Box Blades

m1greg · Aug 25, 2004

Anyone have any comments on the International brand Box blade. A local dealer has a 48" model for $350. Another dealer sells Midwest brand for $250 same size. I can't find any specs on the International brand ( weight, gauge of metal etc. ) to compare against the M.W brand. It would only be used a couple of times a year to maintain a gravel drive.

Thanks

dliston · Aug 25, 2004

Don't know anything about the International Box - I do have their 6ft rotary mower - it is a horse - heavy decking, etc. I have a midwest 6-footer BB - got the Heavy Duty version - 1/2" walls etc. Works well. The four-footer should be plenty for what you've described, but see if you can't get the HD one. You'll always find more and more to do with it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 25, 2004

I have a standard duty 60" box blade made by Midwest (mine bears the 'First Choice' label) and it's been plenty heavy for anything I've wanted to do with it. I wouldn't even look at anything else if this one came up missing (the only reason I can imagine to ever need to replace it). I'd highly recommend theirs, especially for what you're going to be doing.

The design is by Integration Engineering (the Terrain Contour Control top & tilt people) and is wonderful. The fit and welds are great and the paint is a high quality powder coat that I was even able to get to match my tractor (which, since it was my first implement, seemed important at the time). I'd spend the other $100 on something else.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Inspector507 · Aug 25, 2004

m1greg,
I'v got an International 60" Light duty box blade. Mine was $250. I really think it will handle anything my "light weight" tractor can try to pull it through. The one thing I don't like about it is the scarifiers and how they are fastened. Requires 2 wrenches or ratchets to remove the bolts that fasten the teeth in their spot. Most of the ones I've seen only require you to pull out a hair clip and remove a pin to move the teeth.
I suppose I could change the bolts out to clevis pins and a hair clip, but I use the blade so infrequently, I guess I just put up with the inconvience.
If I had a choice, I suppose I would prefer a Midwest brand, they look sweet /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif