Back Blade Offset Function - Do You Use It?

[Keuka]

I'm researching a back blade for my 35hp, 4wd Kubota. I'm interested in the medium duty, model HBL by Woods/Gill. The unit weighs in at 528# for the 7ft model.

The catalog says it offsets up to 45 degrees. It looks like the main beam swivels to various settings on draw bolts and is retained in the offset positions with pins. It comes with brackets for optional hydraulic cylinders.

Questions:

1. For those of you with offestting back blades, do you use the offset function. It seems like this would add a great deal of versatility to the blade but having never used one, I'd welcome comments.

2. I see some less expensive models, offset by unbolting & relocating the moldboard in optional bolt holes. This looks like it would be a real pain to use the offset function. The pins look like the way to go if this function is adjusted on a regular bases. Again, I'd welcome comments.

3. Anyone out there care to comment on the Woods/Gill model HBL? I had some feed back on a previous post but the poster had just picked up the back blade.

 

[beenthere]

Looks like a great back blade. The weight of the tractor will enter into the picture when using the offset angle, and may be the deciding factor when learning its limitations. Spreading loose gravel vs. cutting ditches in virgin ground are two extremes and will have different answers for offset usefullness.
Having the offset option opens up a lot of applications not possible without the offset.

 

[crash325]

7' Maybe a little 2 much for your tractor, depending on what you plan to blade and how deep you set the blade.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I'd much prefer a 7'er over a 6' for one reason. It'll extend past the tires even when angled 45 degrees. Very handy that way. Real handy cleaning up snow. Wider blades CAN have tire interferance issues if/when pivoting blade 180 degrees. There are work-arounds on that though.

The ability to offset a blade CAN be handy in a few instances. Ditch grading and maintaining road shoulders as a couple examples. How often in a lifetime you might do one of those chores is anybodies guess. And it doesn't take much time to offset a bolt on moldboard with an impact wrench.

To me, the deciding factor is strictly a budget item if you know what I mean

 

[SPYDERLK]

Offsetting is good for many situations in snow plowing as well.
larry

 

[kco]

I have a 6' Buhler blade that offsets by loosening 2 bolts, sliding the blade in a groove and retightening the bolts. The same bolts are used to tilt the blade. I have used the offset function quite often, particularly when plowing snow or to extend the blade past the rear wheel when I have it angled.

As the other writer mentioned I sometimes wish I had a 7' blade to reach further beyond the rear wheels. At other times the extra length would be a problem because I also use it in narrow areas.

At any rate, I definitely recommend the offset function.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I have a 108" wide blade, so I don't usually need to offset very far, but when I do need it waaaaaaaay out there it sure is nice to be able to get it over 35". I highly recommend having an offset-able rear blade.

I'm partial to Land Pride blades, have you looked at an RB3584? Not all that different from the Woods blade.

 

[gwdixon]

Gearmore also makes sturdy blades. Mine is a GB85 that have pins fore and aft for blade adjustment.

http://www.gearmore.com/Intermediate/Cat_Pg8.pdf

Getting the blade way out to one side tends to want to spin the tractor so there needs to be plenty of weight on the front tires to keep them going in the right direction.

 

[dcyrilc]

I have a 108" wide blade, so I don't usually need to offset very far, but when I do need it waaaaaaaay out there it sure is nice to be able to get it over 35". I highly recommend having an offset-able rear blade.

I'm partial to Land Pride blades, have you looked at an RB3584? Not all that different from the Woods blade.

Hey Brian,

Just checked out your website. Nicely done!:thumbsup: (Top and Tilt Kits by Fit Rite Hydraulics)

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Hey Brian,

Just checked out your website. Nicely done!:thumbsup: (Top and Tilt Kits by Fit Rite Hydraulics)

Thanks, we still add a few things here and there whenever I think of something else that might be helpful for someone to know before ordering. I only have up tractors that I have actually measured first hand or have made from the diagrams that have been filled out and have worked out fine for the customer. The list will be continually growing. (I hope)

So when are you going to get a set? You need them to get the best performance of your rear blade.