive with an angled back blade and it was disaster. Far to aggressive I wrote in another thread that the drive looked like a World War 1 battlefield, trenches et al.

so im in the process of purchasing a box blade. The rear blade will still be useful in pulling material back into the drive but to get a level surface the box blade i understand is the way to go.

 

[BubbaJr]

First of all, welcome to TBN, neighbor. I use a box blade, back blade and loader to maintain my gravel driveway. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish as to which tool you use. I also have a rake, but I don't use it anymore. I think I'm going to get another couple of loads of gravel this spring for the drive, and I'll probably use all 3 tools to smooth it out.

Good Luck /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[chriswheeler]

I have a 5' box scraper and a 5" rake. After the snow melts off, the rake seams to bring the gravel back to the top and smooth things out. I use the FEL and the box for clearing the snow being carefull not to contact the drive. Setting the rake at a angle takes care of the edges and setting in the center takes care of the crown of the road. I have about 425 feet of drive. Box scraper would work if I had more gradeing to do, more holes to fill, I find it is more than needed for now. So far 5' of snow here. Think the 7' compaction roll I'm makeing will be a nice finishing tool in the spring. 24" pipe, 7' long, water filled, 2300 lbs. Should be finished for use this spring, see what happens. Locals have said that care is necessary, overworking will drive the gravel into the dirt if overworked or to much traffic for the surface thickness. End up buying fresh gravel every summer that way when all turns to mud. I'm new to this, this is my second winter here, lots to learn.
Chris

 

[tim_s]

There are many uses for all three attachments mentioned here. I've found the box blade the most all around useful. The other thing that I have found that works good to finish the gravel is a big ole heavy chain harrow. Almost hate to drive on it after using that....