Recommend a HD box blade for land clearing chores (please)

Piston · Jun 26, 2011

I am in the market for a heavy duty box blade. I prefer hydraulic scarifiers but I don't think I can afford the extra cost of them.

I have been searching CL and am mostly finding lighter duty ones. I will be pulling it with a Kubota L4610 with loaded rear tires. I know a 72" blade will just cover my tracks.

From what I have read on here, and I know there is a lot I haven't seen, I have learned that I want the heaviest BB I can afford. I'm looking for recommendations on different BB and especially some more popular, older heavy duty ones that may pop up on the used market.

I will be using it a lot when we start clearing land for our new home in NH. I will be ripping up a lot of sapling stumps/roots with it and also in the future be maintaining a roughly 700' - 800' driveway. I know I don't want to get a cheap one and bend it all up, but do I need the $2600 dollar Land Pride HR3572 that I was quoted back in January?

I was originally planning on spending under a grand for a used heavy duty one, but now that I'm having trouble finding one, and I see the sticker price on a new one, I'm a bit shocked at what they cost.

Any recommendations on something not so expensive but still good? I like to buy good equipment, I know I will have it for a long time, and I don't want to go cheap on it, but I also don't think I have to spend THAT much money for one.

Rustyiron · Jun 26, 2011

I may be off base here (I apologise if I misunderstand you) but a I really don't think a box blade is the best thing for clearing. Deffinietly not for the stumps, and the saplings, you may get a few but most of them will just whip down and the blade will go over it. Depending on what you have to clear, (tree/brush size) if a good bit of it is small sapling size, a good stout "bush hog" 3 pt mower will make quick work of it, and a lot of times the mower will rip out, or at least loosen up the little sapling "stumps". Rent or hire an excavator or backhoe to dig the real stumps out. Save your tractor and future box blade for grading the lawn and driveway.

Piston · Jun 26, 2011

RustyIron.
I should have explained more, I was just trying not to make the post too long.

I will be clearing the land with a John Deere 410 backhoe, then having a skidsteer come in with a mulching head on the front. I will use the box blade after all that is done, to help loosen things up to prep for a Harley Rake.

I'm trying to find out a good box blade recommendation for my uses. There are a lot of rocks on the property as well, not a crazy amount, but it is New England.
I think I want something pretty heavy duty. Is it possible to get a 6' box blade with scarifiers that weighs close to 1,000lbs for under 2 grand?

Or am I way off base with what I need for the box blade?

Rustyiron · Jun 26, 2011

Now you're talking!
Sorry I can't help with the pricing, but I'm with you about buying good stuff. Sometimes stuff will pop up on CL or at auctions. Hold out as long as you can for a used HD blade and in the mean time research the new ones and $$$ Good luck.

irwin · Jun 26, 2011

I went through the same process two years ago. I ended up with the last 72" King Kutter hinged back box blade that Tractor Supply co. offered. Now TSC only offers a medium duty County Line box blade now. Mine has the County Line decals on it.. but it's the exact same as the HD King Kutter hinged back model.

Here's the CL from TSC .CountyLine Box Blade, 6 ft. - 2131653 | Tractor Supply Company Look at the top mount.
Here's the HD KK model, see the difference. King Kutter Hinged Back Box Blade 72in., Model# H-BB-72 | Category 1 Blades + Scrapers | Northern Tool + Equipment

bakjr · Jun 26, 2011

Look at Modern Ag Equipment ( Dividion of Dragon Manufacturing in Beaumont, TX)
I just priced a 7' contractor series with hydraulic scarifier for $2300.
The 7' weighs 1011 lbs.
I'm not sure if they have a distributor that far north

johndeerezach · Jun 26, 2011

I am in the same position of determining to buy a bb but my tractor is 3038e john deere and thought that a 5' blade for more digging power. it is just what one to buy thought hinged back is the best for maximun digging. but does anybody think anything different?

Piston · Jun 26, 2011

thought hinged back is the best for maximun digging. but does anybody think anything different?

This thread mentions the hinged blade in it....http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/122762-beginners-guide-using-box-blade.html and I'm sure a lot of others do as well...

That was one of my questions also. I decided I wanted a fixed blade only based on the majority of users on here. After looking at the woods heavy duty blades I see that they are hinged back as well? Now I'm not sure either....