Yeah, David is right.
I've reinforced my lower drag links so they don't bend anymore. I also have solid but adjustable sway links that help greatly in the rear dozer mode.
Spiveyman said:
Rob - if you get a chance can you shed some light on when you decide to use that thing in dozer mode Vs. cutting mode? I do understand not using the scarifers up there given the stuff you might run in to. I'm just spreading out some dirt mounds from where we cleaned out a pond a couple years ago, but have been very conservative in dozer mode. Seeing some of the work you've done I can see some potential advantages to the dozer mode when used properly.
Awesome work, great pics and vids! Inspiring.
Hey Tim,
I'll try...
I don't use the rippers especially going down trails cause if they catch on something, the tractor keeps spinning the tires and next thing you know you are facing sideways. I'm hoping the box will "jump over" some of those unseen obstacles. Then I can go back and get them with the toothbar and grapples or even with the boxblade again, but in a better position.
When do I bulldoze in reverse?
Keep in mind that a lot of my property is as you see in those photos, so I'm dealing with moderate to severe side slopes. So this explanation has those conditions in mind.
Well, if the area I want to cut has a severe side slope to it, then I try to bulldoze in reverse. I do this because the tires of the tractor generally end up riding on the surface I just cut. It then, is generally less sloped than before and also smoother than before. That means the tractor itself is on less of a side slope and safer. Here is an example of a rear cut. You can see how the cut is at a lesser side slope than before.
Look below where my tires are now. They are on more level and smooth stuff.
Not only that, but say you have a pretty good drop off and you want to level it or cut it down for a road. If you go forward, dragging the boxblade behind you, your tractor is doing an "endo" going straight down hill. If you bulldoze in reverse, you are making a road for your tires to follow. It might take a couple passes, but if done correctly, your tractor can continue in reverse right down that new cut road, like this.
See how I can keep going because dirt is being pushed back, giving me a road? Otherwise it would be a drop off.
Not only that, but there is a wall of dirt that keeps me from losing control and speeding down the hill. I can see my blade full of dirt behind it because I'm looking in the same direction. When going forward down hill, you have to assume you have a box full of dirt because your eyes are peeled ahead of you as you approach that super steep hill going down...or at least they should be. So you can't keep an eye on the boxblade.
When you are pulling a boxblade, your tires (ahead of the box) are on a side slope. Even if you have your side links adjusted so one side of the box is lower, your tractor tires are still on a side slope. This is not the safest positon.
Having two hydraulic side links really helps in making instant adjustments too. I'm pretty sure you will be getting them and a hydraulic top link too.
I hope some of this stuff makes sense.
