Various BoxBlade Uses

[Ken45101]

Most of the hinged rears can be fastened down, if desired.

Thanks. Although I still wonder if they are as strong as the solid ones.

Another question: how does the strength of the roll over models compare to the solid built ones? Seems like a solid welded box would be stronger and less prone to damage (and I'm sure less expensive).

Ken

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Thanks. Although I still wonder if they are as strong as the solid ones.
Another question: how does the strength of the roll over models compare to the solid built ones? Seems like a solid welded box would be stronger and less prone to damage (and I'm sure less expensive).
Ken

I think that the roll over box blades are usually considered to be heavy duty. They might be a little on the light side to really be that, but they are heaver than a medium duty blade. My 81" roll over is 980lbs and has held up fine behind my 12,000lb tractor. If you look at industrial blades, you will find them to be 1200-1600lbs for a 7 foot model. Oh, and the industrial models are a lot more $$$$ than the roll overs.

Something to have in mind is that the roll over blades were designed back when there were no rear remotes on the tractors. So with the pull of a lever you could have your rippers in the ground without getting out of your seat. And the same holds true for the other functions of the blade.

 

[Ken45101]

Brian,

Thanks for the comments and pictures. It looks like you have nice soft, sandy soil. I'm dealing with clay and embedded rocks though Mostly I would be using the blade for building and grading trails through the woods.

When I had a light duty scraper blade, I was a frequent customer at the weld shop <sigh>.

Ken

 

[3RRL]

Right about the rear swinging blade.
Most can be fastened so you can smooth with the rear blade but some don't so you would have to modify that kind. The hinged ones will cut better with the front blade when the rear hinge swings back, out of the way. That is a very good feature.

Ken, how wide are your rear tires? My boxblade is 84" wide and my rear tire width is about 78" to 80".

 

[Ken45101]

Right about the rear swinging blade.
Most can be fastened so you can smooth with the rear blade but some don't so you would have to modify that kind. The hinged ones will cut better with the front blade when the rear hinge swings back, out of the way. That is a very good feature.

Ken, how wide are your rear tires? My boxblade is 84" wide and my rear tire width is about 78" to 80".

I went out and measured this morning and the rear tires are only 72" wide. I thought they were 7'. So a 84" box blade would be good.

What I've noticed with my fixed box blade is that if I tilt it up a little, the front cutter runs a bit off the ground and distributes soft dirt underneath it and the back slides over and compresses it. That's when I have nice crumbly soil (those rare days of the year, LOL).

Ken

 

[ducks13]

Does anyone know how to get to 3rrl's videos? When I click the link I seem to need a password to get into the album. I wrote a private message to 3rrl a couple of weeks ago with no reponse. Anyone know where else they would be posted or other ones that show the box blade in action?

 

[3RRL]

Hey John, sorry about that.
I've been out of touch for a couple weeks and just now got caught up with TBN. I did read your pm too, so I will respond here.

Here are a couple videos. I checked them and you should be able to see them too.

 

[Charlesaf3]

they work for me - your last name is on them though, might want to remove that?

 

[Timber]

Hey Rob good to see you

 

[3RRL]

Hello Charles and Charlie...
Yes, I'm still here but mostly read about your adventures instead of posting a lot. Man, this ranch stuff is hard work. I'm sure I'm busier now in retirement than ever before, dang!

 

[Timber]

We never retire we just change jobs

 

[tractordog]

I was going to try and get away with borrowing the box blade.

Now I am wondering if I should get a TSC 5 or 6 foot box blade.

 

[Timber]

I was going to try and get away with borrowing the box blade.

Now I am wondering if I should get a TSC 5 or 6 foot box blade.

Mine is 66" & I have to say it is the most useful implement I own. Nothing spends more time on my tractor than the boxblade. When it comes to loader work and digging in the dirt they go together like the left hand does with the right. I recommend going wider than the tractor with a boxblade

 

[tractordog]

The spec on the 1520 is 62 inch I believe.

going to have to take out the measuring tape.

I dont think two inches makes a difference.

cost is not the issue, they are both about the same.

I am thinking ease of use in tight spots, weight etc....

 

[TripleR]

We never retire we just change jobs

Ain't that the truth; don't know how I ever found the time for a real job.:laughing:

 

[SPYDERLK]

Hello Charles and Charlie...
Yes, I'm still here but mostly read about your adventures instead of posting a lot. Man, this ranch stuff is hard work. I'm sure I'm busier now in retirement than ever before, dang!

Ain't that the truth; don't know how I ever found the time for a real job.:laughing:

Good to "see" you again Rob ! ... Yeah, Im retired and have part time work in my field .. flexible at my discretion. Its so hard not to let it suck you in. And the people there have a hard time understanding cuz its still "their life". :confused3:
larry

 

[3RRL]

Hello Larry, good to see you too.
I see you are still up to making logical and reasonable explanations...as you have many times in many threads.

Regarding the boxblade, I too recommend going wider than the wheel width.
More than several occasions did I need that extra width to scrape or cut where I couldn't drive. Not only that, when you tilt the boxblade severely from right to left (or left to right), the corner cutting the gutter will be closer to the center of the tractor than when the boxblade was level.

Especially handy for me when cutting gutters on my road with high banks, where I could not "straddle" the gutter. My boxblade is about 6" wider than my tread. When tilted like that, where my wheels track is where the gutter is cut. So I use that as a method for getting the gutter cut where I want it to be. If my boxblade was shorter, the cut would happen somewhere inside the wheel, and I would have to drive partially on the other side of the gutter.

 

[ducks13]

Thanks for sharing the videos and pictures 3RRL. I hope I am healthy enough to get as much seat time as you do when I retire!

 

[Combustix]

I take a small length of chain and run it from the top of the 3 pt to a drag mat which I tow behind the BB as well, works great for a super smooth finish. I also take it into the woods to smooth trails for 82 yr old quad riding dad who hates bumps. nothing like off roadin with a CUT:laughing:

 

[impdaddy]

I dont think two inches makes a difference.
.[/QUOTE]