Box scraper Dilemma

ChickenNecks · May 10, 2005

I have 5 acres and want to construct a practice soccer field for the kids.

Box scraper or rear blade? I want to make the right choice before I drop the cash.

Help!

Thanks, Lew

creeper · May 10, 2005

Welcome to TBN ! What needs to be done ? Is the area flat now? Is it grass or woods ? Give us some details and we can help you more.

ChickenNecks · May 10, 2005

Front to back, it is about a 2ft slope with rutting (no more than 10") some small shrubs (most of which I cleared with the FEL) and a few softball sized rocks.

I want it to drain, but the slope definately will not work for a soccer field.

Thanks,
Lew

creeper · May 10, 2005

I would say the box blade would be helpful, I would probably use a cheap cultivator or harrow to break it all up first and then go back and level and smooth it out.You could also rent a 5' tiller.

Bob_Skurka · May 10, 2005

Get a box blade for that type of work.

But this brings up an interesting point that we might want to debate. (since we are helping you spend your money, we might as well help you make the right choice) . . .

I have 2 different box blades. The side plate profile of one of the brands is rectangular. The side plate profile of the other brand is a trapezoid. I never gave it any thought until after I got the newer blade and realized it was not a rectangle.

So here is my observation . . . the rectangular side plate is NOT as good as the trapezoid side plate, but it probably is cheaper to make. Here is my logic, when I tip the box so the front is down and the blade itself is just touching the ground, the trapezoid shape is NOT digging into the ground at the leading edge of the unit. When I do the same with my other blade, the leading edge of the rectangular side panels are now digging into the ground. When I'm smoothing the ground, it is easier to do with the trapezoid side plate.

By the way, when I say trapezoid shaped, I mean a true trapezoid that tapers from the front corner all the way back to the rear corner. I am not refering to a rectangle side plate that has the leading corner cut off about 2" back.

Anyone else ever run across this?

It may be that I only noticed it since I have 2 different blades from 2 different manufacturers?

Here is a picture of a TRAPIZOID sided box blade. The front edge of the side plate is a couple inches shorter than the back edge and the bottom edge of the side plate tapers up to the front edge.

Here is a picture of a RECTANGLE sided box blade (with cut corners at the front edge). The bottom and the top edges are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the front and rear edges.

Soundguy · May 10, 2005

A box with ripper tines, or a box with ripper tines and a disc harrow.. depending on your budget.

Soundguy

Henro · May 10, 2005

I don't think it is an "or" situation. Certainly the box blade is a good starting point. But you will need more than that if you want to produce a flat surface to play soccer on.

At least for me flat is hard to do with the box blade... Now pretty flat is another issue...all depends what you want in the end I suppose...

I'd probably start with the box blade and see how things went as far as the finished prduct I was shooting for...

txhawg · May 10, 2005

( I would say the box blade would be helpful, I would probably use a cheap cultivator or harrow to break it all up first and then go back and level and smooth it out.You could also rent a 5' tiller. )

If you till it up, won't it be too soft to play soccer on?

KiotiJohn · May 11, 2005

( If you till it up, won't it be too soft to play soccer on? )
Soil that gets well tilled from different angles will lead to a fine powdery material that will compact well over a short time. It will also be easier to level this way as the tiller will really break it up, eliminating the high spots pretty much.
John

MadReferee · May 11, 2005

You will have to compact the soil before playing. Soft soil that gives under foot is dangerous for players. When kicking the ball one foot is planted and used for leverage and soft soil will cause slipping and possible ankle injuries. As a referee I would never allow a game to be played where field conditions caused footing problems.