Land plane size... can it be TOO big?

[SharpTJ]

I have access to some old rail track and Was thinking about using it for the frame as it痴 pretty darn heavy (55lbs/ft) and free. Not to mention the top is already a hardened work face. Combined with 2 4 grader blades.

I have a 1/2 mile gravel road to my house that will be its main purpose. And I will be pulling it with a 50hp Mahondra.

Would 8 x 4 be TOO much you think... would be around 2500lbs or so

 

[oosik]

It will have a few - "it depends upons". How far out back will it stick. What does your owners manual say about the weight of a bush hog. Bush hog being just about the same general configuration as what you want to build.

Keep it within the weight range of a bush hog and you will be OK.

My thoughts - 2500# sticking out back of your 3-point will be too much weight. 1200# is probably more like what it should be.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Can your tractor lift 2500 #. That would be the limiting factor, that and traction / horsepower to pull it. I think I would only use RR track for the side rails and cross beams.
I dont think a 50 HP tractor would pull and 8 foot wide land plane if it had much load up with gravel. I would stick with width of the tractor and even then you may have to carry some of the weight.

 

[bcp]

It may not be as heavy as you think. Rail weight is per yard. If the rail has a 55 on the side, that is pounds per yard.

55 pounds/yard rail will be about 4 inches tall.

155 pounds/yard rail is about 8 inches tall.

Rail Products

Bruce

 

[CADplans]

My sides are 1/2X12 or 20 pounds per foot,, and 5 feet long sides,,
It is not too heavy,,

Mine is 7 feet wide,,

I can lift it with my 40HP tractor, but, it does not like to pull it,,, :confused2: :laughing:

 

[sandman2234]

Mine is 7 foot wide, and built heavy. Sides are 20" tall and 5/8"thick. Angle iron supporting the blades is 4x7x1/2". Two cross brases are 4x4 square tubing. When it gets loaded full of dirt, my 70 hp tractor doesn't like it!
David from jax