Box Scraper Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

[Piston]

It's very difficult to compare the two box blades you are looking at. They aren't really in the same league. I think you really should try and nail down how much you are willing to spend, from there, you can make your decision much easier. If cost is the main concern, then you may be better served by waiting for a HD box blade to show up used somewhere, then you get the best of both worlds, truly heavy duty, AND cheap! Otherwise I think you need to figure out if your the type that's okay with "good enough to get the job done" or "beat it death and never worry about breaking or bending". Personally, I put quality and longevity way ahead of initial purchase price, but that is something only you and your wallet can decide.

I have a 1k lb 78" box blade and wouldn't want anything lighter, and certainly wouldn't go with something half the weight.
A box blade is a fairly basic implement that has changed little over the years, the biggest difference in them is weight per foot, the more the better, and that is mostly what your paying for.

Think of it this way, if you bought the Gannon the first time around, you'd never be faced with the decision on which to buy the next time!

 

[jjmaes22]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

Got a bid back on a Gannon 76 HB (with the hydraulic rippers - they stopped making manual lifts 3 years ago) - listed for 3,570 - best quote was for 2,950 from one of the local Woods dealers.

More than I wanted to spend but really learning towards just pulling the trigger on it. (downside - I am out of remotes for the hydraulic rippers - would have to run extra long hoses from the grapple 3rd function).

 

[jjmaes22]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/private-party-ads/280526-gannon-earthcavator-6-sale.html

Hey, here's a Gannon Earthcavator for sale!!!! Only problem is it's location--central Kansas. Yuck.

I would be interested - not sold on the ROBB's - but have heard good things - but ya - the Southern Illinois to Central Kansas trip is a little rough.

 

[jenkinsph]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

Got a bid back on a Gannon 76 HB (with the hydraulic rippers - they stopped making manual lifts 3 years ago) - listed for 3,570 - best quote was for 2,950 from one of the local Woods dealers.

More than I wanted to spend but really learning towards just pulling the trigger on it. (downside - I am out of remotes for the hydraulic rippers - would have to run extra long hoses from the grapple 3rd function).

I had a similar issue coming up with four outlets on my 110tlb. I had three front and three rear. I put tees in the lines at the valve where the line leave the valves for the third fel function and added a set of couplers and lines to the rear. Obviously you can only use one set of couplers at a time but this is better than adding the lines all the way to the front.

 

[mikehaugen]

Keep your eye out for a used one. Not very long ago, there was one up here on cl that looked like a gannon, but he said it was supposedly heavier than a gannon. Looked like manual scarifers, for $880. Freshly painted and looked nice.

It was up for a long time, but now I don't see it. It may come back up. I considered checking it out but didn't have the cash. Still may if it comes back.

 

[jjmaes22]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

Well - this ended up working out well. At the last minute (was going to head over to the dealer and order a Gannon yesterday) - I checked craigslist one last time - and what showed up? An older 6' Gannon ROBB close to home (around 60 miles NE).

Gannon box blade 6'

Had to make two trips to get it (first time there was a mix up about them being able to load it on my truck - had to come back home and get the equipment trailer) - but for $300 cash I got her.

Even looked better in person - I'll give her a quick sandblasting and a coat of new FI paint (MF Red to match the tractor, truck and trailer) - and hopefully be happy. If not - figured I could see it for what I got it for and then buy new if needed.

Now just waiting for my new hydraulic top link to ship! (hint hint...)

 

[Degolyerent]

That was good luck, saved a lot of cash. It will look good with some paint, always pays to check craigslist!!!
John

 

[jenkinsph]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

Looks good and saved a lot of cash. I would sand blast and powder coat it.

 

[Renze]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

Even looked better in person - I'll give her a quick sandblasting and a coat of new FI paint (MF Red to match the tractor, truck and trailer) - and hopefully be happy. If not - figured I could see it for what I got it for and then buy new if needed.

I would use it for a week or so, then decide if you add any bracing or reinforcements, have any cracks to cut and reweld, and only then blast and paint. Especially with powdercoat, its hard to touch up because ordinary paint wont stick to powdercoating.

 

[Haoleguy]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

I would use it for a week or so, then decide if you add any bracing or reinforcements, have any cracks to cut and reweld, and only then blast and paint. Especially with powdercoat, its hard to touch up because ordinary paint wont stick to powdercoating.

Renze makes a great suggestion. Use it first and see if it needs anything before painting. BTW I love my Gannon box blade with hydraulic scarifers. It is heavy which helps in moving soil/gravel without chatter. Nice catch on Craigslist!.....Gary