Grader Blade Width

SteveInMD · May 16, 2005

My tractor wheels are 5 feet wide. Should I get the 6 foot wide blade or the 7 foot wide model?

I'll be using it to maintain my gravel driveway - keeping a crown, etc. Also I want to use it for lawn repairs.

Henro · May 16, 2005

I would say nothing less than 7' as you will want some stick out when the blade is angled.

Sometimes I wish I has a 7' (now have 6') behind my B2910 Kubota, which is a smaller tractor than what you have.

An 8' might even be better for you. Maybe someone with a TC33 will report their experience... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I for certain though would not go with less than 7' myself.

Indydirtfarmer · May 16, 2005

Biggest single determining factor to me would be if you can rotate it 180* without hitting rear wheels. I like 'em wider than the tractor, but not too much wider. For instance, one tractor I use a blade on quite frequently is 82" wide. I use a 7' (84") blade on it. Too wide will cut down on manuverability somewhat......

JerryG · May 16, 2005

You have enough tractor for a 7' blade.

normde2001 · May 16, 2005

Get your steel tape measure out and angle it behind the tractor as if it were a blade and see what length will work best for you. You will want to cover your wheel tracks at all usable angles.

beenthere · May 16, 2005

All things being centered, and the blade at a 45° angle, a 7' blade will reach out 2.5' from the center, so would just cover your wheel width of 5'.

Multiply 3.5 by the sin 45, which is

3.5 (0.707) = 2.5

djradz · May 16, 2005

Working with the blade at 45 degrees is pretty severe. Will most/all blades even allow that angle. Usually to do work which requires an angle, doesn't require that much. Also, as you've so correctly pointed out. The effective width is greatly reduced.

beenthere · May 16, 2005

Agree, with the severe 45° angle.

For a 30° angle, the 6' blade will cover the 5' wheel width.

By my calculation, the 6' it will reach out 2.6' from the center.

2.6' = 3 * cos 30° = 3 * 0.866

I agree with the comment that it is important to be able to swing the blade around 180° and not hit anything, which may dictate a length limitation.