Which Box Blade Should I Get?

[snmhanson]

I am picking up my B7800 Thursday morning and I will have an immediate need for a box blade. The dealer I am getting the tractor from sells Bush Hog implements and a 60" BB would cost me $617. The other local tractor dealer has a 60" Woods for about the same price. I'm not exactly sure which models they are from each manufacturer but based on the size I can narrow it down. I think the Woods is probably the Standard-Duty series and the Bush Hog is likely the SBX series. I am also going to the big city (Portland, OR) tommorow and I can get a King Kutter 66" while I'm there for $429. The box blade is going to be used for some pretty heavy ripping, leveling and grading on up to 2 acres to plant grass and to put additional gravel on and grade a 800' driveway occasionally. I will also use it for projects such as readying areas for a dog kennel and playground for my kid and making a mountain bike track that goes around our property. Should I pay the extra and get the Woods or Bush Hog or will the King Kutter suffice? I assume 60 or 66 inches isn't too large for a B7800, even in somewhat difficult terrain, right? Thanks for any input here.

Matt

 

[Bird]

Matt, my personal recommendation for that tractor would be a 60" box blade. In general, heavier box blades are better than lighter weight ones. But of course you can add weight to the top of light ones. I was quite satisfied with a cheap Howse with my B2710 although before that I had a 48" Monroe Tufline on my B7100 that was a really nice box blade. The other thing you might consider in comparing them is how difficult it is, or how much time it takes, to raise or lower the scarifiers or ripper teeth.

 

[Boone]

I have a Howse BB. The upper supports are heavy plate instead of strap, seems to be very solid. I see many BBs listed on auction bills and have seen these sold for a discount at auction. I paid $200 for my 48 inch brand new at an auction. Northern carries Howse and Howse also has a website.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/LLCategoryDisplayView?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=717464&categoryId=1510

 

[_RaT_]

I really think a high quality boxblade is an asset. With thicker steel all the way around, they don't hop, skip and jump nearly so easy and the added weight is a great stabilizer for the loader. To give you an idea, mine was about $1600 for a 72". A lot of money but it gets very hard use.

 

[Henro]

I really wanted a Woods or better box blade for my B2910.

My dealer tried to get the woods 60" for me, but later said they would delay production and I would have to wait several weeks. But I had already waited too long to make my decision, so I needed one RIGHT NOW, and ended up getting a 60" KK from TSC for $300.

It may be the Chevy (or Ford) of box blades, but it does work and I think for the money it was worth it. Still, I would recommend going with something better. Once you have one, you may not want to buy another. If you have to pay over $400 for a cheap one and can get the Woods for 50% more, get the Woods. It will be heavier and that is a plus.

This spring I will make a rack to hold concrete blocks on mine, similar to what is used on areators...with the heavier Woods you might not need concrete blocks... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I don't think I would go wider than 60" on the B7800. That width is enough to cover your tracks. That is all I need myself...

 

[BeeFarmer]

I have a landpride 66" and currently I am beating the heck out of it. I didn't realize how much lime stone I had under this Ohio clay.. 66" on a NH 33 works fine. Not sure I would go any bigger just because I have really found it nice to fit into some tight spots.

 

[19th_VA]

Why sacrifice quality to save $--get a Midwest and you get Woods quality at King Kutter prices--no kidding. Here's their site to see of you can find a dealer near you.

Midwest

 

[Theowegian]

Hi Jonathan.
Any idea what some of their prices are? THey look like nice machines.
thanks, dwight

 

[PineRidge]

Well I'm in the market for a new box blade myself. I was going to call Corriher until I saw Midwest. I didn't realize they were the same boxblade. I like the fact that the end plates are 1/2 steel. I tend to be a little rough on ground engaging implements. I'll now be calling Midwest on Monday to see if they have any local dealers that I can purchase one of these puppies from. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Bucky4]

60" KK from TSC are up to $327 now.