Box Blades \ Scrapers

[BeeFarmer]

Box Blades \\ Scrapers

I've seen articles on Box Blades in the forum but I don't know that I have really been able to pin point which model to purchase. I saw at one point that some folks were saying that the First Choice was a Midwest model and that was a really good one to get. I read one or two areas on KK but not sure if they hold up as good as the Midwest unit does. Any feedback appreciated.

 

[KubotaSteve]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Normally you can tell how good a box blade is by the weight. The lighter ones usually aren't made as heavy as the other ones. I got a 60" Befco box blade and I have been quite please with how well made it is. It also depends on how much you are going to use something and how rough you will treat it. I plan on putting the box blade to the test therefore I got a heavier one. I have the King Cutter carry all and it seems to be built pretty decent.

 

[BIGUN]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

That’s the good thing about having what I consider the smallest real tractor made (Kubota BX 1500). Almost any implement made is more than stout enough for it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Mark4510]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Along with a good box scraper I recomend Top N Tilt to complete the package.

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Bee Farmer,
By far the Midwest blade/box blade is much better quality than the KK. You;re only gonna buy ONE spend the extra 40-50 bucks and get one that will last as long as the tractor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jerry

 

[rmonio]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

I've been happy with my Frontier BB1172 - heavy duty and heavy weight - the keys to success with box blades. Prior to buying I did quite a bit of reading (here) and looking at them on the lots. The Frontier was the best I saw and I have since recomended it to a few other folks who have had great results also.

The key is not to get something either too small or too lightweight for the range of jobs you're going to do. The extra money spent on the HD unit is worth it.

-Bob

 

[BeeFarmer]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

I was looking at the Landpride unit recently. They seem pretty well built.

 

[BeeFarmer]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Is there a main site for the Frontier unit?

 

[bubenberg]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Hi here is an other source:

MDS (Manufacturers' Diversified Services)
112 S. Railroad Ave.
New Holand, PA 17557
800-879-6507
fax: 717-355-2879

www.mdsgroup.net

Look in the top portion of their website all the manufacturers they represent( Push "MDS Suppliers). Everytime i need something they come through, very fast curious and at a good price.

They are specialists in attachments for tractors, skid-steers, excavators,
tractor-loader-backhoes, etc. One central contact for twelve suppliers
in a seventeen-state area from Maine to Florida, plus forks, wood
splitters, swing-hoes and log hitches throughout the USA.

 

[aloha]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I was looking at the Landpride unit recently. )</font>

If you are willing to consider that price range, look at Woods. The workmanship is outstanding.

 

[normde2001]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

I'm not sure how to tell a good boxblade from a bad one. I called my Yanmar dealer, (a guy with a bunch of tractors and stuff in his front yard), and said I needed a boxblade. He delivered me a 5' red one that said A.T.L.A.S on the side, I wrote him a check for $224. That was a little over 2 years ago, and I can't imagine owning a better tool for the job at any price. What's to go wrong? If a weld breaks, get it welded, no problem.

 

[rmonio]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Yup - here is the link to the Frontier pages on the JD Website:
http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/FT/landingpage/FT_LandingPage.html

I really like their units. Good luck!

-Bob

 

[bebster]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Frontier is a John Deere brand name, but many of the Frontier attachments are actually made by Woods and painted green with the Frontier name.

 

[rmonio]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Right - I noticed that from my research here. However, I believe that the Frontier version seems to be more heavier duty overall (I don't know why). The Frontiers were a bit more than the Woods according to people I talked to - however, it didn't warrant enough of a difference for me to take a chance outside of buying through the local JD dealer network (IMHO).

-Bob

 

[bigpete]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

I don't mean to imply that the boxblade market has become generic, but the quality range of what you can find within an hour's drive should provide you with a pretty good overview of what is available on the bigger market. The exception would be if you are someone who intends to put the attachment into some form of commercial or specialized application. If that is the case, research until you find the exact piece you need.

I agree with the comment that the "general" quality of boxblades of a given width are directly related to their gross weight (and number of scarifiers).

 

[bebster]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

My Frontier implements do seem pretty heavy duty, and of course a bit more costly. I think this is a Deere strategy to be higher up on price and quality. Overall, a good buying decision because I think light-duty implements are generally not as good of a value long term.

 

[PatrickS]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

I just got a MidWest box blade this week. It is my first box blade and I had a question about the scarifiers. Yesterday, I was moving some snow around and one of the scarifier teeth came off and I lost the stupid thing. They seem to be just pounded on.

I have been looking online to replace that as well as went by the local TSC. Everywhere I seem to see that the teeth are welded on. These are definately not. Can anyone recommend a place where I can order a replacement (my dealer is more than an hour away) and possibly comment on pounded on versus welded on teeth?

Thanks.

 

[rmonio]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Can't comment, Patrick - mine are adjustable on the Frontier model that I own. I wanted them that way so I could easily adjust and replace them if necessary.

And I agree with the other poster about the Frontier stuff. It may cost more, but I don't have problems with them holding up.

-Bob

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Hate to say this, but have you contacted the dealer about it?
I'm sure they'll make it right.

 

[PatrickS]

Re: Box Blades \\ Scrapers

Maybe I wasn't terrifically clear. The scarifier on these guys is a two piece bit. The shank and a tooth. The shank is the meat of the thing and the tooth is just a wearable blade. The shank is adjustable for height, removeable, etc. The tooth slips onto the pointy end of the shank and has a dimple on each side that sits in a hole drilled in the shank.

I checked out midwest's website and they suggest that it those are supposed to be welded. I guess I will call dealer tomorrow and ask him about it. Looks like the smartest idea for replacement is to get back out to the barn with a rake and go through all the stuff I moved yesterday.