3 pt. rear mount blade for Kubota B3030

kirklowj · Jul 20, 2007

Hello,

I'm thinking of purchasing a 3pt rear mount blade for my B3030 tractor to use as a replacement for a 3pt balast box. My thinking is that the balast box has no use exept as a counter weight where the blade can be used for a counter weight and scraping when using the loader. Is there an advantage to using a balast box instead of the blade setup. Also, I know the box runs around $200 but I'm not sure how much the blade would be. Can anyone shed some light on this?

thanks
kirklowj

8561 · Jul 20, 2007

I agree with you that a rear blade is more useful than a box for ballast. I use my boxblade for ballast a lot. The disadvantages to the blade is that it will cost you more, and it will make the tractor both longer and wider than a mounted weight box would. Those are really the only two disadvantages I see. The big advantage of course is the usefulness of the blade. You might consider a boxblade as well, I use mine way more than I do my rear blade. As far as cost, I haven't priced one in quite a while, but it will depend on the brand, how heavy duty it is, and whether it has features like tilt.

The Gardener · Jul 20, 2007

You might consider a boxblade as well, I use mine way more than I do my rear blade.

I have been meaning to start a thread about the boxblade. I really don't understand this implement and all of the possible uses in offers.

Could you, and others, please elaborate on your varied uses of your boxblade. If you can include some images that could be terrific. As we narrow down our choices for a tractor, I would like to also consider what rear implements may be very useful on our varied acreage.

Many Thanks!
The Gardener

8561 · Jul 20, 2007

Gardner - I'll give you the quick version response as I don't want to see the gentleman's thread get hijacked to another topic.

I'm at work, so I have no photos. Basically I find the box far more useful than a rear blade. First of all, it's much heavier. Since we don't have downpressure, that usually means it digs a lot better (and provides more ballast). You have the option of putting the scarifiers either down or up out of the way. With them down, the box loosens the earth much better, sort of like a toothbar would. Finally, it moves material. Instead of having it roll off the edges of a rear blade, the box holds loose material so it can be spread much more easily.

Northland · Jul 20, 2007

I have a 6' King Kutter rear blade on the back of my B7800 that I use as ballast but it's benefit is negligible since it only weighs 275 lbs. My tires are filled with RimGuard so that adds 400 lbs. The combination works very well but I would like even more weight.

I'd suggest a good quality Woods/LandPride 6' rear blade, or perhaps even better, a box blade that weighs in at 500+ lbs.

kennyd · Jul 20, 2007

kirklowj said:
Hello,

I'm thinking of purchasing a 3pt rear mount blade for my B3030 tractor to use as a replacement for a 3pt balast box. My thinking is that the balast box has no use exept as a counter weight where the blade can be used for a counter weight and scraping when using the loader. Is there an advantage to using a balast box instead of the blade setup. Also, I know the box runs around $200 but I'm not sure how much the blade would be. Can anyone shed some light on this?

thanks
kirklowj

How much does your ballast box weigh? I don't think a rear blade will be heavy enough to act as good ballast unless your tires are filled.

My ballast box weighs about 700-800 pounds, and my rear blade only weighs about 300 or so...

Plus add to the fact that the rear blade will be more in the way when manuvering the tractor to use the FEL...I think the ballast box is better IMHO

Northland · Jul 20, 2007

see TSC for pricing on King Kutter implements

6' HD rear blade=$600-340 lbs
5' hinged back box blade=$587-520 lbs

Tractor Supply Company - 3 Point Equipment

ronjhall · Jul 21, 2007

Northland said:
see TSC for pricing on King Kutter implements

6' HD rear blade=$600-340 lbs
5' hinged back box blade=$587-520 lbs

Tractor Supply Company - 3 Point Equipment

A rear blade or box blade will be useful. But when purchasing, the ballast box sells for around $170. I have all 3 items. Prefer to use ballast box the most. It is modified with a 2" reciever hitch in it.

Northland · Jul 21, 2007

ronjhall-do you fill the box with sand? What does it weigh? 350 lbs or so?

With having a box blade as well as the rear blade do you use the box blade mostly? I am considering buying one at TSC in the MI UP

Jim Nelson · Jul 21, 2007

I worked heavy construction for thirty five years running all kinds of big machines and since retiring just couldn't give up completely,so I bought a B-7100 with a home made 6' jury rig box blade which I used to maintain the dirt roads in our neighborhood.I even cut quite a bit of sidewalk grade with it.I sold that tractor and bought a B-7200HST and continued to use the 6' blade with complete satisfaction.Then I bought a new B-7800 and got it with top and tilt hydraulics this is a super great rig.You can do amazing finish grade work with it and it is really great for road maintenance.With just a little practice you can really get a lot done and make it look like you did it on purpose.
The moral of my story is,if you get the box blade,don't be afraid to get a big one and get the top and tilt.My top and tilt cost me $1300 and is worth many times that.
Jim