Box Scraper Breaking a KK/Howse box blade with 24ish HP Tractor

[thatguy]

I have read a lot of posts about how the King kutter/Howse box blades are not for heavy duty use and you are better off spending more money for a higher quality blade..

With only 24HP, I wonder if I have enough tractor to actually break a box blade.. We have clay soil and the occasional small/med size (basketball) rocks - no rock ledges etc..

has anyone actually broke a KK/Howse box blade with a <25hp tractor? It appears that most of the post are ppl with higher HP tractors..

I could use a box blade but didnt want to spend a lot of money - BUT I also didnt want to buy something that would come apart the first use..

Just curious..

Brian

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I have a cheapie BB that came with a used tractor purchase. I use it regularly behind my 55hp tractor without any problems. I have bent some rippers and torn the teeth off them. I'm sure I could break it if I tried.

 

[MarkV]

Brian, I have a Rollins box blade, which is a regional manufacture. I think it is comparable to the King Kutter or Howse brand in terms of build. Mine has been on a 21 hp tractor and not been damaged during the last 8 years of work. I guess it is all about what you plan to do. We all know people that can destroy an anvil with a rubber mallet. For general gravel road maintenance and light grading I think you would be fine. Box blades are one of those implements where weight is your friend. A heavy box blade digs in, where a light one rides the surface on hard materials.

MarkV

 

[dirt ditch]

My 5' King Kutter was on sale + % off card, cost me $235. Added 180 lbs to it and pull it behind a 27 hp JD 790. Have used it on several projects and dug a couple holes with it. It's done all I want and still in great shape.

 

[manganos]

I bent a 5' KK boxblade behind my Kioti 3054. I had the root rakes down and snagged a large root. Ended up bending a few pieces of metal. Nothing I couldn't fix in the garage though.

 

[Mousefield]

Was out today grading our road with a 6 ft box blade. Bought it used, not sure of the make, medium duty. Like most things if you use it and not abuse it they should last.

 

[ModMech]

My son could most likely break or bend any brand with even an 18 HP tractor given enough time even without encouragement.

I and most careful users could use the same BB on a 45 HP tractor without doing serious damage barring a large rock or root with weight on the blade.

 

[3RRL]

I have a 7 foot Howse boxblade that I pull (and push) behind a 55hp tractor.
You can bet I've used it hard and I have about 500 hours on it alone. I have bent an broken scarifiers, but no harm to the boxblade itself. I did make some modification to have the scarifiers raise and lower using gears and hydraulics, but that did not improve the factory strength of the boxblade. Below are before and after photos of mine, after adding the modification. For the money, I believe Howse made a good 7 footer. Don't know about the smaller ones, though.
Rob-

 

[ModMech]

VERY clever!!!!!!

Nice work!

 

[thatguy]

I have a 7 foot Howse boxblade that I pull (and push) behind a 55hp tractor.
You can bet I've used it hard and I have about 500 hours on it alone. I have bent an broken scarifiers, but no harm to the boxblade itself. I did make some modification to have the scarifiers raise and lower using gears and hydraulics, but that did not improve the factory strength of the boxblade. Below are before and after photos of mine, after adding the modification. For the money, I believe Howse made a good 7 footer. Don't know about the smaller ones, though.
Rob-

WOW.. the ppl on here continue to impress me with the ability to make stuff.. That is a very impressive looking device (?) for raising the scarifiers..

Brian