Rear Blade REAR BLADE for BX24 right tool for job?

NoviceguyInCT · Feb 20, 2006

Going to purchase my 1st sub compact tractor, a BX24 very soon. I was told buy some helpful folks on here that the FL can be used to clear snow from my uneven blacktop driveway BUT that a Rear Blade would be much better and faster. My question is: can the Rear Blade be pivoted and made to face out, towards the rear like a plow? That way I could drive in reverse and use it like a plow and use the Fl to move the big piles etc. In all the brochure pictures the rear blade faces the rear tires and pulls the dirt (or snow) forward towards the rear tires. This is probably a stupid question, but I'd rather ask it here then at the dealer. Don't want the dealer to think I'm totally clueless.

Thanks for your input and advice. I really enjoy this web site !!!

Jim /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Bowhunter · Feb 20, 2006

Yes, rear blades can be turned around to face backwards. Manufacturers recommend that you don't push implements backwards because the 3 pt isn't designed for it, but most people do it successfully. I have a Woods RB60 (60") for my BX2200 and it works great on that size tractor.

RalphVa · Feb 20, 2006

I've a Frontier 5' rear blade. It has Cat 1 pins that face out and Cat 0 pins that face in. It's also fairly light weight and easy to put on and to take off, only 160 #. Cost new was $250. If the BX is Cat 0 (think it is), you'll need a Cat 0/Cat 1 bushing for the top connection and a Cat 1 top link; you'd use the bushing at the tractor end. You can get these at TSC.

It works fine in a light snow to drive forward, but it can be turned completely around and pushed going backwards.

The blade can also be offset to either side and rotated through various angles with a manual pin to remove/replace that holds it in place. This pin is easy to use, and the blade rotates quite easily (with it raised, of course) with gloves on.

These blades can be tilted, too, but you have to use the level adjustment screw on the 3 ph to accomplish this. The manual doesn't tell you this. Won't need this for snow. You'll want it level.

Ralph

Nik · Feb 20, 2006

I have the 60" front blade on a BX23. This is a great setup for moving snow. Had no problems in a recent 17" snow. You would need the front mount quick attach. If you go for this setup make sure you ask for the hydraulically angled heavy duty blade as opposed to the manual angled light duty blade. The blade is cheaper than a snowblower and the BX24 should already have the 4 way joystick valve. I have used the rear blade in the past and the front blade is much easier to use especially with the hydraulic lift and angle. You can even buy a rubber blade tip for this setup if you do not want to scratch up your driveway. The front blade has springs on it that allow some give if you hit an obstruction.

Nik · Feb 20, 2006

Here is a picture of the front blade.

Nik · Feb 20, 2006

Here is what the rubber blade looks like

Bowhunter · Feb 21, 2006

( These blades can be tilted, too, but you have to use the level adjustment screw on the 3 ph to accomplish this. The manual doesn't tell you this. Won't need this for snow. You'll want it level.
)
The BX series is cat. 1, so any cat. 1 attachment will work. The problems begin with attachments made for larger tractors (B series and up). These implements are made for taller tractors, and the BX sits so much closer to the ground. When my Woods rear blade is attached to the 3ph, it sits angled down toward the front. When you angle the blade, the leading edge then bites into the ground while the trailing edge is in the air.

There are companies that make attachments specific to the BX. I went with the RB60 (regular size) as opposed to the RBC60 (made for subcompacts) because the RB has the option of a free floating blade. You can pull a pin in the back of the blade and either angle it 15 degrees down on either side to dig ditches, or leave the pin out and let it free float. I leave the pin out and let the blade float when doing any grading with my BX. This option costs a little more, but is well worth it. There are some other brands that offer it as well.

alpo · Feb 22, 2006

I am interested in the front heavy duty blade as well. What can I expect to pay for the setup (this would of course need the Quick Hitch as well)? I have a BX23, so I already have the valve assembly. How hard and long does it take to completely remove the Blade and Quick Hitch from the tractor?? Lastly, is there anyone interested in selling such an attachment (From what I have seen these are quite pricey new)??

bird1968 · Feb 22, 2006

Noviceguy,

Attach is a photo; I have the blade set at this angle 90% of the time, anything under 5" this is all I use. I run this as much reverse than foward. The rear blade is the fastest to move the white gold... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif because it it work as good in foward & Reverse.

I stongly recommend getting it;
Bird