Opinions on Box Blades?

willy1947 · Feb 15, 2005

I've done a search on box blades and most of the brands mentioned I was not familar with.

I'm located near Bloomington, IN and I am looking for a 6' box blade. I've got a L3830 with FEL and toothbar. I am currently borrowing a 5' one, but it isn't wide enough. I've looked at a Wallace at rural king ($325). I've also priced a King Kutter at tractor supply ($425+/-). Anyone have any thoughts on these? I'm going to call the local tractor store too.

Is there anything I should look for? Weight? Removable blades? Etc...

Finally, are there any techniques to consider using while box blading?

Thanks,
Dave

Bowhunter · Feb 15, 2005

I own a 5' Wallace that I bought at Rural King in Jasper. It is a decent tool for the price, if you don't plan on heavy duty work. It does everything I need it to do. I looked at King Kutters the last time I was at Evansville and they seemed heavier built than the Wallace, hence the higher price. For general grading I think either would do a fine job. If you need to do heavier work or if you have the possibility of getting into many roots, you may want to look into a Woods or other higher end brands.

BB_TX · Feb 15, 2005

In general, I would say the heavier the better. But I have moved and smoothed a lot of dirt with a cheap relatively light no name one that came with my used tractor.

GATC35 · Feb 15, 2005

I have also been shopping for a 6 ft box blade. The King Kutter at TSC seems like it would be a good general use blade. The Bush Hog and AGCO brands seem allot more heavy duty. The side plates are allot thicker on the Bushog Hog, and the AGCO, as compared to the King Kutter. Also the one thing that really stands out to me is the mounting system where the lift pins and top link attach. The heavier blades have solid welded supports, the lighter blades have bolted on straps, or angles. Of course the heavier blades run upwards of $600.00, where the lighter blades will go for less that $425.00 like you indicated. I have even found some for $275.00 but I don't know how well they would hold up. Bush Hog actually makes a 78 inch wide box blade, I think the model number is SBX-780. I wish I had it behind my TC-35.

I guess it would also depend on what you want to do with it. If you are just smoothing dirt a lighter one would be OK. If you are ripping out roots, like I plan to do, you may want a heavier blade. Your L3830 could probably twist or warp a cheap $275.00 blade.

As far as box blading tips I'll let some more of the experienced guys jump in.

Good Luck...let us know what you wind up buying.

deereman63 · Feb 15, 2005

My wife doesnt know it yet but Im also in the marketfora box blade. The homier one at 5 ft at $250 looks cheap but the dealers Ive spoken toi want $350. 00 plus shipping. I have also seen a 6ft Wallburg at $270 from www.thesmartfarmer.com.

the freight on these things is a killer.

rozett · Feb 15, 2005

I have a 6' box blade that I bought from Corriher Implement , but it is made for them by Midwest. It is one of the most rugged made for the money. I worked it hard and it has held up very well. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

have_blue · Feb 15, 2005

( Bush Hog actually makes a 78 inch wide box blade, I think the model number is SBX-780. I wish I had it behind my TC-35. )

I have been using a SBX-720 (72") and it's about all my TC35 can handle!

dliston · Feb 15, 2005

I have the Midwest blade, too. At 6 foot, it is one heavy sucker. Works well and have had no problems.

Got mine from Tarheel.

Doug

JimMorrissey · Feb 15, 2005

( Finally, are there any techniques to consider using while box blading?)

Dave,

You can find lots of information on this site about box blade / box scrapers and how to use them. It has been discussed on numerous occasions. You should find plenty of reading /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Weight is a big factor in its ability to cut and effective shave off the work area. If you have a 3830, it will pull a 72" scarper no problem, with or without "rippers".

What exactly do you intend to do with it and what are your existing conditions (soils, roots, rocks, hardpan, etc.)? That'll help people give better advice.

willy1947 · Feb 16, 2005

I'm going to use it to cut in a driveway. The soil is fairly loose, but it does have a lot of roots too. I will also use it in a heavily rooted area to grade for my house in the future.

I currently use a "United"? 5' blade. It works fine, but isn't wide enough. I've never used the "rippers" though. I've used my bucket tooth bar and then smoothed it out with my box blade.

Dave