Land Plane - Yet another build

[jenkinsph]

Richard,
I checked my land plane blades today after working a project. The blades are semi sharp similar to the edge when new. The edge is shaped or coutoured as it was when new in 2009, has a little wear but is definitely wearing evenly. My blades are curved 6"x5/8" x96" reversible, still on the first edge.

Oliver,
Here is a few pictures of my lpgs that is similar in size and with straight set blades. I think you will find that a hydraulic top link will be a great asset to have. I used mine to smooth over a new field area after laser grading today. I was running it with my Deere 4520 and pulled it at 3.4 mph in low range about 2400 rpm, pretty good pull.
"

 

[Oliver1655]

While I would love to have a hydraulic center link, the way my Oliver is setup with a yoke that the short link is fastened to, it is not an option. (Photo is one I found on internet.)

 

[ovrszd]

Richard,I checked my land plane blades today after working a project. The blades are semi sharp similar to the edge when new. The edge is shaped or coutoured as it was when new in 2009, has a little wear but is definitely wearing evenly. My blades are curved 6"x5/8" x96" reversible, still on the first edge.

Yeah, I think if you are using good blades they'll never wear out unless you are dragging them on pavement of some kind. With a Road Grader I'm applying a lot of downforce on them which is not an option with a land plane. With that said, I'd not try to run homemade mild steel blades.

 

[BukitCase]

"While I would love to have a hydraulic center link, the way my Oliver is setup with a yoke that the short link is fastened to, it is not an option."

Maybe not true - It might just depend on how bad you want it. You obviously have a welder and know how to use it, see if this idea makes any sense -

Just a thought... Steve

 

[MtnViewRanch]

While I would love to have a hydraulic center link, the way my Oliver is setup with a yoke that the short link is fastened to, it is not an option. (Photo is one I found on internet.)

Actually it is, you just need to talk to the right company.

 

[jenkinsph]

Actually it is, you just need to talk to the right company.

I agree, I don't think it would be a problem for Brian to get you set up. As long as you have the hydraulics you need the top link would be an easy fix.

 

[Oliver1655]

Butkitcase, that is what I did so I could use a post hole digger. I'm just not willing to risk the housing for the pto clutch by having something connected which may go low enough to make contact. The cylinder I got off a fork lift to try is 4.5" bore & touched. I have looked at the "Fit rite" site before but they only show a single point attachment setup.

 

[jenkinsph]

Butkitcase, that is what I did so I could use a post hole digger. I'm just not willing to risk the housing for the pto clutch by having something connected which may go low enough to make contact. The cylinder I got off a fork lift to try is 4.5" bore & touched. I have looked at the "Fit rite" site before but they only show a single point attachment setup.

The reason Fit Rite shows a single point attachment is because that is what 99% of the people have. Contact Brian to get a custom mounting made I can vouch for his being very reasonable and good to deal with.

 

[Oliver1655]

Have 3 miles of gravel road on the way to the gas station where I buy my diesel. The road districts, there are 2 involved with that stretch, are not the best at maintaining the road. 3 weeks ago we had a gully washer which did a lot of wash outs/cuts in the road. So I used the plane while on the way to get fuel. On the way back I weaved up & down the neighbor's driveways to fill in the washouts. It was fun to see the smiles on their faces.

I dropped the blade down to 1/4" below the skids. This seems to be ideal for drive & road maintenance for me. It collected material for filling in the washout & pot holes without over flowing the 12" high sides. When I went down neighbor's driveways, the center's were normally high enough, It was able to dig in deep enough to cut the grass thatch on the first pass & the second pass finished it off. As long as I kept the speed down, there wasn't a problem with it bouncing. Even when the skids were off the ground cutting the center berm between the areas worn down by tires, it did not try to do a nose dive. Weight is good!

I put the land plane on the forks of the tractor & was glad I hadn't added the extra 2' of skids I had debated on using in front of the first cutting blade. It handed very well but by the time I had it piled with dirt & had to raise it up, I was glad it didn't stick out further.

 

[jenkinsph]

Here is a picture I took this weekend using my lpgs to smooth a field I am working on. These do a good job of dressing up fields and driveways.