Box Blade Question

[To20Chris]

I have some drainage problems to fix that will require me to move some soil in a field. The field was once cultivated, so I believe there is a fair amount of soil without too many rocks. It has a high spot that is trapping water at the bottom, and from there it runs under the stone row wall and into a field I'm trying to dry out (eventually for a riding ring). I started with a trench to dry it out enough to work, and that has helped, but it will need more contouring than that. So here is the question: How much of a bite can you take with a Box Blade? I'll need to move some of the soil from the top of the berm into the low spot, probably have to cut it down up to a foot at the highest spot. I know a CUT is not a dozer, but I have time to do this. If I can break it up, I'm sure I can move it with the FEL. I had planned to try multiple passes with the pasture restorer (chisel) with weights on it, then scoop and move with the FEL, but maybe a BB would work better, even if it takes quite a few passes? Can you move material from one place to another with a BB, or does it just generally level out the ground following the natural contour?

I guess at this point I'm thinking that a BB would be handy to have for other projects too, and if it would work better here I could justify the cost (the boss really wants that ring /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif)

Thanks!

 

[PineRidge]

Chris you can adjust the top link to take more or less bite when using the box-blade. Top & Tilt is the best solution as adjustments can be made on the fly, but it can also be adjusted manually with a little trial and error. Dropping the rippers will loosen the dirt, then retract them and use the box to relocate the dirt where you need it. A box-blade it the best way I know to skim dirt from the high spots and easily move it to the low spots. If you use one correctly you will quickly end up with a nice level area.

 

[Trailblazer]

With scarifiers all the way down and top link adjusted aggressively, you can move a lot of dirt with the box blade. I wouldn't recommend the pasture-restorer/FEL solution if you can spring for the cost of a box blade. Even if you have to make multiple passes, you'll save a lot of time w/ the BB. And you're right - you will later have many other uses for it.

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

A FEL is no replacement for a box blade. This job needs the blade. You also don't want to overload your tractor. A Blade right at the outside of the wheels is perfect.

 

[OkieG]

<font color="blue"> If I can break it up, I'm sure I can move it with the FEL. </font>

That's what I would do. A boxblade will fill quickly with an aggressive cut, but if there are more than several feet to move the dirt, I wouldn't use the boxblade for moving. I must admit, I'm not very adept with a boxblade, though I've used mine plenty.

If you use it to move the dirt, the boxblade will scar everything from the top of your berm all the way to the low spot...and it's not always easy to keep the box full on the way.

Using just the boxblade to both gather the dirt and move it will work, but not as well (in my opinion) as using the FEL for moving the dirt. Scrape a few boxfulls in a row at the top of the berm, then fill the FEL and unload at the low spot.

Once you've got dirt in the low spot, run over it several times with your tractor, then backblade with the FEL for a smooth finish on the compacted soil.

OkieG

 

[tough451]

The bb will work great drop the shanks to rip raise them when your ready to drag the dirt. It will work as long as your not traveling a long distance,in that case you will have to use the fel.

 

[Soundguy]

Don't be too hard on the box blade... most of the general contractors in this county that do building pads.. have an old ford and box blade on a trailer that is at jobs 7 days a week.... no front end loader in site..


Soundguy

 

[OkieG]

<font color="blue"> most of the general contractors in this county that do building pads.. have an old ford and box blade .... no front end loader in site </font>

Oh yes, you're right. I've seen 'em here, too /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif In my case, boxblade limitations are more related to the user than the implement.
....Still, re: moving dirt (To20Chris) vs. smoothing dirt (contractor)...Perhaps it's a minor point. With the luxury of an FEL, I never think about moving dirt by dragging it with the boxblade...although that certainly can be effective. The distance from A to B, the terrain, etc. will make the relative value of boxblade vs. FEL for moving the dirt quickly apparent. Somehow, in To20Chris' post I envisioned an A to B and terrain better suited (for me) to use an FEL. Just my bias.


OkieG

 

[Soundguy]

I'll give you that one.. Moving dirt with a box.. is good.. on-site... if you have to move a stockpile any distance.. then the fel is obviously a great tool. When it's dumped out and then you just have to spread it and drag it a bit , etc.. box blade really shines.. and yes.. operator experience makes a huge difference.

Soundguy

 

[To20Chris]

Hmmm - looks like I still have a decision to make! I need to move the dirt about 20 to 30'. My thoughts that a 60" BB will not hold much more than my 60" FEL. Once it is "full" then it will either stop picking up dirt, and then I can drag it to where I want it and drop it there. Or, it will continue to pick up and drop down dirt all along the way. I've never used one so I'm ignorant about how they work! It looks like it need to do two separate steps anyway, first to break it up, second to move it. I guess I will try it with the tools I have, and if it doesn't go well I will look at getting a BB.

Thanks for the advice!