Box Blade Basics

[margaritaman]

Have just been getting used to my new L3400 HST and the Rhino SE5 cutter. Now I need a box blade to grade/level rough places on the landscape and to keep a gravel drive in shape as well as provide some rear weight when using the loader. It seems like there is a HUGE price difference among blades and since I don't know what to look for I have no way to spot real value. My dealer, who is terrific, is showing me a Cammond 5 foot BB. I have seen a lot of others that are less expensive. What's the difference?

Thanks

 

[Yalerider]

The difference on these types of products is the thickness of the steel, quality of the welds etc. How many ripper teeth is another consideration. I payed a little more, $600.00 for a 5' Land Pride box blade, but felt the quality was worth it as I work it hard and plan on keeping it for a long time.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Take a look at this thread, in addition to the photos it also talks about the pros and cons of some of the designs like rectangular versus trapazoidal shaped side panels, the strength of captured versus exposed lower link pins, the strength of the upper frame, the ability to adjust the scarifiers without tools, the ability to adjust scarifiers with gloves on, the ability to adjust scarifiers without the need for proprietary parts, curved versus straight rear box shapes, weight, etc.

Box Blade Photo Comparision

 

[wushaw]

I've had three different BBs and I now have a 66" Cammond with hyd scarfers, it is more expensive than most but it is the most useful I've had mainly due to the TnT, it is handier than a pocket on a shirt.
I went with 66" so it will extend past the R4 tires, they are at 60" on my L2800 and I thought a 60" BB would be a little tight.
There are several good BB manufactures but without TnT & hyd scarfiers you won't get the full benifit of a BB without alot of getting off the tractor to make adjustments for the task at hand.