Proper size box blade for B3200 (heavy commercial use)

[Verticaltrx]

I'm about ready to get a box blade to use with both my B3200 and Ford NAA and was wondering what the general consensus is on BB size for the larger B series tractors? It seems like 5' and 500lbs is about what most people like, but I will be using it commercially for cut and fill excavating projects so I need to have something that I can pull a full box of dirt with without overloading the tractor. I want something that my B3200 will roll dirt over the top of with the scarifiers down. I don't think my NAA would have any trouble with a 5' BB, and it would just cover the tracks on that tractor.

Also, while weight is definitely beneficial to the operation of the box blade itself, will a heavier box blade be harder to pull when loaded than a cheaper/lighter one? Been looking at the Woods BSS60 and Bush Hog SBX or MBX60.

I have moved yards and yards of dirt with a 2550 Deere (65hp) and 7' Gannon box blade, but have never used one on tractors this size. Looking for any input or advice, thanks in advance.

 

[David Devuono]

Your tractor and loader probably weighs 2200 lbs? If you have hilly terrain you will probably be happier with the 60 inch blade. You have the option of filling your bucket with 400 lbs of sand and using 4wd for added traction. AG tires will help. I bought a 6' box blade for my 4,000 lb Massey 135 (loaded tires) and if I set it down too aggressively the tractor will spin its tires. When pulling 1,200 lbs of sand, I don't think that that the weight of the box blade will make a difference, buy the sturdier (heavier) one. Note that I have bend a 3/4 inch ripper and both lower hitch pins on the box blade. My 6ft box blade only weights about 400 lbs, 775$ canadian.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would look for a heavy duty 60" boxblade, the best I could find. While you could use a 72" bb I don't think you could work it to its maximum. You need the box to be heavy enough to hold grade without it being so wide that you loose traction. Ideally you would want the equivalent of your Gannon bb in a smaller size. Haven't seen a good equivalent to the Gannon 7'bb in the size you need I have to say.

 

[Gordon Gould]

In general it seems very difficult to find small heavy duty impliments. I was looking for a small rugged blade to give me to give me better manuverability in the woods. Could not find one that I thought would hold up. Keep hoping to find and older one some where . If you find something let us know. Thanks

gg

 

[Verticaltrx]

Thanks for the replies. My B3200 with the loader, filled rear tires, a full tank of fuel and me on it weighs a little under 3000lbs. The owners manual lists 54" and 500lbs as the max size for a box blade, but I know those figures are pretty conservative.

The heaviest one I can find is the Bush Hog MBX-60, it's 580lbs and has a floating tail gate. The next is the Woods BSS60, at 514lbs, but with a fixed tail gate. Neither of those are really what I would consider commercial grade, but I also doubt I could tear them up with either of my tractors.