Contemplating a box blade

[RalphVa]

I'm thinking about getting a box blade to level out soil.

Anyone have/used the TSC ones?

Otherwise, what's good?

 

[sweettractors]

https://www.sweettractors.com/New-Titan-Imp-3206-6-Ft-HD-Box-Blade-p/titan3206bb.htm

 

[Have tractor did travel]

Ralph, You've been a member, and presumably a tractor owner, for a long time. So I think you'll know all this stuff, but for other readers.

1. Your tractor is 25 hp. Maximum width of box blade is likely 48". Check your owner's manual to confirm my suggestion. My tractor is 32 hp, and many times, I can only pull 60" when in 4WD.
2. Weight is your advantage with a box blade. It would be nice to know the type of steel used in manufacture, but as consumers, we're not likely to be provided that information.
3. The back of the box has two blades, one curls forward, the other curls backward. That backward blade is NOT for pushing gravel, dirt, etc. By adjusting the top link, this is used to smooth the earth's surface (or gravel), after you've worked it, and while pulling the box blade forward.

 

[Fxfymn413]

That backward blade is NOT for pushing gravel, dirt, etc. By adjusting the top link, this is used to smooth the earth's surface (or gravel), after you've worked it, and while pulling the box blade forward.

I'd respectfully disagree with that. The back can be handy for pushing dirt back into a swale from a pile you create with the box. I also use the back to move snow so I am working while backing up to take my next pass in a large area like a cul-de-sac.

 

[RalphVa]

https://www.sweettractors.com/New-Titan-Imp-3206-6-Ft-HD-Box-Blade-p/titan3206bb.htm

Thanks. 4 footer is only $825 vs. $999 for TSC's.

 

[s219]

True utility/capability of a box blade only happens if you can easily adjust the top link on the fly. On a smaller tractor you may be able to reach it from the seat, but it will still be tedious. On a bigger tractor, you'll need a hydraulic top link. If you don't have the ability to easily adjust the top link on the fly, then you have a very limited range of capability. Many people never discover the power of the box blade because of that.

 

[Xfaxman]

If you don't have the ability to easily adjust the top link on the fly, then you have a very limited range of capability. Many people never discover the power of the box blade because of that.

I have discovered the power of tilting the 4' box blade on the front where it is easier to see it:

And mounted turned around for float mode in reverse:

View from the seat:

The pile is smaller now:

 

[90cummins]

I have a 60” for my 1720 Ford 28 hp which it handles nicely.
I installed two gauge wheels 24” behind the blade which makes it much easier to level high/low spots.
I pull and push with it and have bent the 3pt frame on the box blade When useing it to snag rocks while going backwards. Adding steel to the hitch resolved that problem.
Very handy tool that I improved with gauge wheels and additional steel in 3pt frame work.
90cummins

 

[Fxfymn413]

True utility/capability of a box blade only happens if you can easily adjust the top link on the fly.

True that. Before I had my driveway paved I seriously considered adding a hydraulic side link as well so I could tip the box to one side to get the proper grade.

 

[coobie]

I'm thinking about getting a box blade to level out soil.

Anyone have/used the TSC ones?

Otherwise, what's good?

I purchased a heavy duty Kioti made by woods 7ft. more than happy with it.

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[Username Taken]

I'm thinking about getting a box blade to level out soil.

Anyone have/used the TSC ones?

Otherwise, what's good?

I bought one this year. Rented the trailer from them to get it home.

This makes exactly one (1) Box Blade I have ever owned but my buddy says it's as good as he's ever seen for the job.

 

[oosik]

If you get a box blade - get one with scarifiers. I have a Bush Hog 720 - 72" wide. It's very handy to be able to scarify as you level. Definitely speed up the leveling process.

 

[amarsh64]

Woods BSM72P . Works awesome . Very well built and Lots of weight.

 

[darmstrong2319]

https://www.sweettractors.com/New-Titan-Imp-3206-6-Ft-HD-Box-Blade-p/titan3206bb.htm

What is a five ft cost and weigh

 

[npalen]

If you get a box blade - get one with scarifiers. I have a Bush Hog 720 - 72" wide. It's very handy to be able to scarify as you level. Definitely speed up the leveling process.

That is definitely true especially in hard and difficult to penetrate soil. The scarifiers will penetrate the hardpan and the box will move it, all in the same pass.

 

[Rich B1]

On a smaller tractor, you want a blade just wide enough to cover your rear tire tracks. You can move enough material to run out of traction.

I keep hearing about weight, but, and this will likely get me flamed, IMO, technique makes up for weight. I have a 4’ King Kutter XB for the NH and I can dig more material than I have traction.

IMO a box blade is mostly a grading tool that requires careful adjustment and patience….as in this is not an attachment you are going to use quickly. Slow travel speed is a must to get a good result.

Learning how the top link affects the pitch and working action of the blade is crucial. Getting the blade pitch correct allows you to dig, move, spread, and smooth.particularly moving/spreading can be relatively fine adjustment.

The scarifiers are invaluable for breaking up hard pack. I tend to use mine alone and simply break up material before using the blade. IME, that works better for me. YMMV.

I mainly use the rear blade to smooth driving forward. I have used it to push loose material. But IMO, using it as a dozer blade is limited to loose material only.

Soil moisture will also affect how well it works. Too wet it is a mess, too dry it is a mess.

Good luck on finding a blade to suit your needs

 

[masscity]

About 6 years ago I bent my lower arm on my 3pt hitch on my B7100DT pushing a deadfall, so you can bend it. Pushing loose dirt probably won't be a problem.

A few years ago I bought a CMI dump trailer, so I added hydraulic lines to the front and back of the tractor. Now I added a hydraulic top link for my KingKutter

48" box blade. Sure is nice now for adjustment.

 

[jk96]

My box blade just sits after purchasing a landplane. Haven't used it in 4 years. Most of my leveling is road maintenance so the landplane is the go to piece of equipment.

 

[SmallChange]

True utility/capability of a box blade only happens if you can easily adjust the top link on the fly. On a smaller tractor you may be able to reach it from the seat, but it will still be tedious. On a bigger tractor, you'll need a hydraulic top link.

Product idea: a top link that has a simple gear drive, so you can attach a crank handle like the jack handles that come with most cars. Maybe some sort of hanger bearing, too, that keeps the handle up in the air where you can reach it. No need for a hydraulic circuit to drive it. I'm thinking you'd get a lot of utility out of this level of "easily".

 

[Xfaxman]

Product idea: a top link that has a simple gear drive, so you can attach a crank handle like the jack handles that come with most cars. ---------------

Check this thread: Top link ratchet adjustment

And: ratchet top link - Image Search