ATTN: Heavy BOX BLADE Experts.....Give us your opinions please.

[MtnViewRanch]

Technically, yes. Practically, no.

The coating on the rod and/or the o-rings and seals only have so many strokes in them. But the number is in the Gazillions. You won't live long enough to see a difference.

I get a similar question about using diodes with the electric control grips. Won't it prolong the life of the control grip? You bet it can. In reality, no. Rated at 1,000,000 uses without the diodes. That is using that little button 137 times, every single day for 20 years. Maybe a professional that uses the tractor all day everyday, other than that you are fine. Same thing goes for the hydraulics, other than an actual flaw which does happen , most of us will NEVER wear them out.

 

[Xfaxman]

Dennis, that Toro is one mean looking machine. Looks to be one of a kind and very versatile.

Yep, thanks Nelson, put it together 8 years ago. Still using it now!

 

[npalen]

Xfaxman,
Thanks for posting the pictures above I have been thinking about doing this myself and the methods used above look like a good way to go.:thumbsup:

Gannon Box Grader 1.3m | Grassform

It almost looks like these folks took a Gannon Box Blade and added the rear wheels and converted the front from 3PT mount to trailing. The end result is basically what is sometimes referred to as a "Speedmover" here in the states. The Speedmover, as many of your know, is an excellent concept for leveling the soil terrain.
I built a similar setup years ago using a LandPride rear blade by adding fixed rear wheels as well as end pieces like a box blade. Then the 3PT was converted to a long tongue to get more distance from the tractor wheels thus mitigating tractor undulations. I attached the long tongue to a 3PT drawbar on the tractor and this gave cutting depth control as well as full up for transport. It worked incredibly well but, like a dummy, I sold it. Based on how well it worked without adding any hydraulics I don't understand the need for two cylinders on the British unit shown above. Perhaps someone had two many rear remotes and didn't know what to do with them?
I really think there would be a market for a angle blade or box blade bolt-on kit consisting of a pair of wheels each mounted at the rear corner in addition to a simple 3-piece tongue to convert from 3PT to trailing. I have a pair of similar I made recently to fit another rear blade and would be glad to post a couple pix if anyone is interested.

 

[npalen]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/272163-fel-toro-groundsmaster-put-together.html
Link to Dennis's modified Toro. Interesting read.

 

[ovrszd]

Gannon Box Grader 1.3m | Grassform

It almost looks like these folks took a Gannon Box Blade and added the rear wheels and converted the front from 3PT mount to trailing. The end result is basically what is sometimes referred to as a "Speedmover" here in the states. The Speedmover, as many of your know, is an excellent concept for leveling the soil terrain.
I built a similar setup years ago using a LandPride rear blade by adding fixed rear wheels as well as end pieces like a box blade. Then the 3PT was converted to a long tongue to get more distance from the tractor wheels thus mitigating tractor undulations. I attached the long tongue to a 3PT drawbar on the tractor and this gave cutting depth control as well as full up for transport. It worked incredibly well but, like a dummy, I sold it. Based on how well it worked without adding any hydraulics I don't understand the need for two cylinders on the British unit shown above. Perhaps someone had two many rear remotes and didn't know what to do with them?
I really think there would be a market for a angle blade or box blade bolt-on kit consisting of a pair of wheels each mounted at the rear corner in addition to a simple 3-piece tongue to convert from 3PT to trailing. I have a pair of similar I made recently to fit another rear blade and would be glad to post a couple pix if anyone is interested.

Yeah, I saw a angle blade converted similar to what you described. Never saw it in operation, just sitting in a used machinery lot.

As for all the hydraulics of the unit pictured. If you look closely, they used hydraulics to lift the gauge wheels, and hydraulics to lift the front of the boxblade. Attaching the tongue to the fixed drawbar on the tractor. This allows complete lift of the BB or, leave the front low and lift the rear to increase scarifier ability, or reverse this action to minimize scarifier ability.

I thought that was a bit complicated as well. That's why I suggested fastening the tongue rigid to the box and attaching it to the 3pt of the tractor. This would eliminate one cylinder. Then maybe using two cylinders on the rear to get lateral tilt?? I'm gonna kick this around in the shop next Winter. Want it to be simple to pin on and remove so the BB could still be used as a 3pt attachment. My BB is very heavy and after adding all the wheel/tongue hardware I think it would be heavy enough to not just bounce over high spots. It'll be fun to experiment with.

 

[NS Gearhead]

Gannon Box Grader 1.3m | Grassform

Thank you! I've had this in my head to build to tow behind the Jeep... it's great to have some pics to reference!

 

[jenkinsph]

I appreciate the links and photos' as I am gathering materials for this right now. I would prefer to use the drawbar to pull the box as it is closer to the axle than the 3ph linkage. I will build this with a tilt cylinder in addition to the rear height control cylinder, both of these circuits will be operated through a proportional electric solenoid valve tied into a Topcon automatic machine control setup. I had been playing with the design some and pictures showing how to clear the raised scarifiers really helps save some time. Currently I have three rear remotes, one for the tongue, one for the scarifiers and the last for the two proportional valves working together. This way I can unplug the topntilt cylinders and raise the IMatch up and out of the way with the rockshaft, then plug in the boxblade and go.

The Topcon equipment and Sauer Danfoss valves are definately causing me some financial strain so anything I can do to cut the cost on the boxblade whle doing this is important.

 

[npalen]

Thank you! I've had this in my head to build to tow behind the Jeep... it's great to have some pics to reference!

I need to give credit to Xfaxman back in post 151 for originally posting this.

 

[jeff9366]

Hopefully you don't think they started this thread for our benefit do you?? This is all about money.

Money makes the world go around.

The implement firms producing serial innovative designs for small tractors are ETA and Ratchet Rake, LLC.

 

[BGigHarbor]

Bottom line, I find the thread entertaining enough to read. My choice.