Box blade questions, such as Frontier 1072 vs 2072

[jeepinator]

I've seen in person both the BB1072 and the BB2072 from Frontier, but not at the same time. The pics on JD's site are pretty small and the on-line documentation makes them look very similar.
Do you know the real world differences? And which would you recommend?

Also, can someone explain to me how a floating tailgate works and if/why it is better?

I have a JD 3520 (37 HP and ~4000 lbs including loader/bucket) and have been using a 6' box blade, but I have mangled it and I don't want that to happen again. Most folks tell me 6' is too big for my tractor, but I can fill it with dirt and move about with ease. Perhaps I have wimpy dirt /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

My next box blade doesn't necessarily have to be painted green, but it is convenient for me, and I can have either of the units listed above by Monday. Or the BB1172 w/ the floating tailgate shortly after (assumption).

Thanks!

 

[Highbeam]

I have the FRontier BB2060. It does not have a floating tailgate and I wouldn't want that. First of all moving things with hinges break. Then I spent a good 2 hours yesterday with the top link all the way lengthened using the front of the back blade as a harrow to schmear/smooth the soil over seed. The BB used this way really sweetens things up.

The pic is of the area that was schmeared. I then grabbed the mower and spent 4 hours mowing.

 

[browns40]

Hi jeepinator,

I have the BB2072, and it is a nice, rugged box... Weighs in at 534 #'s--I added another 230 on a weight bar across the back (works better as box & ballast)... Pins & scarifiers are pretty user-friendly.

The 3 pt. mast is bolted to the box, whereas the 1072 is welded together... I think the 1072 weighs slightly more... specs are similar for the two though. 4 inch box beam, 3/8 sides, 3/16 mast, etc.

Worksaver makes the 2072, and I believe Woods has been quoted as the producer of the 1072 here on TBN (I do not know).

I love my BB, and won't buy another til this one bites it.... that being said, IF I had to do it all over again, I'd get neither the 1072 nor 2072, but the Woods 6 footer that "shoulda's" me every time I see one... 5 inch beam, I believe 1/2 inch sides... scarifier adjustment looks much simpler (although ? durabilty)... darn thing looks like a Sherman tank... probably weighs more than the 2072 plus the weight bar! It's the only box I've seen (aside from the professional ones) that made me say "huh, my box is anemic" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Far as the floating tailgate,--never used one... I do use the fixed blade on mine often as a dozer blade/snowplow/high visiblity object mover...

Hey, I know it's not green, but check one out before you take the plunge (or buy mine & I'll get one! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif)

 

[john_bud]

First of all, I think for your tractor, a BB of about 750 - 900# would be about right. Follow the link for the Gannon line, you won't be able to mangle it up. Yes, the $$$ is more, but so is buying two (or three?) boxblades! I have the H-120 and it flat out works and is as indestructible as an anvil. It has hit boulders large enough to dead stop my tractor with no damage to the box.

Gannon Box

The swinging tailgate can be either bolted down or allowed to swing (float) freely. It is the backward facing blade. When it is allowed to float, the box will dig deeper, faster and easier. When it is bolted down, the box will be limited on how much digging it can do. You can also lengthen the top link and the box will ride on the back blade and smooth the ground nicely. The difference is night and day on a box that is heavy enough to benefit from it.

Enjoy!

jb

 

[jeepinator]

That is some serious schmearing, Highbeam.
It took me a good while to know when to use a BB. I'd get frustrated doing it one way, and then finally bring out the iron. The skill of finesse still escapes me, but I made some headway today. Looking back and seeing bent side plates irritates me.
I am not sure why there is such a thing as a light duty 6' BB. If you have the power to pull a six footer, you probably have the power to bend some metal on a light duty unit?

 

[jeepinator]

Great info, browns40. I am intrigued by this weight bar thing you mention. I have seen pics of TBN members putting suitcase weights on their BB somehow. I looked at mine for a while and just gave up on the idea. I have no welder, no welding skills... yet /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
As I have gotten better with the BB I have now, I can sense that it would be more effective if it were heavier. And for some reason, in my dirt, I can have the box chocked full of pretty wet/heavy dirt laced with humungous rocks and still motor around with very light to no wheel slippage. Ocassionally I can feel it steering me a bit, but I am usually moving at pretty good clip when I feel it. My main issue with my BB (besides being tweaked) is its weight. When it fills up, magic happens. Getting it filled up sometimes requires quit an agressive angle. And then wam, China. Patience always works, but I'd like a bit more heft. Especially for the tight spaces where you want a box full in a short distance.

 

[jeepinator]

That Gannon looks like a gravity bomb. Awesome!
And I am sure the price is too. But I can't go on much longer without checking /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I agree with you on the BB weight estimate. My current BB is probably in the high 400's, perhaps low 500's. It's made by a local outfit that doesn't seem to have a website, so I can't be certain. My dealer told me it's weight, but I don't recall what he said. Back when I bought it I was quite a bit less knowledgable about tractors. This board has been so helpful.

 

[john_bud]

Jeepinator,

Yeah, it works good. Fills the box up quick, even peels sod off pretty good without the scar bar being down. (It flips the whole scar bar up or down by a lever)

If your current box isn't too badly mangled, you may be able to have extra side plates welded on and more beef on the 3pt support. The cost of that may be less than a new box. Just a thought. (and a good reason to buy a welder...)

jb

 

[john_bud]

Jeepinator,

Yeah, it works good. Fills the box up quick, even peels sod off pretty good without the scar bar being down. (It flips the whole scar bar up or down by a lever)

If your current box isn't too badly mangled, you may be able to have extra side plates welded on and more beef on the 3pt support. The cost of that may be less than a new box. Just a thought. (and a good reason to buy a welder...)

jb