Back blade versus box scraper

[Hillbilly]

Guys,
I have a JD 45 back blade for my JD4400 and I have a ballast box made which sets on the blade and I have several hundred pounds of weight in it,not only does this help when cutting into dirt etc,but it acts as a good counter weight for my new 4 in 1 loader.When I am traversing rough terrain,creeks etc. the back blade can be an obstacle by dragging etc....not enough clearance... My question is,can a box scraper be carried higher than the back blade? What advantages or disadvantages does one have over the other?What can a box scraper do theat my JD 45 blade cannot?
I have never used a box scraper before and I needed to ask.

Thanks
Hillbilly

 

[JimMc]

Typically, the lift pins on a box blade are lower than that of most common rear blades, allowing more clearance of the cutting edges at full lift with the top link set in a normal position. In addition, the box blade doesn't extend as far behind the tractor and would tend to hang up less in creek crossings etc.

On the other hand, the rear blade, because it does extend further aft, amplifies the shortening of the top link, giving a potentially higher lift of the cutting edge if you're willing to adjust the top link to a short setting.

 

[beenthere]

Seems they each have their own plus's and minus's. For the box, holding dirt (or whatever) to drag a distance and having scarifier teeth are unique, and with the blade, having it angle is unique. Possibly, due to weight differences, one can have a longer blade than a box.

 

[pieterv]

Nice built blade the JD45. BUT, no offset ( without tools ) and NO Tilt. Quite expensive per lb.

The blade ballst box will help. But enough ?
Depends on how tough the soil is you are trying to move.
Likely EXTENDING the toplink will allow the blade cutting edge to "CUT" more.

In general, a box scraper will contain dirt better as a result of the end plates. It will push dirt back without reversing it as you need to do on the Blade, and it rips better with the shanks. But you can angle a blade and tilt it if it has that feature.

Lifting higher: If important, consider a hydraulic toplink.
You have ports to accomodate them ?

Prices of boxscrapers are EXTREMELY competitive.
You likely could have bought a comparable size scraper for the price of your 45 blade.

There are about as many Box Scapers sold nationally as there are Blades. BUT the blades are strongly helped by the the "snowbelt" market. The South is strong BB ( Box Blade ) country..!

Do we need to add a "Weight Box" option to our scrapers ?
Is there more interest in that from others ?

Whatever you do, enjoy it !

 

[pennwalk]

There are some high end rear blades that angle, tilt and offset. Plus they can be equiped with end plates, shoes and digger teeth. Landpride comes to mind as one manufacturer. You can have end plates and shoes made for your blade. JD may even offer them as an option. Some people have had a lot of trouble learning to use a standard box blade. A rear blade with the right options can actually do a wider variety of jobs and be easier to learn.

Chris