Which grade Box Blade?

[DJB132]

I'd like to get some input on just how heavy duty of a box blade I should get.

I need to stay relatively small (probably 5') as a major use of the scraper will be to remove undergrowth from wooded areas of my property. I have 5 acres and about 3 1/2 of it is wooded with dense undergrowth.

I also plan on grading for two 10' x 20' sheds.

Ater these projects are done the blade will mostly be used to maintain a short dirt road (50'-75' long) and grooming the stone on my driveway.

My property is relatively flat with dense soil (high clay content) and lots of rocks. I live in what passes for the mountains in New Jersey - foothills to the rest of you /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

I think I'm going to get a Midwest box blade - now I have to decide on the 20 series or the 30 series. I suspect I can get by with the BB20.

My tractor is a Kubota L3010 HST with loaded industrial tires.

Thanks,

David

 

[Indydirtfarmer]

Keep in mind that regardless of size, the WEIGHT of a box blade is critical to it's performance. They tend to "float" on the surface, rather than to dig down and cut when they're too light. For that reason alone, I'd go with the heaviest box you can handle and/or afford.

Secondly, if you are going to be clearing ground, you will put your new purchase to the test. Roots, rocks, stumps, even sod will exert stress on the box that SOME lighter models just can't handle on a sustained basis.

In SOME uses, a box blade becomes almost a "precision tool". Once they're sprung or bent, you loose all that precision....

JMHO, and worth exactly what you paid for it.....

 

[MarkV]

David, A box blade is one of those tools that the heavier it is the better it works. As Indy said the weight of the box has a great deal to do with how well it will cut rather than bounce or skid along the surface. I’d also say it is important to get a box that is as wide as or wider than your rear tires. A 6’ blade may be a better fit for an L series tractor.

MarkV

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> A box blade is one of those tools that the heavier it is the better it works. </font>
This can't be emphasized enough. Without weigh, a box blade is almost worthless. My box is a light to medium weight unit. I have a piece of pipe that weights in at 50 pounds per foot on it and sometimes I wish that it weighed more.