Grading What size box blade for a TC-35 ?

GATC35 · Jan 5, 2005

I have been shopping for a box blade for my 2003 TC-35 4WD Hydro with R-4 tires. I have been looking at six foot wide blades. The last two places I have looked said a six footer is too much for a 35 HP tractor. They all have recommended a 5 footer. Most of my work will be landscaping around houses, and maintaing some gravel driveways.

Anybody with first hand experience with a 6 footer on a TC-35 ?

markie61 · Jan 5, 2005

Cover your tire tracks.

My TC40D is the same size as yours. My tires are in the second widest position. 72" barely covers the tire tracks. When it is loaded with dirt, gravel, whatever, it still pulls it along. Some roots will stop the tractor and spin the wheels, but the same thing would happen with any other smaller boxblade.

Mark

Stonefox · Jan 5, 2005

GATC35, I have a TC40D hydro 4x4 with R4's and a 6' box blade and there are times when I start to bog down the tractor. I have mostly sand to move and depending on the size of bite I'm taking I could see stalling or spinning the tires. But if I'm not too aggressive I can fill the box and move the material around. I think the size box you can use may depend on the type of soil you have and how aggressive a bite you need to take. No bigger than a 6' though but it is useful to be able to cover your tracks and a 5' won't do that.
Redrat

DK35vince · Jan 5, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have been looking at six foot wide blades. The last two places I have looked said a six footer is too much for a 35 HP tractor. )</font>

I run a 6' boxblade on my 35 HP tractor and it pulls it very well. I would go with the 6 footer.

johnday · Jan 5, 2005

Gat; I've got a 6' KK elcheapo. I've used it on a TC35 and a TC35DA. I can't understand why the dealers you talked to said it was too big. IMO, if a tractor can't use a blade wide enough to cover it's own tracks, it appears there is a problem somewhere. The blade I have may not be the best one around, but it serves my purpose, and I've yet to run out of traction or power. Mines is used for grading gravel, dirt, ripping out tree roots, and even dragging snow. I feel you'll be fine with that combination. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

sherpa · Jan 5, 2005

I have a 5.5 foot box blade I use with my TC33. It works perfect. Its small enough to drag full of dirt and not stall the TC33. It covers my tracks and its strong enough that the TC33 dont rip it apart.
Sherpa

Mark_in_NH · Jan 6, 2005

I to own a 2003 TC35D with R4's and I wouldn't think of putting Anything smaller then a 72" box blade on it. As was already stated, Cover your tire tracks. If the going gets tough, take a smaller bite !!
My opinion and this is Only MY opinion is that the people you spoke to at the dealerships need to go find another job because they suck at the one they have. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Maybe they are just unknowledgable and uneducated in the field, which to me is still no excuse.

jinman · Jan 6, 2005

Mark, as I have pointed out in another post, the TC35 has the exact same hydrostatic transmission relief valves as the TC40 and TC45 (5000 psi). The higher horsepower of those tractors is only useful when you are using the loader, 3PH, or PTO. The pulling power of all the Class III tractors is the same. When you shift to low range, if you can spin your tires or stall your transmission, you are pulling exactly as much as your "big brothers."

My suggestion is to get the 6' boxblade if that's what you need. My only caution is that you must remember to be careful if the boxblade sticks out beyond the rear tires. You could hit something with the box that the tires miss, especially when turning. If you have a 72" bucket on your FEL, then your 72" boxblade is also a good match. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

EDIT: Am I the only one who has noticed that there are 3 three Marks posting to this thread: GATC35, Markie, & Mark in NH. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Soundguy · Jan 6, 2005

My 8n ( 1952 and 27 hp ) pulls a 5' box fine.. I can fill the box up before I run out of traction. My yanmar 1700 pulled this same box digging clay, and did fine as well.

My ex-Nh 1920 pulled this box.. and was way way too much tractor for the box blade.. plus the box didn't cover the tire tracks. Could have went 6' easy. Might not have been as agressive with a 6' but sure would pull it. That 35 should be in the same rough class as a 40 and as my ex Nh 1920. I think a 6' box is a good match. Just keep in mind the extra load it will place, and use it accordingly. If you want to be a digging fool.. get a 5' box.

Soundguy

GATC35 · Jan 6, 2005

Thanks to all who replied. My initnal thoughts were correct in the tractor could handle the box blade.

Jinman...never thought about comparing it to the FEL bucket. Great idea! I have the 16LA loader with 72 inch bucket w/ tooth bar, so a 6 foot BB should fit nicely

So I'm I a Mark I, a Mark II, or a Mark III. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Soundguy.....before I bought my tractor I used my FIL's 1920. It has the 12 X 4 transmission, with 4WD. Tough little tractor. I actually tried to buy it from him, but he would not sell. He has a 5 foot BB which the tractor handled well like you stated. I just didn't like not covering the tire tracks.

I'm headed out shopping again. Looked at an Agco, really well made. They wanted over $700.00 for a six footer. Also looked at Tractor Supply, I believe it was a King Kutter. Not as heavy or well built as the Agco. It might work for what I want to do, the price on it was right at $500.00.

Thanks to all again