Buying this box blade....Bad idea? Any idea of manufacturer?

[jjbenson]

Greetings friends,
I’m buying this box blade for $325. I don't think I can get it any cheaper, but we will see. As you can see from the pictures, I m hoping it’s not damaged from the tree stump. I’m planning on bring my skid steer to load it, and I’m hoping I can pry the stump right out. Does anyone have any idea what the brand/model is? The only tooth left on it appears to be 1/2 thick. It appears to be built like a brick shithouse, so I hope its functional!

 

[bullbreaker]

Just a guess by the color and shape of box I would say it could be an older Wood's/Frontier . My second guess would be a Gannon .

 

[jjbenson]

Just a guess by the color and shape of box I would say it could be an older Wood's/Frontier . My second guess would be a Gannon .

I was thinking Gannon myself, but haven’t been able to find a picture of a comparable model...

 

[Fallon]

The general shape looks like a Gannon, as does the rotating scarfier mount. But the actuator for the scarfier bar isnt like any Gannon I know of. All the mechinism for them is inside the toplink tower.

I'm guessing it's been rebuilt severely at least once. But if the cutting edge is in decent shape it's well worth the $350 or we whatever. A box blade isnt a complex or precision impliment. Heavy & a decent cutting edge are the most important points.

 

[jjbenson]

The general shape looks like a Gannon, as does the rotating scarfier mount. But the actuator for the scarfier bar isnt like any Gannon I know of. All the mechinism for them is inside the toplink tower.

I'm guessing it's been rebuilt severely at least once. But if the cutting edge is in decent shape it's well worth the $350 or we whatever. A box blade isnt a complex or precision impliment. Heavy & a decent cutting edge are the most important points.

So I was able to pick up the box blade today. Took several wedges, a sledge, chainsaw and every ounce of power out of my L3400’s front end loader. I took some more pictures which I will add below. I was able to locate a data plate. It reads Dearborn, Series 714, component 19-148, along with a serial number. The only shank with the box is 3/4? and has 3 holes. I’m not sure it’s an original. The long tubular box that rotates up and down appears to have a mechanism on the inside that holds all the shanks in. The front and rear blades appear to be stout, but do not have any resemblance of a edge; I’m hoping they can be sharpened. The torsion springs are pretty rusted, and I don’t believe they are complete. I would need a manual or need to see a picture of an operational one to tell how they attach and function.

Any advice anyone has on getting this thing operational I would be grateful for. Google has not helped me much in the way of literature, parts, etc.

 

[bullockcm]

I wish you good luck with your project. Looks like a rare and interesting piece, that said by the time you replace the cutting edges & bolts, scarfiers, and anything the scarfier bar linkage may need I am not sure how good of a value you will have. Woods does sell cutting edges & bolts, I would guess others must as well, just check the mounting spacing. Looks like your tailgate rotates freely so you should have good access to the back side of the bolts, hopefully they come out easily. Agri-Supply carries a number of different scarfiers and seems to be the cheapest source, you should be able to find what you need there. Guessing you are at $200-$300 in cutting edges & bolts, $100-$150 in Scarfiers. With the cutting edges that worn, the end plate thickness, and the well used look of the unit overall I am guessing the side/end plates may be worn down a fair amount. You may want to build these back up some, some of the more commercial boxes use replaceable pieces in this area, Gannon/Woods being one example.

If you were closer I would offer up some sandblasting .

 

[Egon]

Maybe look in JD industrial equipment for information???

That is a heavy duty piece of equipment. Do you have enough tractor to be able to use it properly?

Aside from rust it looks to be in very good shape.

 

[joecdeere]

Being that it’s a Ford/Dearborn i’m Betting on it being a Gannon, as Ford had them build a lot of their attachments from the early
60’s into the 80’s. With that serial number, it’s an old one

 

[jjbenson]

I wish you good luck with your project. Looks like a rare and interesting piece, that said by the time you replace the cutting edges & bolts, scarfiers, and anything the scarfier bar linkage may need I am not sure how good of a value you will have. Woods does sell cutting edges & bolts, I would guess others must as well, just check the mounting spacing. Looks like your tailgate rotates freely so you should have good access to the back side of the bolts, hopefully they come out easily. Agri-Supply carries a number of different scarfiers and seems to be the cheapest source, you should be able to find what you need there. Guessing you are at $200-$300 in cutting edges & bolts, $100-$150 in Scarfiers. With the cutting edges that worn, the end plate thickness, and the well used look of the unit overall I am guessing the side/end plates may be worn down a fair amount. You may want to build these back up some, some of the more commercial boxes use replaceable pieces in this area, Gannon/Woods being one example.

If you were closer I would offer up some sandblasting .

The sides of the box are in great shape, much to my surprise. I probably paid a little to much for it, with needing teeth and scarifiers. But I looked at other 5.5’ models and didn’t see anything that looked 1/2 has beefy as this thing.

I was actually considering sandblasting, or going with a rust converter. Not sure which one is best for this application.

 

[jjbenson]

Maybe look in JD industrial equipment for information???

That is a heavy duty piece of equipment. Do you have enough tractor to be able to use it properly?

Aside from rust it looks to be in very good shape.

Well, that’s a very good question. I’ve got a l3400 with a loader, and MF65 with the Dieselmatic. Neither have weighted tires. I feel confident the 65 will pull it. Not sure about the 3400, although it is 4wd. I suppose there is only one way to find out!
From what I can tell after pressure washing, rust is my major issue. I can find teeth easily, although not OEM as of yet. Cutting blades I haven’t looked into yet. Every thing works like it should, nothing is bent, and the scarifier bar rotates up an down with ease. Welds are all in good shape as well.