Decided against a box scraper

[Haywire]

I was considering the pros and cons of buying a box scraper today. The only thing I would really use it for is grading the 150yd driveway once a year and helping friends (# of friends seem to multiply when you have equipment). I don't have problems with the driveway washing, it just settles and occasionally needs that hump in the middle knocked off.

A 448HD grader from everything implements costs about $520 after shipping (no commercial dock available to take advantage of free shipping). I called around and can rent one for $40/day. Assuming that I grade the driveway once a year, I can rent one for 13 years before buying one would pay for itself and I don't have to worry about maintenance, storage, theft, or grading my rapidly multiplying friend's driveways.

Does this sound like good logic?
Ian

 

[bp fick]

Ian, there isn't anything wrong with your thinking, with the only downside being the hassle or going and coming to the rental yard, with the gas of doing so attendant.

Another option is wait until "one washes up on your beach", so to speak. In other words, a good, solid used one shows up in your life, for a give away price. Happens all the time.

I've done the same math on a backhoe/excavator and it's a no brainer for me.

 

[Haywire]

the only downside being the hassle of going and coming to the rental yard, with the gas of doing so attendant.

Yes, that is a consideration. There isn't a place in my town that rents one. I have to drive about 30 minutes one way down the interstate to get to it.

Ian

 

[blueriver]

Not to mention all the other task you find that a good blade can do!!

 

[Haywire]

For instance?

 

[blueriver]

For instance?

Well, just to name a couple ... I have lowerd the sacrificers to remove small tree roots, pull up concrete ... I have filled in wash outs by lowering the blade and backing in pushing the dirt in some pretty bad areas, I scrape out the feedlots, the hog pens... Its amazing how much dirt can be moved ... have a truck drop off a load in a pile and in no time its where you want it at the depth you need it. Put a 2" Ball on the back and you can move your trailers around ... also extra weight!!

 

[jake98]

pushing snow..

 

[blueriver]

pushing snow..

I did forget that one ... silly me!!

 

[tungularafishcamp]

Looks like u use for a carry all too Jake.

Rick

 

[Haywire]

This tractor purchase opened a can of worms I hadn't anticipated. Now I need hog pens to justify an attachment to grade my drive.