Box Scraper What box blade to consider??

kw22614 · Dec 27, 2013

I have a BX1860 SCUT. All the paperwork says it's a category 1 3ph. I've been told it can't handle a 5' BB only a 4' BB. I've seen a more affordable new 4' at TSC with great reviews but it's Cat 0, will it work, do I need to beef up the connection points? I plan to use it for maintaining my 225' long gravel driveway, grading/leveling my yard, cutting a drainage swail or 2 and maybe even snow removal. What BBs should I consider with affordability being a main concern? I'd have no prob with used.

Poopdeck Pappy · Dec 28, 2013

For very light grading only, where you're not moving moving much material, your BX1860 could probably handle 5' just fine. But as soon as you put the rippers in the ground or fill up the box with a lot of material, you'll be spinning your tractor's tires or bring it to a dead stop. So, yes, a 4 footer would be the right size.

Just for comparison, I have a heavy duty 6' Gannon box blade on my 50hp tractor, and it can stop my tractor dead in its tracks if I accidentally load it up too much (especially if I forget to put it in 4wd).

As for brands, I'd look at all the "usual suspects." E.g., Gannon, Woods, Land Pride, Bush Hog, Rhino, etc. Check Craigslist frequently. Around here there are always a bunch of box blades on there. And a box blade is one of the safest things to buy used because there's just not much to go wrong with them. Make sure it has all the scarifiers with it or factor the cost of replacing them into the price.

kw22614 · Dec 29, 2013

Thanks Pappy. I've been thinking the same thing - it's good to know I'm not alone. I've been checking CL many times daily and think I may have found a decent one. It's a King Kutter XB 48X0-0, orange even. Was listed for $350 and he said he'd take $300 with no prompting when I called him so maybe when I go see it he'll go even lower. From the pic it looks in good shape, nothing seems to be bent, broken or missing but it doesn't have the connection pins. He said he bought it new in '04 and only used it a few times backfilling while building his home on his BX 23. Been stored outside so has a little rust. Raining cats, dogs and horses here today so I plan on going to check it out tomorrow or Tues. Only about 30min from me. Anything special I should look for???

Fallon · Dec 29, 2013

Destroyed paint is of minimal concern, nature of how they get used. That leads to light rust that polishes off in the dirt. Make sure nothing is bent or cracked. The wear edges on the back might be worn, but they are usually designed to be replaceable. They are pretty simple chunks of steel.

Poopdeck Pappy · Dec 29, 2013

Yep, what Fallon said. Also, check the rippers and their mounting slots to make sure one or more of them isn't bent, cracked or otherwise boogered up, which could be an indication that it got hung up on a rock or root and is sprung. Same thing on the 3 point hitch mounting points.

Northern Tool sells that 4' King Kutter box blade for $549. Tractor Supply sells their 4 footer for $549 also. So $300 is a fair price if it's in good shape. $275 would be exactly 1/2 of retail.

kw22614 · Dec 29, 2013

Here's the pic listed.......

madamos · Dec 29, 2013

kw22614 said:
Here's the pic listed.......View attachment 352407

Looks, good I am looking for a 54" to use with my B20 but I would consider a 48". Unfortunately there just are not a lot of them for sale near me.

Paul

kw22614 · Dec 30, 2013

Just bought the box blade! Is in great shape - like new - just weathered from being stored outside. Got it for $280. All I need is the hitch pins top and bottom. The top hitch end is 3/4" id and bottom hitch ends are 7/8" id. Which hitch pins do I get?

Fallon · Dec 30, 2013

TractorData.com - Three-Point Hitch

Most ranch/farm/tractor type stores have an isle full of 3pt pins, hitch pins, cotter pins, clevises & what not. I assume you are looking at one that has a nut & threads on one side & pin on the other. I think you probably want pins on the outside. Get some Lynch Pins of the appropriate size as well to keep the 3pt arms from falling off.

LD1 · Dec 30, 2013

Measure your tractor.

IF it is indeed category 1 as you say, thats 7/8" pins. So go to TSC and get category 1 pins with 7/8" diameter threads.

The top hole on that pox blade being 3/4" is also standard category 1. Do you have any other implements you use with this tractor. Shouldnt have to buy any more pins for the toplink if you alread have one and use it with other implements.