Building our retirement home

[EddieWalker]

I really don't like a box blade at all and have found that back dragging my loader bucket to be the very best way I've come across at smoothing out a road or pad. I keep the bucket flat on the ground and use the back of the bucket as my blade to pull the material. I lift the back of the bucket just a little to raise my grade or feather out the material, or I lower the back of the bucket a little to dig down or remove a hump.

 

[s219]

I really don't like a box blade at all and have found that back dragging my loader bucket to be the very best way I've come across at smoothing out a road or pad. I keep the bucket flat on the ground and use the back of the bucket as my blade to pull the material. I lift the back of the bucket just a little to raise my grade or feather out the material, or I lower the back of the bucket a little to dig down or remove a hump.

I had a neighbor say that too, then he saw me in action with my box blade and hydraulic top link, and it blew his mind. I think the key to using a box blade is top link adjustment, and some people skip that part and come away with a bad impression. The other key part, and the whole reason the box blade was invented, is that it can neatly remove material from high spots, collect it in the box, and then drop it in low spots (potentially carrying it long distances in between if needed). That really makes it a great tool for smoothing and grading, especially on long driveways where you may be going hundreds/thousands of feet.

Even with a good box blade, I do a fair amount of back dragging with the front bucket, as many times it's the most efficient way to drop and spread material, or smooth material. So that's high on my list too. The main limitation, of course, is that you can only move material over short distances since it will spill out the sides.

 

[SirReal63]

Certainly off to a great start! I always enjoyed your part of Oklahoma, many people do not realize how beautiful it is. That is a lot of road, the material is a good base, but really needs a topping as the fines settle it leaves the larger rocks sitting high. The road to our property is the same, and it was never topped with smaller base, the large rocks make blading or smoothing very difficult. That is a great barn, jealous of it.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

....... really needs a topping as the fines settle it leaves the larger rocks sitting high....

Yes, I think both you and Deere Dude have a point there.

I've got a number of months before all the construction winds down. If I have any $$$$$ left, I may put something on top that is more grooming friendly.

I was wondering about hitting it with a roller/compactor. Has anyone tried this?

 

[jk96]

I really don't like a box blade at all and have found that back dragging my loader bucket to be the very best way I've come across at smoothing out a road or pad. I keep the bucket flat on the ground and use the back of the bucket as my blade to pull the material. I lift the back of the bucket just a little to raise my grade or feather out the material, or I lower the back of the bucket a little to dig down or remove a hump.

Eddie do you have a hydraulic top link? I've got one on my tractor and it makes the box blade one of the most useful implements I own.

 

[GPintheMitten]

A normal lawn roller will get a lot of dents rolling that drive. I would grade as necessary throughout the project to repair any ruts from construction equipment. Then when the build is done, grade or have it graded with a dozer then put the topping layer on.

 

[farmer2009]

Looks like you're off to a good start. Be interested to see it come together.

 

[EddieWalker]

I don't have a hydraulic top link, and I don't have a box blade anymore. I had it for years, but never got the hang of it, and always considered it a compromise tool. Fine for lots of little things, but not as good as a specialty tool designed for the task. I gave mine away to a friend and enjoy hearing him complain about how hard it is to use!!!

I've seen where people have hydraulic top links and they can get amazing results from it. But when I think of who long it would take to swap out my mower, hook up a box blade and then get material to where I want it and then spread it, I think that I could be done so much faster and with better results just using my loader bucket.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

While the driveway project was winding down, we managed to get a start on the home site. The first step was to scrape the site and decide exactly where to pin the house. Once the position was set, the basement dig could begin.

 

[cat fever]

I am really excited for you. Your land and tree's and general greenness. (is that a word?) is just awesome. I look forward to seeing/reading about your progress. Best of luck to you.