Need box blade help

[atlkep1]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a Kioti DK40SE HST w/2nd rear remote. (I plan to install TNT on this tractor.) And now it's time to pick a box blade . . .

I plan to use this tractor to maintain my .5 mile driveway, uphill to the top of the mountain, and to keep open the woods roads that are currently here. I will also be clearing some additional land, so there may be some moving of dirt for leveling out areas.

I have my BB choices down to 3:
1. KK Pro hinged back 72" 550# $1085
2. EverythingAttachments Xtreme 72" 635# $1090
3. EverythingAttachments Xtreme 78" 680# $1137
(The EA Xtreme BBs have a fixed back)

Based on my lurking here abouts, I know the 3 main things to look for in a BB are weight, weight, and weight, so I'm inclined to just go for the EA 78".

But, I have some questions (it's why I come here)
1. Does anyone have an EA Extreme BB? Are you happy with it?
2. I don't think the 78" will be a problem for the DK40 . . . .will it?
3. Given how I intend to use it, is there an advantage to the hinged back BB that would move it ahead of the EA Xtreme, even tho it's giving up 130#. I have read many, many threads on fixed/hinged backs on the BBs and am still somewhat confused about the advantages of a hinged back.

As always, your input will be sincerely appreciated.

Keith

 

[SandburRanch]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a Kioti DK40SE HST w/2nd rear remote. (I plan to install TNT on this tractor.) And now it's time to pick a box blade . . .

I plan to use this tractor to maintain my .5 mile driveway, uphill to the top of the mountain, and to keep open the woods roads that are currently here. I will also be clearing some additional land, so there may be some moving of dirt for leveling out areas.

I have my BB choices down to 3:
1. KK Pro hinged back 72" 550# $1085
2. EverythingAttachments Xtreme 72" 635# $1090
3. EverythingAttachments Xtreme 78" 680# $1137
(The EA Xtreme BBs have a fixed back)

Based on my lurking here abouts, I know the 3 main things to look for in a BB are weight, weight, and weight, so I'm inclined to just go for the EA 78".

But, I have some questions (it's why I come here)
1. Does anyone have an EA Extreme BB? Are you happy with it?
2. I don't think the 78" will be a problem for the DK40 . . . .will it?
3. Given how I intend to use it, is there an advantage to the hinged back BB that would move it ahead of the EA Xtreme, even tho it's giving up 130#. I have read many, many threads on fixed/hinged backs on the BBs and am still somewhat confused about the advantages of a hinged back.

As always, your input will be sincerely appreciated.

Keith

Realizing you are asking about a box blade, I've found them to be one of the worst pieces of equipment offered to build and maintain a drive or level dirt. If we watch the videos on their use we usually see them starting on flat ground and that's just not the real world.

For your drive maintenance and leveling work the implement in the link below is superior to any BB made that hooks to Harry Ferguson's 3 point system.

Also drag box blades are made for moving dirt that do a real good job.

Hoelscher Commercial Products - GR Grader

 

[Ken45101]

Box blades are very useful for certain work. My old (small one) had a fixed back blade and I strongly perfer that over the hinged back. I wasn't able to find a fixed back blade when I was shopping a couple of years ago and I ended up with a Bush Hog BB. It works but I would still prefer the fixed back since it lets you grade better.

For serious grading work, you need the ripper teeth, of course.

For work in the woods, you don't want it too wide so that it restricts your maneuverability. But I would get one at least a few inches wider than your tire tracks.

Ken

 

[DKCDKC]

I have been using an old TSC BB - read cheap - to maintain my 5400' gravel drive for more than 10 years. It's done a great job overall for little money. Graders and the like do a fantastic job, I imagine, but cost more than twice as much. The BB for filling in ruts and washouts and a cheap old scraper blade enable me to only have to add gravel rarely - and make the drive look good. I use a rock rake - rented for $10 for the morning - once or twice a year to pull more in, remove sticks & leaves, and push out larger rocks that emerge.

I think the BB - mine does not have the hinged back - works quite well, depending on how you use it. You have to have gentle touch and never grade when the ground under the gravel is soft.

 

[medic1050]

Having cut and leveled most of the yard around my house and then tackled the driveway with a box blade I only have one thing to add. Invest in a hydraulic top link for your tractor. From the confort of the seat you can instantly control the depth and agressiveness of the cut. It pays for itself in fuel with the time saved from having to get off and adjust manually.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Kieth, all grading is done best with heavy implements as you have stated. the heavier the better as long as the tractor can handle the weight and load that is put on the tractor. There are many implements that work for grading a road, each excels at it's intended purpose as well as having different costs to purchase. I have the 4 most common, a landscape rake, a rear blade, a box blade and a grader blade. I maintain over 2 miles of road, 1/2 mile of it shared with neighbors. I cannot imagine not using my grader blade. By far the single best implement to maintain a road in my opinion. I know that they cost more, but if maintenance is the main purpose, then they are the way to go.

Oh, 72" is a good width for your tractor.

 

[atlkep1]

I will definitely be doing the TnT (ordered today from FitRite) as I have learned from my readings here that this is the way to make one of these tools even more usable.

Since I've got a couple of weeks before the TnT shows up, let me ask another question.

I have stumbled onto a used Woods (Gill) rollover box blade now. This thing weighs in @ 802# and is 72", which would cover the rear tires on the DK40SE.

Would this tractor have any problem with this box blade?

Keith

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I will definitely be doing the TnT (ordered today from FitRite) as I have learned from my readings here that this is the way to make one of these tools even more usable.

Since I've got a couple of weeks before the TnT shows up, let me ask another question.

I have stumbled onto a used Woods (Gill) rollover box blade now. This thing weighs in @ 802# and is 72", which would cover the rear tires on the DK40SE.

