Box Blade operation tips?

3RRL · May 5, 2006

Joe, how's your hand doing?
( I though Maybe I could slip something through there and slide weights on it.)
Yup, that sounds very doable too...although I don't know if you could get the same amount of weight that way? I was thinking of mounting the concrete buckets upside down on 3 vertical pipes that would be welded on the back of you box. You might have to weld a flat mount piece first, then weld the pipes to that. They only need to stick up about 8" to 10" (peter length /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) then slip the pipes as shown in that picture over them. That should not get in the way. You could also weld a re-inforcement strap from the front of the box to the back...2 of them and weld the pipes to that in the middle. Take them off when dozing with the bb...generally, I found I don't need the weight as much when doing that, more for dragging forwards.

( I have been really successful bending ripper shanks straight with either the rosebud on a torch or using a good ol' propane weedburner as a forge.)
Well so far after my modification I have not gotten close to bending or breaking a shank. I did a bunch of grading for my battery shed (solar system) last weekend and hit solid DG on nearly half the pad. Rand into a couple of Oak roots that caused the tractor's tires to slip but no damage. Also re-graded my road and managed to pull out some big rocks. Non of these obstacles made a dent...so I'm super happy with the mods. Attached is a picture of the area I'm working on. Next week I'll start pouring the foundation.

( this is a great way to spill your beer.) LOL...LOL

flusher · May 5, 2006

No problem. Just load the weights onto the BB frame. They stay put, but if you want added security you can include a U-bolt handle cast into the concrete so you could chain the weight to the BB 3pt struts.

Highbeam · May 5, 2006

The hand is better. All the stitches are out but the dead black nail is still there and I am afraid to pull it out just yet. Without stitches I am able to get it wet and clean out dead stuff so it looks alot better. No bandage required now. Still have no use of the one finger plus fear of hitting it so I am crippled. It is amazing what happens after 10 days of not being able to wet your hand and wash it.

"about 8" to 10" (peter length )" Bahaha, on a cold day maybe.

Flusher, thanks for the photo. I had no idea that the pipe went clear through and now it makes more sense. Being easily removed is a benefit since the extra weight isn't always needed. I've got some thick sign post pipe that would work well for this.

flusher · May 5, 2006

I used chain link fence pipe I had lying around. Having the pipe stick out both ends of the concrete weight makes it easy to grab onto the thing to muscle it on and off the BB.

smokedtires · May 5, 2006

3RRL looks like you've got it down, nice job.

Boman, I've been to Paducka (sp?) & Bowling Green, but I'm afraid I'll be busy praticing alittle closer to home /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I did my 1st job with my BB, but it's still not dirty yet /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/mikeo//BoxBlade1.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/mikeo//BoxBlade2.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/mikeo//BoxBlade3.jpg

My 48" is 430lbs, so if I need to add weight, I'll keep these great ideas in mind.

Thanks everyone !

smokedtires · May 6, 2006

I should note, I took measures to show that JD did not make this box blade to prevent someone from thinking I'm trying to trick them with it as a counterfeit item. I know that it would have to be sold as a Bush Hog if I ever decide to sell (JD doesn't make boxblades for its owners), which is why I kept the original Bush Hog Tag with the serial number on it (taped over before painted and then tape removed), and the model numbers that are on the sides were just painted over as well. So while I do have it looking like a JD product to match my tractor, it is still identified as a Bush Hog up close /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I guess I'm just **** about things matching each other /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

N80 · May 6, 2006

( ( and it's possible to do dozer style work in reverse )
Yes, within reason. Be careful to go even slower in reverse as you're going the opposite way the hitch arms are designed for.
If you go too fast in reverse and hit something hard, you can break a lot of things! Just go slow.
John )

Good point. I never thought of that. Since the stuff I'm working in is like a minefield of rocks and 'petrified' stumps from the dark ages, I've been, and will continue to go slow.

I have been maqking gradual turns with the scarifiers dug in. Not anymore.