Is a box blade what I am looking for?

jim_wilson · Jun 27, 2004

First let me say that I am a tractor newbie so I am looking for an education here. I have a Kubota BX23 on order that I expect to get in a couple of weeks. One of the first jobs that I have for the tractor is to strip off the topsoil on part of my property so I can save it before digging a hole to build a garage foundation. Down the road I also want to level off part of the property after spreading more topsoil. I am located in New England so I fully expect to find sizable rocks in the soil. I chose the BX23 because it had the backhoe and I figured that would help me with some of the digging but after doing some reading I was wondering if maybe I should get a box blade to help break up the soil before using the FEL to take it out. I would get a small one - 48" or so to not overtax the tractor. This would not negate the need for the backhoe but I thought maybe a box blade would be a more efficient way of getting the soil ready to scoop out. Other questions - is there a difference between a box blade and a box scraper?, or this just two different terms for the same thing? Any manufacturers of these that are recommended over others? If this is not the right tool for the job should I be looking at something else? I thought of a tiller also but that is much more expensive and the box blade appears to have multiple uses other than just breaking up the soil so it would be more financially justifiable for me if it is the correct tool.

8561 · Jun 27, 2004

Jim - a box blade (scraper) is the right tool in my opinion. If you stay with 4' on your tractor, that should be fine. Heavier is better. It also makes for great ballast when doing FEL work with your hoe off. Up until a couple of recent threads, I would have highly recommended the Midwest. Some are having trouble with tooth breakage. I have one that I purchased from Corriher and have had no issues after a lot of use and a lot of rocks struck.

Henro · Jun 27, 2004

In my experience the box blade works better than the loader for skimming off the top soil...

You can drag the soil were you want and then pick it up with the loader to pile it, or even better, carry some in the loader and drag some with the box at the same time.

Now the loader is good too...but for me, the box seems to give a little more control on what you are skimming off. Hard to see what the loader is doing...bucket gets in the way, so you only see what the cutting edge/toothbar did about 2' aftet the fact.

For me, the box blade ranks right up there with the most valued implements I have...

The loader, backhoe and box blade compliment each other and for moving/molding dirt, that is a hard combination to beat. Landscape rake is nice for the finishing touch though... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KiotiJohn · Jun 27, 2004

I don't believe there is any difference in box blade / box scraper unless the scraper doesn't have any scarifiers in it but only a front and rear blade. I would only buy one with the moveable scarifiers as they really help tear up the soil. Think of how a BH works. You dig down and then take your soil over to the side and drop it into a waiting vessel or on the ground. If you don't have something your dropping it into, you'll have to move it. The boxblade and loader will then be invaluable. Get a load in the loader and then back the boxblade up to it and grab a second load and move it to another location. Just one of the wonderful uses you'll find for the boxblade. For the relatively small price you can't buy many tools as useful. I have a midwest-made boxblade with 0 issues. I have yet to find a root that caused a bend or a break, but occasionally problems with these and any other brand. John

BamaDave · Jun 27, 2004

Jim,
I'm a new BX23 owner also. I bought a boxblade at the same time, but only used it for the first time last week. Glad I got it. I had been told by a neighbor that I didn't need it, that using the FEL in float position could accomplish the same thing. I disagree now after using it. I used the blade to cut and smooth a roadway and it made a huge difference vs. using just the FEL. Like others have stated, I used the 2 simultaneously - The loader to haul dirt and the box blade to scrape the next layer. It made a superior smooth surface. I'm still learning about the right tilt of the bb, front-to-back, but it's pretty simple. The 48" width seems just right for the BX23. It's heavy enough to balance the FEL when full.
I think you'll be pleased with the results.
Dave

johnk · Jun 27, 2004

The box scraper is one of the most useful tools for me. It's great to rip things when uneven and to drop the box and move the dirt to another spot. It is probably one of the best for ballast also when used in conjunction with a FEL. If you're moving dirt with a FEL a box scraper is a great companion. Here are mopre pics.

http://users.adelphia.net/~gizmo/

jim_wilson · Jun 27, 2004

Ok - thanks for the replies. The answers from you guys plus the research I have done have convinced me that I need a box blade. Are there any brands in particular I should look at? There are two dealers close to me - one carries Land Pride, the other carries Woods. I noticed on the Woods site they make the " Estate" series of implements which sound like they are sized for the BX23 that I am getting. Land Pride makes a 42" and a 48" box blade. I already know I shouldn't go over 48" on the blade to get good use out of it with the BX23. Are there any brands to stay away from? I better get my tractor soon - I keep searching the internet looking at all the cool stuff available and keep thinking - hey I should get one of those. If I had the tractor at least I could keep myself busy and away from the keyboard.

rozett · Jun 27, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Up until a couple of recent threads, I would have highly recommended the Midwest. Some are having trouble with tooth breakage. I have one that I purchased from Corriher and have had no issues after a lot of use and a lot of rocks struck. )</font>

While I did have a problem with one or two teeth breaking off the Midwest BB that I bought from Corriher, I still highly recommend the Midwest. It holds up very well to tough use. Unfortunately, there are no dealers in the northeast. But both Landpride and Woods make excellent product.

BB_TX · Jun 28, 2004

Jim - Mine is an old no name so I can't recommend a specific brand. However, whatever you choose, make sure it has both a front facing blade and rear facing blade. That allows you to use it forward and backward. I think most do, but I have seen some that have only a front facing blade.

jimgerken · Jun 28, 2004

I'd add a caution on using the box blade while reversing the tractor. Some have bent lower three point arms doing this. The arms are called draft links, because they are intended to pull and lift a load. Pushing (traveling backwards with the implement engaged with the ground) can bend the arms on your tractor. This has happened to some on this TBN. Light duty pushing, like leveling loose materials, should not bend anything, in my opinion.