box blade quality/ price

[Anonymous Poster]

Here's the issue:
My <font color="orange"> Kubota </font> dealer is a Woods rep. He priced me a GBC48 "estate series" box blade @ $395. Seven (7) gauge sides, four rippers, basic box blade. I then looked at a GB48 standard box blade that he had in stock. BIG, BEEFY, TALL, one awesome looking unit. Four (4) inch structural tubing main frame, lift locks instead of pins for the rippers, <font color="red"> 428 POUNDS </font> . Price: $495 delivered + tax. My only concern is whether my bx2200 will handle the higher box capacity (12.4 cu. ft. as against 9 with the gbc) and how well it will mount as compared to the gbc.
The $100 dollar difference is nothing compared to the difference in quality and construction. BTW, also priced a Land Pride BB1548 48" locally and cost was higher than the GB ($480 + frt. or $568 outright, no tax included on either).

So what is your opinion? Anybody have either of the Woods units? If so, what do you think of them?
Thanks. I know you guys will give me good ideas.
DaveL

 

[StanInCalif]

Sometimes the better box blades will have a hinged rear blare, rather than fixed. This is a significant difference, which you may or may not like.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The Woods GB series has a fixed blade. I guess I'm wondering if the unit is worth the extra cost and how it will fit with a bx2200. Its' certainly built well. My biggest concern is if it will work well on that small a tractor. The 3ph should pick it up (I bought a Woods 40" tiller @ 375 lb. and it picks it up fine). I plan to use it a bit as I have a gravel drive pretty chewed up from winter, a lane down through the woods that needs maintenance, and some landscaping projects to do. I also don't mind spending a little more for a better unit. Its just seems so massive looking compared to most of the other units I have looked at that it worries me a little bit. I don't have the experience with the bx to know what it can and can't handle. Any info would be appreciated.
DaveL

 

[JATO_RaT]

Stan, once you get into the industrial boxblades, that swing blade or finishing blade is no longer available. I have a Gannon 72" with that very feature and while it is heavier duty then another boxblade (Gearmore) I also have, the swing attachment points that keep it from swinging are easy to break if you use the blade hard. The ability for a swing box blade blade to do much more then a permananetly fixed blade is minimal. I am not familiar with the BX's abilities but would vote for a heavier box blade even though it has a higher capacity, nothing precludes you from stopping the fill capacity. A hydraulic top link is incredibly useful here. To really get the most out of your tractor, TnT (Top and Tilt) is a must. Rat...

 

[Anonymous Poster]

RaT,
Agreed on the top n' tilt but my wife is starting to get that tone in her voice. Maybe later after I get her that chipper she keeps bugging me about. I initially looked at rear blades but posts on TBN educated me on the many uses of a box blade. I 'd just really like to get some opinions on this unit before I take the plunge.
DaveL

 

[John_Mc]

DaveL -

I've got the Woods GB72 (6 foot box blade) that I use with my NH TC33D. I've been very happy with it. I use it to maintain 1300' of gravel road/driveway, have put in a few drainage swales through an old abandoned pasture, regraded some around my new house, and used it to open up trails through my woods after brush hogging. It's taken everything I've thrown at it with no problems.

No problems at all using it on the driveway. In the dirt - especially if it's wet, I generally hit traction problems before I run into HP limitations (I've got R4 tires with the rears loaded). I'm looking at getting chains to improve my traction in the damp/wet conditions (also should help in the winter snow). But I can usually get by by feathering the box height or toplink to reduce the "bite" in less-than-ideal conditions.

What kind of tires do you have on your BX? Have you checked if the larger unit will physically fit your 3 Pt hitch, and that the lift height is adequate?

John Mc

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Sorry about the delay getting back.
I've got ags on the bx. I thought about it and I think I'll ask the dealer if he can mount the GB on a bx2200 just to see how everything fits.
After hearing all the good reviews of the Landpride units, I called around to a few other dealers. But no sale. The Landpride bb1548 prices are higher than the Woods GB, a well built mule of a box blade. I would really like to talk to someone with a GBC series box to get an opinion on the unit, but alas, no responses to date.
I guess I'll "figger" it all out eventually.
Thanks for your help,
DaveL

 

[Buck]

I've got a GB65 running with a 30HP JD 790. I have had no problems with the tractor pulling the scraper.

I beat the crap out of the scraper and agree that most brands do not begin to compare with the quality and durability of the Woods unit. The difference in weight not only attests to the difference in quality, it is truly functional. Scrapers need weight to get the job done.

I didn't realize the difference until I saw the KK units at Tractor Supply.

I further agree that the $100 difference is well spent.

P.S. I paid $570 delivered w/tax.

My 2 cents,

Buck

 

[John_Mc]

DaveL-

If you are still shopping different brands, take a look at Midwest. Several people here have commented on the excellent construction and durability (First Choice's box blades were made by Midwest for a time, so many of the First Choice reviews you see are actually for Midwest's product). I believe they are cheaper than Woods or Landpride, and of equal quality (judging from pictures and comments seen here). If I did not alread own a Woods Box Blade, I would seriously consider a MidWest unit.

John Mc

 

[Briarwood]

Last year I shopped box blades and ended up with a Woods GB60 for my B2710. Its the best investment in an implement I could make. I have had no problems working a 1500 foot gravel lane and smoothing out our new lawn for seeding. Other posters are correct, the best blade is the heaviest your tractor can manage. You also want a blade that will be just a bit wider than your tires to cover your tracks.

IMHO, the Woods is one of the best lines of equipment and is obviously serviced by your local dealer. Two good reasons to buy one. I inquired via email several times last year about First Choice/Midwest box blades and prices and received no informative responses. I concluded there must not be a dealer in my area or they were just not interested in my business. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I bought a Woods from my Kubota dealer and I couldn't be happier. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Briarwood