Would this tractor have any problem with this box blade?

Keith

GET IT, GET IT NOW. That is the perfect box blade for your tractor. You will not be sorry once you get it. In fact you would probably be on :cloud9:

 

[RosseauK]

I have a 84" bb for my dk and it is no problem for the tractor. I use it in the woods all the time and it has never seemed to hinder me. The 72" would be a good choice I would not go any smaller the that.

 

[GreenWannabe]

I have stumbled onto a used Woods (Gill) rollover box blade now. This thing weighs in @ 802# and is 72", which would cover the rear tires on the DK40SE.

Would this tractor have any problem with this box blade?

Keith

I have to agree with Brian on get it now. They don't make them any more, but that is exactly the one I want to find next year to use with mk DK45SE. I've liked those rollover blades ever since I saw them working out in LA when I was a kid. Most of the landscapers used them behind 8N or NAA Fords.

Good luck!

 

[beppington]

I'll second the grading scraper/land plane ... Equates to "road grading for dummies!" or "so easy a caveman could road grade!"

The grading scraper's side skids help keep it from digging deeper holes in your road, which is what a box blade does. The whole result is smoother & with no effort except drive :thumbsup:

 

[jpm1]

I have a DK35SE HST with a 60" KK box blade and Hyd top link. I have used it a lot to level lawns off and build roads. With the draft control on my Kioti i am very pleased with the results. The draft works fast and i adjust the cutting pitch with the Hyd, top link. Its not a dirt plane like some have but it works well for me and people whom i did work for.
. . .John

 

[atlkep1]

GET IT, GET IT NOW. That is the perfect box blade for your tractor. You will not be sorry once you get it. In fact you would probably be on :cloud9:

Well, I picked it up today. And it is a behemoth!!!

Says it was made in 2001. Has very little rust and appears to have been used very little AND it cost me less than what I was going to pay for a regular box blade.

I can't wait to get this thing hooked up and start tearing up some mountain!!!

Does this thing require any sort of maintenance? Like greasing? I saw no zirks on it, but it looked like there had been grease in the area where the whole thing rotated.

I don't think I'm going to be able to reach the handle from the seat, so I'm figuring that I can hook up some kind of small rope that runs up to the seat area.

Thanx for the feedback!!

(Im)Patiently waiting for my TnT to arrive(wink,wink,nudge,nudge),

Keith

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Well, I picked it up today. And it is a behemoth!!!

Says it was made in 2001. Has very little rust and appears to have been used very little AND it cost me less than what I was going to pay for a regular box blade.

I can't wait to get this thing hooked up and start tearing up some mountain!!!

Does this thing require any sort of maintenance? Like greasing? I saw no zirks on it, but it looked like there had been grease in the area where the whole thing rotated.

I don't think I'm going to be able to reach the handle from the seat, so I'm figuring that I can hook up some kind of small rope that runs up to the seat area.

Thanx for the feedback!!

(Im)Patiently waiting for my TnT to arrive(wink,wink,nudge,nudge),

Keith

Kieth, I'm actually getting the cylinders ready to paint. Hey, I usually paint them grey for the Kiotis, but would you want them black instead? I've been considering going to black only, but I still like the idea of them blending in with all the OEM linkage. Your set should ship out on Tuesday the 17th.

The rope trick works, but it is better to bend the handle so that you can reach it. Just don't bend it to far, if you go to far it is about impossible to pull it because you end up actually sort of pushing it down and that just does not work. I know these things first hand from messing with my big roll-over for my 75hp tractor. Oh, no grease either.

So do we get to see any pictures? Before paint, after paint, during.

 

[scoutcub]

Well, I picked it up today. And it is a behemoth!!!

Says it was made in 2001. Has very little rust and appears to have been used very little AND it cost me less than what I was going to pay for a regular box blade.

I can't wait to get this thing hooked up and start tearing up some mountain!!!

Does this thing require any sort of maintenance? Like greasing? I saw no zirks on it, but it looked like there had been grease in the area where the whole thing rotated.

I don't think I'm going to be able to reach the handle from the seat, so I'm figuring that I can hook up some kind of small rope that runs up to the seat area.

Thanx for the feedback!!

(Im)Patiently waiting for my TnT to arrive(wink,wink,nudge,nudge),

Keith

Congrats!!

Pics?? I'm still searching for mine......

 

[Piston]

Well, I picked it up today. And it is a behemoth!!!

You made an EXCELLENT choice!!!!!

Pics? Did anyone mention pics?

 

[atlkep1]

Kieth, I'm actually getting the cylinders ready to paint. Hey, I usually paint them grey for the Kiotis, but would you want them black instead? I've been considering going to black only, but I still like the idea of them blending in with all the OEM linkage. Your set should ship out on Tuesday the 17th.

The rope trick works, but it is better to bend the handle so that you can reach it. Just don't bend it to far, if you go to far it is about impossible to pull it because you end up actually sort of pushing it down and that just does not work. I know these things first hand from messing with my big roll-over for my 75hp tractor. Oh, no grease either.

So do we get to see any pictures? Before paint, after paint, during.

The grey would be fine, Brian. Thanx for offering the option, tho.

My neighbor has already borrowed it, didn't even make it home with it, so I'll see if I can get over there and take some pics.

I'm planning on working it before I do any cleaning/painting on it.

I have suffered with a horrendous driveway since 2 winters back and I am chomping @ the bit to set it right.

I need to actually get the thing onto my machine to be sure about how the handle is going to work for me. I am basing my assumption about reaching it on hooking it up to the neighbors tractor.

You guys are a great resource and I sincerely appreciate the input that I have received here.

Keith