Woods Blade

mccjarrowe · Aug 31, 2009

We have a 6' woods blade and want to buy the attacments to turn it into a box blade...has anyone ever done this?? is it worth it or should we look for a box blade also??

GE222 · Aug 31, 2009

I believe there are side plates that are available for carrying more of a load, although I am not sure if they are available for a smaller 6' blade.

A box blade is designed to be able to immediately push or pull material. A rear blade will have to be manually reversed.

A box blade also has scarifier teeth to loosen up earth which a rear blade won't be able to duplicate. A rear blade tends to go right over hard packed dirt, at least the lighter ones. I own 2 seven footers, and a 1000# hydraulic nine footer.
With the 9' unit I have to be careful as it will dig into things. It will easily peel up asphalt if given the chance.

A rear blade really shines for windrowing material, especially on a long driveway.
It will also perform simple ditching say along the side of a driveway.

It is common to use a rear blade for winter plowing, but I have to say I don't recall seeing too many people using a box blade for snow.

While it will work for grading, a box blade will usually work better.

If you can swing it, and can justify the purchase, add a box blade to your collection.

Solo · Aug 31, 2009

I have the side plates for a Woods 6' blade. I use mine for snow removal. I don't think it would work well as a box blade. Unless you are moving loose soil. Digging with the side plates on would be hard. You can see some pics of the plates in my photo gallery.

Solo

MtnViewRanch · Aug 31, 2009

As GE222 said, if you can swing it, get a box blade. These are two different animals, each being good for their designed purpose. Plus for what the side plates for the rear blade cost, for 2 or 3 times that cost you could get a lower end box blade.
If you are only moving soft material, then the end plates would work fine.
Always better to have more implements if you can though.

Good luck