Rear Blade What can a rear blade do for me that my box blade can't? Road and ditches mainly

[/pine]

I'll disagree with this,
I use my back blades much more then my box blade.
I haven't even hooked up my box blade in two years.
Between cleaning the ditches and grading my driveway and moving snow my backblades are used dozens of times every year.
Based on experience...also!!!!

Those that have mastered (can I say that?) the learning curve of a box blade is like being able to catch a fly with chopsticks...and man who can do that...can do anything...!

Like I mentioned...rear blades do not have scarifiers/rippers and often with compact tractors and properly sized implements they can be paramount...
For minor grooming or small repair work...I will use whichever implement is already on the tractor...If even a small job is better suited for using the rear blade...In my experience it only takes a little more time and skill to do it with a box blade.

 

[CoyPatton]

I use my rear blade extensively in winter for snow. Probably not a problem down there in the south. But what I would point out is you really want the blade to be wider than the rear tire span.

 

[CoyPatton]

Those that have mastered (can I say that?) the learning curve of a box blade is like being able to catch a fly with chopsticks...and man who can do that...can do anything...!

Like I mentioned...rear blades do not have scarifiers/rippers and often with compact tractors and properly sized implements they can be paramount...
For minor grooming or small repair work...I will use whichever implement is already on the tractor...If even a small job is better suited for using the rear blade...In my experience it only takes a little more time and skill to do it with a box blade.

But some jobs just can not be well done with a BB. I own both. You might get by, but that’s is the best. But then you are probably one of those that should use a 6pt socket or wrench but have a pair of vise grips in your hands and round off all the shoulders. The entire time, thinking close enough!

 

[oosik]

As I mentioned - over the years I have traded, weaseled & bought my way to three implements I will use on the driveway.

If I had to choose one - the Rhino 950 rear blade. The LPGS does a great job but is quite specific. The box blade is nice but lacking for snow removal or driveway ditching - same as the LPGS.

For me and my needs, the rear blade is the most universal implement.

 

[CoyPatton]

So it looks like my little tractor has a recommended maximum weight for a three point implement of 1000lbs. The hitch lift capacity is higher though. So how big a blade can be reasonably hauled around on a 50 horse tractor that weighs 6500lbs + whatever the blade weighs? I'm starting to think 8 or 9' is gonna be the max.

In my opinion you want to limit your weight lifting to about 75-80% of the weight capacity (this provides some extra cushion on your hydraulics should you ever be in a bind or bouncing while transporting). Again go with a blade that is just wider than the stance of the rear of your tractor and then up to about 80% of your 3PH lifting capacity. If you think you need more reach than, look at blades that will off set (these have some type of a sliding mechanism build around the frame mount to the blade (although some low end models do this by unbolting the blade from the frame and relocating to different bolt patterns—most people do not like these!). If you think you need more tilt than your 3PH allows, there are also models than can allow the blade to tilt on the frame.

If you are the type of person who prefers to use a hammer as a hammer and not whatever is close, you want both types of blades! The right tool for the job, not a get by!

 

[LouNY]

Those that have mastered (can I say that?) the learning curve of a box blade is like being able to catch a fly with chopsticks...and man who can do that...can do anything...!

Like I mentioned...rear blades do not have scarifiers/rippers and often with compact tractors and properly sized implements they can be paramount...
For minor grooming or small repair work...I will use whichever implement is already on the tractor...If even a small job is better suited for using the rear blade...In my experience it only takes a little more time and skill to do it with a box blade.

As you have mentioned in slightly different words you can be a very arrogant know it all.

I would put my tractor and equipment operating skills up against yours any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
Also I have moved and level a considerable amount of ground with different styles of box blades and scrapper cans.

You can not dig a deep narrow ditch is rocky ground with a box blade.
You can not windrow material while driving forward to mix with added material while spreading it back out.
You can not plow a long winding narrow driveway of a deep snow fall efficiently with a box blade.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

In my opinion you want to limit your weight lifting to about 75-80% of the weight capacity (this provides some extra cushion on your hydraulics should you ever be in a bind or bouncing while transporting). Again go with a blade that is just wider than the stance of the rear of your tractor and then up to about 80% of your 3PH lifting capacity. If you think you need more reach than, look at blades that will off set (these have some type of a sliding mechanism build around the frame mount to the blade (although some low end models do this by unbolting the blade from the frame and relocating to different bolt patterns—most people do not like these!). If you think you need more tilt than your 3PH allows, there are also models than can allow the blade to tilt on the frame.

If you are the type of person who prefers to use a hammer as a hammer and not whatever is close, you want both types of blades! The right tool for the job, not a get by!

So the three point hitch has a 2300lb capacity but the implement max recommended is 1000lbs. What do you think about that? Is 1000lb all that is reasonable and safe for that tractor? Or is the manufacturer just being overly conservative and cya.

 

[LouNY]

The weight rating that the 3 point can lift is usually defined as at the lift arms or 24" past them.
On a rear blade whose frame is long enough for the blade to be spun in 360 degrees much of the weight is much further back then 24" from the pins,
and if yours is one that is rated at the lift arms the leverage effect is much greater,
a 1000 pounds at the end of the lift arms is much easier for the tractor then the same 1000 pounds if it is 5 feet back.

 

[fried1765]

I'll disagree with this,
I use my back blades much more then my box blade.
I haven't even hooked up my box blade in two years.
Between cleaning the ditches and grading my driveway and moving snow my backblades are used dozens of times every year.
Based on experience...also!!!!

Ditto!
I have a new box blade that has sat in my barn for 4 years.
I ONLY use my.... EA 6-way Deluxe Scrape Blade.

 

[airbiscuit]

I always thought this was a clever design.