Grading implements?

[Carl Bert]

Whats the best implement to use for grading dirt? I've seen guys use boxblades and I've also seen some use grading blades. Can someone tell me the difference and which does a better job faster? I am looking to re-do my lawn (about 1/2 acre) by adding about 6 inches of topsoil.

Thanks

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Whats the best implement to use for grading dirt? I've seen guys use boxblades and I've also seen some use grading blades. Can someone tell me the difference and which does a better job faster? I am looking to re-do my lawn (about 1/2 acre) by adding about 6 inches of topsoil.

Thanks

When I have done lawn work I use my bucket to move the material and a rake to "landscape" the material. Works really well for me.

When I do gravel work I use a rear blade.

People love their boxblades and I would love to try one on my gravel driveway. The idea with the boxblade is it carries the material...all the while dropping the material in the low spots.

Faster is a relative term. When doing any gradeing I find that SLOW produces the best finished product. I would think this to be true no matter what attachment you are operating.

 

[funwithahoe]

If you buy a scraper blade don't bother with the "light duty" ones unless you are never going to hit a rock. Also keep in mind the wider they are the more torque they will put where the blade is welded to the frame. Also, they are more likely to bend if you hit a stuck rock if they are wider. I bought a 7 footer (Woods) and wish I had bought a narrower heavier duty one. Mine broke where the blade is welded to the frame and is bent.

You can turn the scraper blades around to push but keep in mind the 3 point isn't designed to push like that - It is designed to pull.

 

[TripleR]

My preference with either dirt or rock is a box blade either wheeled or 3-point.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've had both. Got rid of the blade and kept the boxblade.
Can't see ever getting rid of the boxblade. For the snow removal guys I'm sure they will prefer the blade but I use my FEL for snow removal, what little bit I have.

 

[DiezNutz]

Grading blade is only good for spreading material that's already loose and plowing snow (which is why I have one). Pretty much useless for scraping up/removing material.

Box Blade is much more versatile. If snow isn't a factor and you're only going to buy one, BB is the way to go.

 

[BrierPatch]

Is your topsoil going to be dumped in piles in your yard, spread out in your yard, or you are going to place it with your FEL ? How level will it be when you start working it. If the soil is loose and fairly flat you might be better with a grader blade or landscape rake, they have a tendency to float better for a finish grade and not gouge(sp) as bad. However the more you drive on it the more compacted it gets and a box blade will dig in better and break it up better with the scarifiers(sp). I guess maybe a pulverizer might be your best bet. They are expensive, but maybe you could rent one. I have never used one, but hear they work good for making a finished yard, or even better yet a harley rake. Which is even more expensive, but probably the best. Never used one of those either.

With fresh topsoil that is loose I would rough grade it with FEL if it needed it, and then finish grade with grader blade or landscape rake. The grader blade can even be turned around backwards to float even better for a finish grade.
I always have a problem with my grader box going up and down and tilting as the tractor goes over uneven ground. That's why I like the floating ability of the grader blade. back and forth and criss cross a few times and it usually turns out pretty good pretty quick. Once again alot of this depends on the soil conditions you are working.

Good Luck !

 

[BrierPatch]

Here is another similar old thread.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/96994-what-implements-needed-finishing-new.html

 

[Gordon Gould]

Is your topsoil going to be dumped in piles in your yard, spread out in your yard, or you are going to place it with your FEL ? How level will it be when you start working it. If the soil is loose and fairly flat you might be better with a grader blade or landscape rake, they have a tendency to float better for a finish grade and not gouge(sp) as bad. However the more you drive on it the more compacted it gets and a box blade will dig in better and break it up better with the scarifiers(sp). I guess maybe a pulverizer might be your best bet. They are expensive, but maybe you could rent one. I have never used one, but hear they work good for making a finished yard, or even better yet a harley rake. Which is even more expensive, but probably the best. Never used one of those either.

With fresh topsoil that is loose I would rough grade it with FEL if it needed it, and then finish grade with grader blade or landscape rake. The grader blade can even be turned around backwards to float even better for a finish grade.
I always have a problem with my grader box going up and down and tilting as the tractor goes over uneven ground. That's why I like the floating ability of the grader blade. back and forth and criss cross a few times and it usually turns out pretty good pretty quick. Once again alot of this depends on the soil conditions you are working.

Good Luck !

I agree. You might find a land plane useful too or any large flat surface to drag around.

 

[grnspot110]

Grading blade is only good for spreading material that's already loose and plowing snow (which is why I have one). Pretty much useless for scraping up/removing material.

Box Blade is much more versatile. If snow isn't a factor and you're only going to buy one, BB is the way to go.

That depends on the blade! I have an old John Deere model 80 blade (made in the 50's & 60's) at home & two at the farm. By their age, it would be hard to find a good one anymore, but they will angle, tilt, & off-set . Bolt-on ditching blades were available for them. You can just about plow with them!

The two I have at the farm have both been on too big of tractors, thus have several welds & re-reinforcements. One is turned backwards & braced to use as a "dozer", the other is off-set & angled for road work.

Would probably be hard to find a new 6' blade that compares to the model 80!

I also have a box blade that comes in handy at times, but I seldom use it! ~~ grnspot110

 

[DiezNutz]

Would probably be hard to find a new 6' blade that compares to the model 80!

Well, that's of little use to the OP then, isn't it.

I'd have to say my Woods 6' blade looks to be as beefy as your blade, from what I can see in the pics. Put it this way, if it gets hung up on something, it will throw the rear of the tractor sideways. It can also tilt up left or right, as well as rotate 360 degrees...looks like yours allows more tilt though. I can get more tilt with the 3PH, though not as easy (I don't have a TnT setup - yet). It will offset too, but that requires moving bolts.

 

[rdsaustintx]

For what you are describing (spreading new loam on an existing yard), a landscape rake with gage wheels would be the tool for the job.

 

[Johndeere3720]

I have all 3. My favorite though is definatly my boxblade since i can move dirt and then just drag the blade to smooth it all out.