middle buster/Box blade combo...WHAT???

[wksinatl]

I have a 7' box scrape (King Kutter) and was wondering if I could replace one of the cutters with a much longer/heavier piece of metal to accomodate a 12-14" shovel blade to cut small ditches with?

I could raise (or remove) all of the other cutters and could move the shovel point in any of the other slots. I would have the option of having it dead in the center or to the very edge of the scrape. That way I could get alot closer to a fence without the rear wheels hitting it.

If you see any pros/cons with this idea I would love to hear them.

 

[ronjhall]

Sounds like a good idea. I seem to remeber a fellow TBNer did it with his box blade. But could not find the thread. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[have_blue]

Should work fine if the spade is welded to something rigid enough. Something else to think about: If you hit a root or rock, there's not much relief. Something will probably snap unless the 23 point hitch rises up.

 

[RonR]

Only issue I see is can you raise your box blade enough for the spade to clear the ground and still have enough length to dig as deep as you want to?

If you are worried about tearing stuff up, you could fashion a shear bolt arrangement. I visualize a single bar going down from the box blade, then welded to two bars (sandwiching the top bar). Then use two bolts for the attaching the lower bar/shovel.

Experimenting with bolt sizes on the lower of the two bolts, you can determine what's a good size. You need it not to shear in hard ground, but shear if you hit a big rock. I'd start with a 3/8" grade five bolt (with 1/2 or larger on the top bolt), the go up to a 1/2" grade 2, if the 3/8" isn't enough, etc.

Shouldn't cost much more and might keep you from starting clear over if/when you hit something.

Best wishes,
ron

 

[mffarmall]

The best way to do this is to build what you are thinking and then go through a parts manual or through an internet sight to get some ideas. Then try it out in an area that you know is okay. If there are any problems solve them or try a new idea. If it works use it. If you don't want to have problems with your equipment then use a neighbors stuff /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Paddy]

I just completed something simaler. Using it in the center keeps the forces in line with the tractor.

I was going to add a small blade to push the spoil further from the ditch.