Opinions wanted! 7' Backblades

[couchsachraga]

Opinions wanted! 7\' Backblades

I've looked through many past posts, and am looking for opinions on what backblade (aka scraper blade) is best (most durable). I've pretzeled two "standard duty" models so far, and want to get something that will last this time. I'm in the Adirondacks, which are VERY rocky... I'm looking to move some road back onto the road, and work ditching. I have top and tilt set up (which is GREAT), and already have a Woods box blade and leinbach rake. If the world was perfect (or at least I had more $) I'd get a dozer with a 6 way blade. But that isn't going to happen anytime soon, so it's pecking away at the road and road building with my tractor as well as a backhoe I have.

Features I'm looking for:
RUGGEDLY BUILT
Offset capability

I know a lot of folks have talked about liking the Midwest blades, as well as LandPride and Woods, but I'm looking for opinions from folks who are also in really rocky areas (and I KNOW those of you in NH and VT and ME (and other places) are also "blessed" with pre-delivered granite rocks...evey foot or so...).

My tractor is a YM336D (33hp Yanmar diesel, 4wd), similar to a JD1050 I believe.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.
Couchsachraga

 

[Dk45_Jeff]

Re: Opinions wanted! 7\' Backblades

I understand your rock situation, my cabin is south west of your favorite mountain near Indian Lake. I have a Woods HBL96-2 that's well matched to my Kioti (45 HP, 4wd). I cant see my tractor breaking this blade. It can be offset to either side of the tractor, it its easy to add a hydraulic cylinder to do set the offset if you have a free remote. I have the tail wheel which really helps getting a smooth surface. Another bonus when compared to smaller blades is moldboard is 18" high allowing it to move more snow. The only down side is the price, $1300 with the tail wheel.

 

[RHughes]

Re: Opinions wanted! 7\' Backblades

I have an 8' King Kutter Heavy Duty rear blade that I'm pleased with. It is considerably heavier than their standard duty blade and out weighs it by almost 500 lbs. It has angle and tilt adjustments but no offset.
That being said, I don't have to contend with rocks like I've seen in VT, but I don't believe you would bend this with your tractor. I've used mine both pulling and pushing when clearing fence rows with no ill effects.

 

[Boondox]

Re: Opinions wanted! 7\' Backblades

I live in the Green Mtns across the lake from you, on the side of a very rocky hill. I had a standard KingKutter which lasted half a season. I replaced it with a LandPride 3572 heavy duty blade and used it extensively for five years with no problems at all. Several times the blade caught on something that stopped my L3010 in its tracks, but the blade was never damaged. On my new L4630 I went with a Woods HBL84-2 and am so far very impressed.

Pete

 

[Woodcab]

Re: Opinions wanted! 7\' Backblades

I have a Rhino 800 for my TC-40 DA that I am very happy with. While I have not had to deal with the kind of rocks you are, I have spent quite a bit of time ditching my 1/2 mile driveway as well as some light road building. Where I live the rocks tend to be very big and only a large Cat is going to be able to cut through them with rippers. The blade manually offsets, tilts, ect. and with T&T the adjustments are endless. I think I remember it wieghs 600 or 700 lbs. This blade is very well built. Hope this helps you.

 

[George2615]

Re: Opinions wanted! 7\' Backblades

I posted to someone else further down the attachment page re: King Kutter rear blades at TSC. They have (or can order) their pro series HD blades 7' #21-37065 is $594, 8' #21-37073 is $650 at my local TSC store. I don't think they are shown in the online catalog but are in their paper catalog. I called and got these prices for the previous poster.

George

 

[couchsachraga]

Re: Opinions wanted! 7\' Backblades

Thank you all for your opinions!

My local woods dealer (Rodick) has a few HBL84's in stock, 950 a piece, tail wheel is an extra 250 or so (plus tax, of course...). It sounds like he's real impressed with the units as well. I'm tempted by the KK price, but may go with the woods as i know what it's up against, and how my Woods box blade has performed.

Thanks again!
Couchsachraga

 

[5103Owner]

Re: Opinions wanted! 7\' Backblades

My King Kutter 7' professional rear blade has proformed great! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Have made ditches, pushed snow, and cut a driveway and have been completly satisfied.(well except for the cheap KK paint) /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Paid $550 last fall(and $3.99 for a can of paint) Of coarse I can't speak for woods, but I believe these are great blades for the price. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif