Grading BX22 Box Blade ?

[drcollie]

I've got an area of property adjacent to my lawn that is best described as a "fire road". There's a fuel pipeline easement about 25' wide, and it was bushhogged regularly prior to developing the area for residential use. This is part of my land, but I cannot plant trees on it, etc. due to the easement. It's a big V-shaped slope (about 15 degrees) in each direction (up / down) to a creek at the bottom of the "V".

I'd like to improve that area and plant some low maintenance grass in there like Fescue 31. Right now, it's full of rocks and small gulleys as you would expect of a typical fire road utility strip. By BX22 travels it easily, and I suppose I could work it with the FEL, but I have a feeling I'd be there forever with just that attachement.

Is a Box Blade the right tool to tackle smoothing this out? I was thinking a First Choice 48" unit, standard duty. I hate to buy something that won't work, or discover that the BX22 can't pull the blade well....

Thanks in advance for any advice!

-Duane C.

 

[Nick_D]

I run a Howse 42" box blade. The BX 2200 can pull it without struggle. I have leveled and moved a lot of dirt and rock with the box blade. My only complaint is that I have deformed the ripper teeth by hitting big rocks. The ripper teeth are replacable. For doing the job you are describing, the box blade will be a good tool.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I like my bb and have managed to put quite a few hours on it and so has my neighbor. I have turf tires you probably have agg. so you'll have better grip but just know that the size/weight has its limitations and we don't have power down, just gravity. But for what its worth I like mine. (48 inch kubota, the wife likes to see thing that match so who am I to argue?? I get to buy an orange rota tiller next!! Also said that maybe I should get the spray gun out for the landscape rake) Kinda like those hunny do lists.

Tony

 

[jph_in_Bama]

I have a 48" knockoff BB that I paid $150.00 for new. I have rammed trees, logs, concrete, etc. I have moved sand, clay, dirt and bricks. My BX2200 does a good job even with turfs on it. You dont have to spend alot of money on a BB! The trick is learning when to push and when to pull...good luck!

 

[FamilyFarm]

I bought a 5 ft box blade for use with the BX. It only weighs a few pounds more than the same brand 4 ft model and I needed to work close to some fences and other things. The 5 ft model obviously extends out from the tractor to allow more clearance. On the other hand, if planning to do heavy duty work where the box is likely to get full, the BX would probably struggle with the larger size.

Terry