Grading Newbie first long day with 3 Pt Hitch/Box blade

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I gave the woods box blade (GBC48) a go this past weekend and overall it did a great job.

I was worried because the road was very packed "crushed bank" with lots of pot holes. I didn't know if I'd make a mess or too large a job for this little tractor.

The road is 1500 ft long or so.

When I first started I was thinking this is a big mistake.

First to get warmed up I tried it with blade only. It was working, but slowly. I didn't want to dig too deep and mostly scrap enough to fill pot holes. The road is in use while I'm working.

So then I got brave and put the rippers on at the highest setting. This was good because it didn't rip too much. There are a few roots and bolders in the road just under the surface I really didn't want to dig into. It pulled through this stuff like butter, even with the box blade completely filled. When I did catch a bolder or large root it just popped up over the bolder or ripped the root out. The tractor never skipped a beat.

I had todo 4-5 passes to cover one width of the road and just kept going over and over it. Probably did it for a couple hours.

I tried setting the rippers down one more notch (middle position) and it it was going to dig up way too much.

I didn't feel like it needed any weights at all.

I had the tractor in 4WD low gear.

I was having a problem with controlling angle and height (mostly to lift enough when backing up). When I was all done I downloaded the GBC48 manual (which I never received) and noticed I had it rigged up wrong. I picked this up when it was bolted and strapped to palette. This was just limited how much I could raise it and it's all set for next time. The way it was bolted together for shipping completely threw me off.

This is a shared private road. The neighbors were thrilled.

I love the turf tires. There are some paths I have to go over and over and a few spots with tight turns on grass. Also a lot of sand. It grips great and is as gentle as a sneaker over everything.

Couple questions:

What is the purpose of the flat metal U shaped thing (gold colored) that goes on tractor end of the top link. It seemed awkward to get in their and seemed to serve little purpose.

I'm not sure but I think my hour meter reset. I could swear I had 10 hr's on it in the few days I used it last fall (but maybe I had 5). Then after doing the road it only had 8hr's total. So far I've used a total of 3 gals of fuel, does that seem about right for 7 hours use? I think it had 1.0hr when I bought it.

 

[Harry c]

The gold metal thing supports the top link when not in use. Keeps it from hanging down and banging around or worse. Take a close look and you'll see how it works. Slots slip onto pins in the raised position.

 

[RayCo]

Your weekend sounds very much like mine. I got my BB a few weeks back and just really got to spend a good deal of time with it this weekend. After playing with angles and things, I feel that I have it figured out.

As for your fuel usage, I'd say that sounds normal. I haven't ever charted it, but I've noticed that a tank of fuel lasts a long time. I spent most of Sunday and half of Monday on my tractor and still have half a tank.

 

[Fug1000]

To see that fuel gauge really move, hook up a 72inch MMM and mow 6 acres.

I can use 3/4's of a tank in one mowing session.

 

[ChuckinNH]

To see that fuel gauge really move, hook up a 72inch MMM and mow 6 acres.

I can use 3/4's of a tank in one mowing session.

B7800's aren't better than BX's at everything!

 

[mpowrd]

Your fuel consumption sounds about like what I've been getting doing general loader work moving dirt and small boulders.

I've got the same Woods GBC48 blade and also like it. I've got a hydraulic tilt and top link setup that really gets you spoiled as you can adjust angle of attack or tilt from the seat. I also did a bunch of landscape rake work this weekend with our 60" rake and the top link adjustment was very useful.

 

[burk1953]

Start logging your hours to see if the meter is okay. Sounds good on the fuel use though. I agree put on a MMM and watch the fuel gage. I received my box scraper the same way, in the crate and no instructions. Mine is a Landpride. My dealer said they didn't come with instructions on assembly or use. I have R-4 tires on my tractor, I like the traction, but I hurry and mowing around trees and the like, I tear up alot of sod.

 

[mswlogo]

Your fuel consumption sounds about like what I've been getting doing general loader work moving dirt and small boulders.

I've got the same Woods GBC48 blade and also like it. I've got a hydraulic tilt and top link setup that really gets you spoiled as you can adjust angle of attack or tilt from the seat. I also did a bunch of landscape rake work this weekend with our 60" rake and the top link adjustment was very useful.

How complex/expensive was it to add hydraulic tilt. Can you use an existing control?

Have any photos?

I wish I took photo's of before and after on the road but I was too nervous for the first time with everything to think about getting out the camera.

 

[mpowrd]

Here's the Gearmore remote top-and-tilt kit for my BX24. Cost was around $1400 installed at the time I bought the tractor if I recall correctly.

Valve setup could be removed, but I leave it there even when the backhoe is on. Plumbs into the backhoe power and return lines when the hoe is off.