repairable?

[RedTailHawk]

trying to figure out if it is worth trying to repair this box blade, or do I need to starting looking for a replacement... (I don't have any welding skills, but that is something I'd like to start learning)

 

[redman135]

More pictures please. You will need to show both ends of the blade and how blade is mounted to frame.
It appears to be a cutting edge like on a grader blade, those you unbolt and replace when worn.

 

[bcp]

My first impression.

Looked to me like the square tube holding the scarifiers and hitch. Appears to be made from 2 angles welded together. Probably broken by hitting an immovable object with the bent scarifier.

Doesn't look hard to fix based only on the one photo. The other end may make a difference.

Bruce

 

[RedTailHawk]

here is another pic from the other end...

this is the front edge of the box blade that holds the scarifiers

 

[sweettractors]

trying to figure out if it is worth trying to repair this box blade, or do I need to starting looking for a replacement... (I don't have any welding skills, but that is something I'd like to start learning)

View attachment 455881

Most welding shops could repair with no problem. Shouldn't cost no more that $100. Ken Sweet

 

[bcp]

What he said.



Bruce

 

[RedTailHawk]

thanks. good to know a ball park number. Is it something that could be done same-day or while I wait? (obviously depends on their work schedule)

 

[Fallon]

Perfect job to learn to weld on. Your first few tries will likely fail. But you'll have a welder & increasing level of skill to keep re-fixing it. A skilled welder could make a box blade in a few hours if all the parts were pre-cut. I'd imagine you are looking at an hour or 2 to patch it back together tops if you have a pro do it.

Learning to weld would be a great investment for any tractor owner. A welder & gear costs less than an implement. And once you learn, you can fix modify & even build your own stuff to suit your needs.

Who cares if it looks ugly or fails a few times? A box blade isn't life critical & failure just means a little bit of your time.

Check out Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info, Jodi has great instructional videos there for free. You'll be looking at stick welding or MIG mostly. Stick is a bit better for dirty farm welding, but MIG is a bit faster & possibly easier.

 

[stuckmotor]

thanks. good to know a ball park number. Is it something that could be done same-day or while I wait? (obviously depends on their work schedule)

Whether it's done same day or while you wait would probably depend on the weldor, his workload etc.
There used to be a really good weldor in town. Before I had a welder, I'd take him things and he usually got to them while I waited. I'd heard stories of how my grandad used to leave items with the blacksmith and two years later they still weren't fixed, so I was afraid to leave before this guy had finished. Once, I think he went home, ate dinner, and maybe took a nap while I waited. It was worth it though. He fixed the part.
I hope someone enjoyed my story.
Stuck

 

[LD1]

Certainly repairable. But I wouldnt spend more than $100 at most on it. IF you cannot find anyone to do it for that or less, either learn to do it yourself, or get a new one. That double angle isnt really a heavy duty blade design. And I see 5' box blades all the time on c-list for ~$250-$400 That would be a better blade than yours would be AFTER it were fixed.

What tractor are you using that blade on?

 

[Gary Fowler]

I agree with LD1, if you cant fix it yourself, then the cost to fix at a shop is going to be at least half the cost of a used one in good shape that is a bit heavier duty than the one you have. I really cant imagine what happened to that one to cause that damage. I have stalled my 70 HP pulling my box blade without damage. I do sometimes break a scarifier when hitting large rocks but never damage the frame. I do try to go slow when scarifying with the tips buried to the hilt though.

 

[RedTailHawk]

I use it with my L3430. I got the tractor and all the attachments with the property I bought 3 years ago. All the attachments have been sitting outside. I may try to learn welding using this box blade as my first project. Someone just recommended this unit: ESAB North America | Plasma Cutting, Filler Metals and Consumables, Welding Equipment, and Cutting Equipment
Any other recommendations? I've thought about just picking one up at Tractor Supply, but I'm not familiar with welders so not sure how to assess the quality of the welders.

 

[Fallon]

Inverter Welders, Plasma Cutters, MIG, TIG Welders - Everlast I believe they are a site sponsor. I have a plasma cutter from them I like. Chinese made machines, but a US based company for support & distribution. They aren't the quality of a Miller or Lincoln (or ESAB), but are a lot cheaper. For a hobbyist they are probably the best value in terms of price, quality & support.

I'd give em a call & see what they recommend for a stick or MIG machine. They know their gear & give good advice.

Might also look at the welding forum here to read up on the subject.