Rear Blade Rear blade size for Kubota L3400

[canoetrpr]

I've been back and forth on getting a rear blade for my new Kubota.

I approached my dealer and figured the Woods RB72 was the right size. He suggests that I can comfortably go with the RB84 as an angled RB72 will only just cover the tractor's wheels.

Any thoughts on whether the 84 will be to big for my tractor? I plan on using it for grading the driveway and for clearing snow if Santa does not bring me a snowblower this year.

 

[npaden]

Traction would be the biggest issue on a rear blade like that. I pull a 7' straight blade with my 30 hp Farmall M but it weighs in around 5,000lbs and it still can spin out if it gets to digging too deep. 4 wheel drive should help you there and also you can add weights to the tractor to get better traction and add chains in the winter. I bet you would do fine with a 7' blade.

 

[DK35vince]

I agree with your dealer, an 84" blade will work fine.

 

[canoetrpr]

Hmm.. maybe Santa might have to pay for loading the rear tires before the winter if he does not bring me a snow blower!

I figure that a rear blade is a pretty useful tool to have as it can have two applications (driveway and snow) right off the bat. Although it would not be as nice as a a snowblower for the snow - it ought to work just fine with the FEL and I'll get some practise using the FEL bucket to boot.

 

[drm]

canoetrpr,

I have a NH TC33DA (similar in size) with the Woods RB72. I use the blade primarily for gravel drive maint. and snow removal. The majority of the time the tractor has absolutely no problems with the blade. At times a wider blade would be nice to extend out farther past the tires. With heavy wet snow it will push me around in slick or sloped areas of my drive. During grading in clay areas traction can get a little iffy depending on the conditions and the soil.

Overall the 72 was the right decision for me and was the size recommended by my dealer. The 84 may work for you with the exception of heavy snows. Then you would need to take smaller bites, get out more often, or use chains. If this is the dealers recommendation based on your area and what you will be doing then it might be the right size. My dealer has had some very good recommendations.

Have you checked to see if you can spin it around on your tractor? Sometimes I use mine forward and backwards for the same job.

…Derek

 

[JerryG]

I feel that you had a better pick than your dealer did. The 72" would be better matched to you tractor than the 84. If you are only going to move a couple inches of lose gravel, then you can get a really big blade. If you what to move a lot of heavy material, then you shouldn't go over a 72". Your call according to what you want to do with it.