Grading LOADER VS. BOX BLADE

3RRL · Nov 4, 2005

( IMHO you definitely need a box blade.
I find that the trick to using the box blade properly is how you set the top link. This controls the angle of attack of the cutting edge whether it just skims the surface or digs down. )

AMEN, I couldn't agree more. Being a new tractor owner myself, my personal experience is that the boxblade was easier to get a smooth surface for me. My road is over 1/2 mile long and curvy. I was able to set the cutting angle so that I could make a slight "crown" on the road. I couldn't get the FEL to tilt and found that I kept creating the same angle, only deeper. But with the boxblade, I adjusted the top and lower links so it cut more on one side than the other and got great results...for me, that is. I'm interested in the hydraulic link adjustment that I've seen on some other threads.
I used the FEL to move the excess dirt piles and rocks and such.
I plan on making a sort of plow to attach to the boxblade on one end to scrape in the gutters but have not started that project yet. I need to figure out how to counter balance the stress better before I do it.

inveresk · Nov 4, 2005

I've posted some shots of the project, and progress made today, on this thread . . .

Progress shots

countrybumpkin · Nov 8, 2005

I like using the drag scraper type box blade , they work really nice for leveling the ground. But you need a rear remote to work them. drag scraper

LBrown59 · Nov 9, 2005

I don't have anywhere to put the dirt, so I had my excavator dig it out and truck it away before he left, 
XXXXXXXXXXX 
One thing I've learned is you never have enough extra dirt on hand when you have a TLB so never haul any of it away.

9 years ago I had about 6 loads trucked away to make room to build my 30x52 pole garage.
Today I could use that dirt and many more truck loads to boot.

Had I been smart I would have piled it up somewhere else and kept it here.

Reg · Nov 17, 2005

Anyone try the Level Best for grading ?
I only just found it on ATI's web site, having searched for 5 days.
It looks expensive, although as with most pro tools it probably pays off quickly if used frequently.

http://www.level-best.com/

Any idea on price ?

BobReeves · Nov 17, 2005

Wow, looks like a Box Blade with Guage wheels /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

countrybumpkin · Nov 17, 2005

I like the last pic showing the Draw bar opition, Thats what I thought about building for my box blade just had not got around to it.

Reg · Nov 18, 2005

Sure enough, it IS "a box blade with gage wheels" (-:

I was as interested in the laser leveling part of it.
Given some of the claims in other threads; maybe the laser, controls, hydraulics, ..."automation", etc. might not add as much in function as they do in co$t. Credits and congrats to the inventive folk who have been adding gage wheels to box scrapers, rakes and rear blades. It is simpler, easier to deal with and cheaper than trying to mimic the big graders with mid blades. Well, it sort of BECOMES a mid blade.

I had a brief chat with somebody less than a mile from my house about the LevelBest last week-end. He seems to be some sort of part time rep for it, so I'll take a salt shaker along the next time I drop by - but I probably WILL drop by and maybe have him give me a demo (and pricing).

I'll post what I find out.

HomeBrew2 · Nov 18, 2005

Yes, it can act similar to a mid blade. Those of us who have used receiver mounts, or such, have the ability to vary the length of the supports/stingers. When used at full 36" length, they permit agressive cutting of hills, ie, not following the contours closely. When shortened to minimum, the system will follow the contours more closely which, is very good for spreading gravel in an area where there is a several percent slope differential, ie, vertical curves.