Well, I need some attachments for the John Deere. Was thinking of a box blade to do some maintainance of a couple of driveways, creating some drainage ditches, filling in low places in different areas, moving dirt out of a creek area, build up more on a pond dam, covering low cut stumps, etc. . Question is how much can this attachment cut into sod and then create loose dirt to move? Could the rippers be used to break sod to extend a garden with a tiller? Is it practical to use to rip up soil and then use a Fel to move some of this to other areas? Is this asking too much of a box blade? Don't really want to use a dozer or excavator for some of this work. Will multiple passes of the blade and rippers dig any depth needed? Any insight would be appreciated.
Box Scraper Box Blade Uses
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lakngulf
Veteran Member
I am a newbie with box blade use but agree that it is a multi-use tool, even though I have much learning to do. I grew up on a farm using a FEL to move and smooth, but seem to have lost the touch. The box blade was included with the tractor and other equipment that I bought in October. I have been amazed at how it can cover up the mess I make with the FEL.
This past weekend I experimented with the BB on a clogged up ditch along my driveway. Many rains, fallen leaves, general debris, and lack of attention over the years had filled it up. I dropped the right side of the 3pt hitch as far as I thought I could, and ran the tractor tires in the ditch, pulling the mud with the BB. I would drag until the BB was full, lift it up, move forward and drag some more (as some on the forum had suggested). The mud piles were then removed with the FEL.
As I was dragging the area the second time I had a thought: I lowered the one ripper on the end where the BB was the lowest, and continued to drag. This worked great to loosen the soil/mud in the ditch and allowed the BB to pick it up. I am sure this technique on using just the one ripper is old hat with the pros, but I was glad to discover it.
This past weekend I experimented with the BB on a clogged up ditch along my driveway. Many rains, fallen leaves, general debris, and lack of attention over the years had filled it up. I dropped the right side of the 3pt hitch as far as I thought I could, and ran the tractor tires in the ditch, pulling the mud with the BB. I would drag until the BB was full, lift it up, move forward and drag some more (as some on the forum had suggested). The mud piles were then removed with the FEL.
As I was dragging the area the second time I had a thought: I lowered the one ripper on the end where the BB was the lowest, and continued to drag. This worked great to loosen the soil/mud in the ditch and allowed the BB to pick it up. I am sure this technique on using just the one ripper is old hat with the pros, but I was glad to discover it.
Last edited:
3RRL
Super Member
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Hi guys,
There are lots of threads about the pros and cons of the boxblade.
Do a search for "Boxblade" and you should get a lot of hits. Here are a couple threads that might give you ideas about boxblade uses. Lots of photos and comments in each one.
Hope they help...
Rob-
Beginner's Guide to Using a Box Blade
Various BoxBlade Uses
There are lots of threads about the pros and cons of the boxblade.
Do a search for "Boxblade" and you should get a lot of hits. Here are a couple threads that might give you ideas about boxblade uses. Lots of photos and comments in each one.
Hope they help...
Rob-
Beginner's Guide to Using a Box Blade
Various BoxBlade Uses
RobertN
Super Member
I just found my boxblade makes a good paperweight 
I sold my tractor, but kept the boxscraper. I have another tractor coming, but I wish I could move my scraper. Thought I put it out of the way when I disconnected before sending the old tractor to the new owner...
I sold my tractor, but kept the boxscraper. I have another tractor coming, but I wish I could move my scraper. Thought I put it out of the way when I disconnected before sending the old tractor to the new owner...
Usta
Gold Member
When I first used my box blade I thought it was a totally useless piece of scrap. All it did was follow me around without even breaking the blades of grass. It would not dig in at all. I could not figure out why everyone was praising them so much. After I messed with the top link and got the angle right.... What A Workhorse. I now know what the hupla is all about and would never want to be without one.
There is a lot of good info here-thanks to those that responded to my questions. From a link given, I can't seem to find what the term top& tilt means or how it works. Do the box blades not come with an adjustment for offsetting?
dex3361
Elite Member
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Top and Tilt is replacing the the top adjustable link and side adjustable link of the 3PH with a Hydraulic Cylinders. Read this thread and it will clear it up for you.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/162185-how-many-tnt-owners.html
MtnViewRanch
Elite Member, Advertiser
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Top and Tilt ( "TnT" ) are hydraulic cylinders used for the top link and a side link of the 3pt hitch. (usually the right side link) These links that come from the factory are manually adjusted and therefore sort of a pain. By replacing them with hydraulics, they are easily adjusted and can make for a better grading job just because you adjust easily as needed. Once you have operated an implement that benefits from these, you will be hard pressed to go back to the manual adjusted ones.
As far as offsetting, I have only seen this on rear blades and landscape rakes. No box blades as far as I know of.
Sorry, a little slower in responding than Randall.
