Bird
Rest in Peace
Just couldn't resist, Eddie, knowing of all the equipment you have and the beautiful work you do. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Grading LOADER VS. BOX BLADE
- Thread starter inveresk
- Start date
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SacandagaBrad
Platinum Member
I was going to reply the other day recommending a dozer, but resisted since it seemed that you plan on completing the project with your tractor, and I for one enjoy completing a project with my own equipment. But now that the dozer has been mentioned, boxing out a road down 10" by 500' long and probably 12' to 16' is a lot of cutting and dragging material, at least 200 cy +/-. A dozer would be my choice for getting everything cut level, then the FEL and box blade to spread your material. A lot depends on the site conditions and how much time you have. I just put in a driveway around my new garage foundation in heavy clay with my TC-24D. Almost bought a box blade to cut it in, but I don't have anywhere to put the dirt, so I had my excavator dig it out and truck it away before he left, then put down the fabric and spread 100 tons of crusher run with my rear blade. I needed to get it done quick so the builder had places to stage lumber and park equipment. It turned out well and I'm glad I didn't try to move that heavy clay with a bb. If time is a consideration, you might want to get someone in there with a dozer to get things started. Just a thought, either way it will turn out fine with some practice.
Will need pics!
Brad
Will need pics!
Brad
GaryE
Platinum Member
George,
As someone who has been skeptical (and still is) of Box Blades I can give you my take.
If you are looking to use it as a Bulldozer attachment, forget it. If you are willing to put some practice into it’s use, you will be surprised at it’s abilities. If you are willing to go slow and ride your 3PH control, you can get some very good results. As for rocks (we have a few in Maine!), forget it, use your BH or at least install a toothbar on your FEL. Then use the BB for clean up, it will do a great job.
Unless you have a lot of free time to do your driveway, I would bring in a bulldozer to do the rough work the do the finish work and maintains with your BB and FEL.
As for maintaining your driveway, the BB is the way to go. But you have to get it in first!
Hope this is some help,
Gary
As someone who has been skeptical (and still is) of Box Blades I can give you my take.
If you are looking to use it as a Bulldozer attachment, forget it. If you are willing to put some practice into it’s use, you will be surprised at it’s abilities. If you are willing to go slow and ride your 3PH control, you can get some very good results. As for rocks (we have a few in Maine!), forget it, use your BH or at least install a toothbar on your FEL. Then use the BB for clean up, it will do a great job.
Unless you have a lot of free time to do your driveway, I would bring in a bulldozer to do the rough work the do the finish work and maintains with your BB and FEL.
As for maintaining your driveway, the BB is the way to go. But you have to get it in first!
Hope this is some help,
Gary
Oh, and as for stone, I would definitely use crushed asphalt if it is available. Great stuff, and I like it MUCH better then any limestone I have tried. And I am sure you will get plenty of opinions on this also /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I've plenty of time on my hands. This is the way I earn my living, buying older, dilapidated properties and turning them around. For the next couple of years I'll do nothing but work on this project, maybe take the odd design commission if it doesn't eat up too much of my time on the farm.
I've decided to go with the box blade and have to go off island tomorrow to pick it up and also to inspect some 1 1/2 inch minus roadstone available from a quarry nearby. First delivery of roadstone should be made next week by which time we should have completed felling and stacking the log deck.
I'll start cutting the drive early next week and will post progress photographs of the virgin lawn I've to tear up, and of progress along the way. I've plenty space to dump topsoil and have a ready use for it to regrade the depression which will be left once the existing house - which is located within a cutting on the hillside - is relocated within the woodland.
Thanks for all the sound - if sometimes conflicting - advice. TBN is a terrific community. I really enjoy dipping into it daily for my ration of humour and good old down to earth wisdom.
I've decided to go with the box blade and have to go off island tomorrow to pick it up and also to inspect some 1 1/2 inch minus roadstone available from a quarry nearby. First delivery of roadstone should be made next week by which time we should have completed felling and stacking the log deck.
I'll start cutting the drive early next week and will post progress photographs of the virgin lawn I've to tear up, and of progress along the way. I've plenty space to dump topsoil and have a ready use for it to regrade the depression which will be left once the existing house - which is located within a cutting on the hillside - is relocated within the woodland.
Thanks for all the sound - if sometimes conflicting - advice. TBN is a terrific community. I really enjoy dipping into it daily for my ration of humour and good old down to earth wisdom.
GaryE
Platinum Member
Please keep us posted on your progress….Good luck with the project!
Gary
Gary
That's a couple of impressive before and after shots, Steve. I appreciate you posting them.
Did you grade that bank with the box blade too? If so, what is the technique to achieving those profiles?
I picked up a 6 foot Braber blade this morning so will start to set out the new road tomorrow and begin cutting it on Monday.
Did you grade that bank with the box blade too? If so, what is the technique to achieving those profiles?
I picked up a 6 foot Braber blade this morning so will start to set out the new road tomorrow and begin cutting it on Monday.
George,
I'm not sure what bank you are referring to. My land is relatively flat, It has the usual highs and lows associated with raw land, but there was very little slope to work with. Maybe the picture has a strange angle that appears to be a bank? I have done some work on another property that I graded a slopeinto. You can set the angle of the box to cut in angles to the grade pretty easy.
I'm not sure what bank you are referring to. My land is relatively flat, It has the usual highs and lows associated with raw land, but there was very little slope to work with. Maybe the picture has a strange angle that appears to be a bank? I have done some work on another property that I graded a slopeinto. You can set the angle of the box to cut in angles to the grade pretty easy.