Box Blades \ Scrapers

[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.