Rear blade?

[mikescruggs]

I had a 28 HP tractor and ran a 72" rear blade. It was a bit much when I tried to dig with it. It took care of gravel with the proper cut angle and did well with snow...that is until my back told me about looking backwards on the tractor. I moved to a 33hp and then a 43hp tractor. I realized the blade was not heavy enough for any of the projects I wanted to accomplish with dirt. Digging a trench was very time consuming, but it could be done. I found a 72" York rake worked as good as the blade for spreading gravel. I used my excavator and get it done quicker and better. I have a new tractor now, M7060, and have a 96" Land Pride on the way. That has some weight and I think it will do a decent job on trail management.

I think the rear blade is a decent counter balance, can be used in off set to help snow bank management, can spread gravel, it works excellent to smooth an area for seeding (blade forward and go in reverse), but it is one of several tools you can use. I would get the heaviest blade you could afford and fits your tractor size.

Mike

 

[oosik]

My first blade was a Land Pride - 3596 @ 575#. It was great for blading snow on my mile long gravel driveway. It was not worth a pound of dry beans when it came to blading gravel in the summer. I now have a Rhino 950 - 96" @ 1050#. Great for both seasons.

Weight is your friend when dealing with ground engagement implements. The hydraulic top link is a great friend if you want to use ground engagement implements with ease and correctly.

 

[widefat]

No gimmick, but I think you(and others) deserve to know about the best blade for compact tractors with the most adjustment. This blade is probably more than the 15 series LP, but the versatility should more than justify it. I hope this helps.
Travis

EA 6 Way Deluxe Scrape Blade for Compact Tractors

View attachment 624837

FWIW,
A rear blade with adjustments like the EA blade makes a big difference in usability. I have a Bush Hog(R) 5 Series Rear Mounted Blades, and there are things I just would not be able to do without the wide adjustment range.