3 point alteration

[wcampbell47]

I borrowed a scraper blade but was not really happy with the results and my lack of finite control over the hydraulics. Purchased a landscape rake which works fairly well scraping and moving dirt - same lack of control. I stumbled across Everything Attachments video demonstrating a land plane. I traded a tool bar with middle busters for a 5' land plane and have not looked back since.

I am adding a hyd top link as I have discovered that adjusting the top link can control the amount of bite the front blade has. I can go from cutting 3/4 inch to just skimming the top of the material which allows the rear blade to just smooth.

Have received great reviews for leveling back yards and grading just prior to laying sod. I had the dealer install the hyd remote and purchased a top link from Fit Rite. The top link has not arrived ... maybe it will be here in time for Christmas.

 

[Bob Rooks]

Forgot to mention that I too have a grader-scraper, a Rankin. Since these pics were taken, I have added a hydraulic top link. Makes the grader-scraper even better when I thought that would be impossible.

 

[qstott]

Seems like the perfect application for a box blade. My box blade has two opposing blades at the rear. Kinda like this )( If you want to drag more, tilt the top of the box toward the tractor, and it will dig more. If you want to spread what you have gathered, tilt the top away from the tractor and it will run out underneath the front blade and the rear blade will smooth it. I have a gravel drive and used a box blade for years and would just adjust the top link by hand. After I installed a hyd top link it was a real pleasure to use it. A regular rear scraper blade is just not that user friendly when trying to smooth a driveway. It's great for slanting the edges and moving stuff around, but does a different job than a box blade. And BTW, it is a great looking drive! If you could rent or borrow a box blade you will be impressed with how easy the job will be from now on.

 

[whynot162]

I have the same issue removing light snow from my driveway. I have thought about just adding a bracket to the back of the blade for a skid shoe to keep it slightly off the gravel. But have not idea how to do it.

On my tractor on the side of the where the PTO on off lever is there is a little un-marked lever, that controls the up down speed of the 3pt. If yours has one, and you close it a little, it will make it move slower, hence more accurate.
Mine looks almost like the top of a key for a 3/4 drill. Mine is a different brand, but never hurts to look for something similar.

 

[Gramps in NM]

Love these reply's, keep them coming. Sure seems I'm not the only one with rear blade issues. I do have an adjustment for the drop speed on my 3 Pt, it is like a faucet handle. Still not that control I'm looking for. I'm almost on the verge of calling Chip at Artrac and seeing what he has that might work for me. Of course cost has yet to be determined. Ouch. I think these reply's are helping others besides me. Great responses.

 

[Bob77064]

Gramps, you sure did a fine job on that driveway.

 

[TTTTTT]

Love these reply's, keep them coming. Sure seems I'm not the only one with rear blade issues. I do have an adjustment for the drop speed on my 3 Pt, it is like a faucet handle. Still not that control I'm looking for. I'm almost on the verge of calling Chip at Artrac and seeing what he has that might work for me. Of course cost has yet to be determined. Ouch. I think these reply's are helping others besides me. Great responses.

Gramps, beautiful drive! I can see why you want to be careful and not tear it up too much. Can't find the post , but others have added adjustable/removable wheels similar to skid shoes to the back off the blade. It could roll behind you without worrying about adjusting the height perfectly. You could have your 3pt all the way down 'floating' on the wheels similar to a 3pt mower.

Dave

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have a old Ford 5' Bush Hog. It has chains that are go from the lower lift pins to the place where the 3rd member connects to the tractor. The brackets have groves cut in them to allow for adjustment. You can still lift the 3 point but it limits the drop of the 3 point. This could be used with not only the Bush Hog but all 3 point implements.

Mine look like and work like these with the exception that at the tractor it is secured where the 3rd members pin connects instead of the mounting points this gentleman used.

http://www.ntractorclub.com/howtos/pdfs/limiterchains.pdf

Chris

 

[Gramps in NM]

Sure appreciate all the input. Have decided to install skid plates as a first solution. Have a front blade on my large ATV and it helps there. Need to pick up some steel and fab some thing. Thinking about a ski shape and make them removable. Just had a little more that 12 inches of snow and plowed yesterday. That nice looking drive that some of you commented on does not look so good anymore. Oh well, when spring comes and things dry out I will have the fun of starting all over again. What more can a guy ask for right? Still have the cylinder idea to fall back on. Always go cheap and simple first.
Thanks,
Gramps