Rear Blade Box blade vs. regular rear blade

JayC · Oct 13, 2003

I am not to familiar with these attachments other than what they look like. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I was wondering, could someone compare & contrast between the two? What are some uses that each would be used for, and could someone give some examples? Also, does anyone have any pictures they are willing to share while using either attachment? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

CTyler · Oct 13, 2003

A box blade is better for digging, grading and moving material. A rear blade is good for smoothing and casting material to one side. An RB is also good for ditching just tilt the blade so the corner catches or do angle and tilt to shape up the shoulders on the drive.

A box can smooth as well as a rear blade but it takes more skill and practice because the box can dig easy.

For example grading my 650'+ drive. I'll use the BB so it just drags a bit gathering material in the box. It holds about 1/2 yard. The idea is to gather material from the high spots and let drop into the low spots.

Once thats done I can angle the RB to pull material from the sides into the center. Since the blade doesn't wiegh that much its won't dig like the BB. Angling the blade can also get rid of washbords much easier. It catches a couple three high spots at the same time vs bopping up/down going straight. You can do it with a BB as well but you may have to dig a bit and then smooth it.

Finish smoothing is pretty easy with a RB. Turn the blade around backwards so it acts like a drag.

If I had a choice of only a BB or RB it would be the BB hands down.

JayC · Oct 13, 2003

Thanks for the reply. I got a couple more questions about box blades. Do all box blades come with rippers like I have seen on the models I looked at, at some dealer sites? What would you use the rippers for anyway? I know big dozers have rippers, but what would a compact utility tractor need them for? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

GaryM · Oct 13, 2003

All the ones I've seen came with ripper, or scarifiers if you prefer. They are used to loosen the soil or rock so the box balade can dig it up. On a gravel drive for example, the box blade might just bounce along and not dig in too well. If you make a pass with the rippers first to break up the surface, the box can dig better.

JayC · Oct 13, 2003

So that's what they are used for. What are some manufacturers that make box blades?

GaryM · Oct 13, 2003

About all of them do. I know that's maybe not the answer you wanted. Woods, Frontier (JD), Midwest, First Choice, King Kutter, Hawkline.

I'm sure someone will be right along to add to the list.

Bird · Oct 13, 2003

In addition to the brands Gary mentioned, I'll add Bush Hog, Howse (which I've owned), and Monroe Tufline (which I've also owned and was my favorite).