Box blade vs draw bar scraper

[3 Horse Ranch]

The other consideration is which tractor I'd use. I have my Mahindra 1538 (40hp) and the old Massey 58hp. The Massey would probably be the only choice for the 6' drawbar scraper. Following the rough guide of 10hp per foot of scraper.

40 hp ought to be plenty for any 6 foot implement. I have been using a variety of 5 foot implements behind a 27 hp tractor and have never lacked power, I'd usually spin a wheel before I ran out of power.

 

[npalen]

Do you have a photo of this? I've pondered doing something similar since I got a hydraulic top link.

The boxblade pix show gauge wheels with a cylinder which is used with the add-on tongue. The gauge wheels can be rigid mounted without a cylinder if used as 3PH with a cylinder top link for cutting depth control.
Castering gauge wheels on a landscape rake also add a lot of versatility especially with the angle control cylinder.

Edit: The last pic shows rigid mounted gauge wheels as an earlier version. Having the wheels close behind the blade keeps the unit compact but still adds a lot of weight for cutting hard soil.

Edit: Corrected spelling.

 

[BackRoad]

Mr. Npalen, the box blade on wheels looks fantastic for finesse leveling.

Now you have me thinking..."Hmmmm...could I cobble one together (with the hydraulic back wheels)??? ..." !!!

 

[npalen]

Mr. Npalen, the box blade on wheels looks fantastic for finesse leveling.

Now you have me thinking..."Hmmmm...could I cobble one together (with the hydraulic back wheels)??? ..." !!!

You wouldn't need a hydraulic cylinder on the gauge wheels if you had one as the top link. This is assuming you would be using the box blade on the 3PH. The cylinder on the back only becomes necessary when using the box blade as a pull type.

I mention that because it would be easier to go with rigid mounted gauge wheels. Also might mention that some guys will mount the gauge wheels further back from the blade which may make for even better leveling in rough ground but you lose some compactness.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

That drawbar will be much much more inconvenient to use than something attached to your three point on your tractor. It would be something to be used on long straight stretches but it would be inconvenient to turn around inconvenient for small short areas I wouldn't touch it

 

[nyone]

That draw bar scraper does look nice how ever to do road maintenance you really need a blade that can angle. This gives you the ability to pull gravel back into the road and also crown the road.

Useing the tilt function on the box blade will just fill up one side very quickly.

 

[oosik]

Man - I'd jump on that like a quail on a june bug. That would be an ideal implement for my mile long gravel driveway. I use my HD rear blade for snow, crowning and ditch clean out. I use my LPGS for scarifying and smoothing.

 

[npalen]

That drawbar will be much much more inconvenient to use than something attached to your three point on your tractor. It would be something to be used on long straight stretches but it would be inconvenient to turn around inconvenient for small short areas I wouldn't touch it

I've found that the pull type (drawbar) is actually more maneuverable as you can turn short with it even in the grading (down) position. When 3PH mounted, it doesn't turn well in the grading or ripping position but a little easier to back into a tight spot to pull dirt out away from a fence of something.

Yes, there are times when 3PH mounted makes more sense. For one thing, its a great counter weight for the FEL and also takes up less room when the rig is stored indoors.