BX-24 : 4 or 5' Box blade ?

[RayBo]

Hi All,

Would love to hear some opinions or experiences on using a 4' or 5' box blade on a BX24. I have some light to medium grading work to do and am favoring the 5', but am not sure and also wondering if the BX has enough power for it (think it does). My terrain is root and rock infested (Connecticut).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Just2quickz28]

I'm in Rhode Island so I have the same type of soil to deal with and I run a 4ft box blade on my BX24. I find I run out of traction before anything else, and with a full load of dirt in the box its a bit much to pull around without a good footing for traction.

 

[unbidden]

I'm in R.I. as well and run a 48" BB with a bx2660. I move some small rock around and I think a 5ft might bog a bit.

 

[TripleR]

I used a 5' BB off our NAA on our BX2660 for a while then bought a 4' BB which works much better.

You can use a 5', but a 4' works better for me.

 

[LostInTheWoods]

I also have a BX2660 and recommend going with the 48" BB. Especially if you're dealing with a lot of roots. A good root will stop that tractor in it's tracks. The wheels will turn, but it's just not that heavy of a tractor.

A 5 footer would be OK with some soil types, but clay soil or lots of roots, 48" is likely better. Same thing if you have any fairly steep hills. A full BB going uphill on a light tractor can be tough.

 

[Tom_H]

The big one would be o.k. if the soil had already been ripped and was loam, but the soil you describe calls for a 42"-48" box. I have a really heavy duty 42" Gannon and it bogs down in heavy clay (no roots) coupled to a BX2200. Ripping soil before you use the box blade can really speed things up.

If you plan to shape the soil you move as you unload it, consider Top and Tilt hydraulics for the 3ph. I was just discussing that here:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...197480-carry-all-phase-one-2.html#post2296770

 

[korydz]

I have a 48" Landpride for my BX2660 and I would say it is just about perfect. You really aren't going to save a bunch more time with a 5' and you'll run out of traction once it fills up.

Another benefit of sizing the BB to the rough width of the tractor is that it is far easier to keep track of the outside edges of your implement. At 48" it will track just outside of the rear tires. Easier for grading shoulders accurately and it won't prevent you from getting in to any tight spaces.

 

[kk1w]

I've a BX24 in central MA. Roots, rocks and clay. I have a Woods 4' box blade and it is all this little machine can handle. I'm thinking a 5' would be too much and actually slow down the process.

Just my two cents, YMMV!

Jim

 

[Usta]

Gotta go with the majority on this one.
I think the 5 footer would be a mistake.

I run a 4 footer on my BX2660

 

[Gods Country]

I'm sure 4' is what you want, but doesn't your manual have specs?

 

[timswi]

Go 4'...I have a 6' harvey rake and it's just a tad to big....Have to aim at the tractor size and weight.

 

[Deano]

4 foot here...

 

[radioman]

I'm sure 4' is what you want, but doesn't your manual have specs?

yeah- it does , but I really think its just a tad undersized guide lines for the worst conditions. For example, my manual states 40 inch tiller but I wished it was 48 ", many people used 48" no problem, even 5 ft no issues.

I think its all on what soil/conditions you will encounter and HOW you use it. example Some people might think a snowplow is a dirt dozer. some say it works in dirt, some say it doesn't work from experience . Its all on HOW you use it.

I have a 4 ft backblade on my BX and I think its too small. however I can see a 4ft BOXblade will be just enough for the BX due to the light weight of BX . You will run out of traction before you run out of power on the BX.

 

[korydz]

Radioman, sorry to hear that you have a 4' back blade. At an angle you wouldn't even cover your tracks. I bet you can cut and pull a good load with it though! If you ever think about a bigger one, rest assured a BX2660 can pull a 6' with not problem. I originally ordered a 5', but an error with the dealer left me with a 6'. This was one of those lucky mistakes (dealer maintains that he knew better...I'll give him this one) that turned out in my favor and as a learning experience.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Have a 4ft Box Blade. 5 ft rear blade and 5ft rake for the BX2230, sized just right, beware of some box blades having high mounting pins on the older BXs and not being able to lift all the way. Also have a 4ft brush hog and that is the max, 42" would be better. 5ft rear mount mower is too much.

David Kb7uns

 

[RayBo]

Thanks all for your great responses! I though 4' would be the one to go with but you never know until you try.. so your sharing usage experiences is much appreciated!

Ray

 

[RayCo]

I also vote for the 4' one, as my BX sometimes shows signs of struggling with a 4', so 5' would have to be too much too often. But, I mostly had to participate here because it seems, based on our usernames, that we must be brothers or something. :thumbsup:

 

[radioman]

Radioman, sorry to hear that you have a 4' back blade. At an angle you wouldn't even cover your tracks. I bet you can cut and pull a good load with it though! If you ever think about a bigger one, rest assured a BX2660 can pull a 6' with not problem. I originally ordered a 5', but an error with the dealer left me with a 6'. This was one of those lucky mistakes (dealer maintains that he knew better...I'll give him this one) that turned out in my favor and as a learning experience.

nothing to be sorry about. I do wish to have a larger one, but since I don't use it often I am going to settle with the 4 ft'er for now. I have a snow plow on front, don't have need to maintain dirt driveways for home. I do have a lot with dirt path I use BB for, but I learned to stay off from it during muddy times and if I do drive on it, I try to have wood chips put down to drive on.