72" Box Blade Opinions

have_blue · Nov 4, 2004

72\" Box Blade Opinions

I'm in the market for a 72" box blade. Nothing fancy, just heavy duty, and as indestructable as possible. I have no roots or rocks, but I do have a lot of heavy work to do.

My only experience with a box blade is with my neighbors Bush Hog SBX 720. It is constructed like a tank, and is nearly without fault that I can see. I say nearly, because the rippers (scarifiers) are flat on the faces, causing unnecessary pulling force. Dirt removal is the same whether or not the rippers are down, but it's much easier to pull without the rippers engaged.

My goal is to either get the Bush Hog, or one of equal quality for a better price. I've googled until I'm googled out! Only thing I can find with prices is KK, but the hitch pins are attached on 1 end, looking a bit weak. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!

tc33brad · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

I have a 66" Woods box blade that was purchased with my tractor . It has worked well but I'm gonna guess that buying one [woods brand] not in a package deal would be more money than other makes.

sneaky_pete · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

I have a Gannon box blade that would survive Armageddon; actually, it looks like it already has. I bought it second-hand at a tractor dealer's back lot. It pays to ask everywhere you go.

I believe that Woods now owns Gannon and is still making box blades to those (heavy) specs, if you have the money to buy new.

Pete

PineRidge · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

I'm well satisfied with my LandPride box blade. It seems to be well built and nicely constructed. There are cheaper units out there but most of the time you do get what you pay for so look around a bit.

bczoom · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

I bought a cheaper one than the Woods or Gannon.
Howse. I think it's available through TSC but I just saw one on Northern Tool.
The box itself is built like a tank but it bent slightly where the pins attach. For around $450, it's not a bad blade.

have_blue · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

( I have a Gannon box blade that would survive Armageddon; actually, it looks like it already has. I bought it second-hand at a tractor dealer's back lot. )

Hey Pete and all,

I feel silly for not thinking about buying used! I suppose a box blade is one of the best tools you can buy used. Not many hidden problems to worry about there, huh? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I still have my neighbor's Bush Hog hitched up and it's wet weather anyway, so I'm in no hurry. I think I'll give my dealer a call and ask him to watch out for a used Bush Hog, Land Pride, Gannon, Woods, or really any industrial strength box blade.

KubotaSteve · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

I got a Befco box blade and it has been grade. It is very well built. I do have a tendency to abuse implements such as bending my 72" Woods landscape rake with my old man's Massey Ferguson 135. The Befco box blade has held up really well with all that I have put it through so far. I really like the way it hooks to the 3 pt hitch. Instead of having those pins sticking out for your lift arms to go over, your lift arm goes between two thick pieces of steel and then a pin slides though your lift arm. It really strengthens the whole setup. The 60" boxblade I have weighs in at about 470 pounds so it is really built solid. It also has the two blades.
Here is a link for it. Befco boxblade

greg_g · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

(
I'm in the market for a 72" box blade. Nothing fancy, just heavy duty, and as indestructable as possible. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance! )
Two important questions.
1. what kind of drawbar horsepower does your tractor pull. If you don't know that, what's the engine horsepower?
2. what is your spending limit?

//greg//

BobG_in_VA · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

check this one out:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3801642964

This Corriher's ebay site (one of our dealers above). I listed the 60" (I think) but I have the "30" series 84 inch (weighs about 700 lbs) and is a brute. They ship to anywhere from NC. (not that far from you). Don't know if you want the the 3/8" or 1/2" side plate model (20 or 30 series). Note that it is capable of quick hitch and the is a clevis type hookup. Also the brace is about twice a wide as is normally seen. My 2cents worth. BobG in VA

JJT · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

I have a 6' Bush Hog, it's extremely well built and the price was right. I looked at the KK, I'd have been in rebuild mode if I went that route. My box scraper is 6 years old and it's easily done 100 hours with no issues.

Gary_in_Indiana · Nov 5, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

I have a 5' box blade that I couldn't be happier with. It's a First Choice that I now understand was made by Midwest according to specifications set out by Integrated Engineering. It's heavy, very well designed and well built with excellent fit and finish with very good weld everywhere. It even has a powder coat green finish to match my tractor and three years later it still looks good when it gets cleaned up (which means when I use it in the rain).

I'd recommend one. I found it to be Woods or Landpride quality or better at a King Kutter or Howse price point or less.

have_blue · Nov 6, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

Steve,

Exactly what I'm talking about! The Bush Hog SBX-720 also has the box with large pins going through. No way to bend those babies! (famous last words, eh?)

Befco's weight is excellent too. 530# for the 72, which is only 20# lighter than the massive Bush Hog. It's definitely on my wish list!

Thanks,,,

have_blue · Nov 6, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

( (
I'm in the market for a 72" box blade. Nothing fancy, just heavy duty, and as indestructable as possible. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance! )
Two important questions.
1. what kind of drawbar horsepower does your tractor pull. If you don't know that, what's the engine horsepower?
2. what is your spending limit?

//greg// )

Hi Greg,

My TC35 has 35 gross HP. It pulls my sweet neighbor's 72" Bush Hog really well in 7th gear of 12, and 1700 RPM. Any faster and it would jerk me around pretty bad. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

I want to spend as little money as possible. I want to spend zero dollars really, but unfortunately, that's probably not possible. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks,,,

have_blue · Nov 6, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

Wow! What a brute. Nice looking teeth, and the right color too.

have_blue · Nov 6, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

( I'd recommend one. I found it to be Woods or Landpride quality or better at a King Kutter or Howse price point or less. )

Now you're talking my language. The reason I even asked you guys was to find something with comparable quality to the Bush Hog brute I'm borrowing, without the brutal price. I knew someone would recommend a tool with high bang for the buck. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks Gary,,,

greg_g · Nov 6, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

( My TC35 has 35 gross HP. ..I want to spend as little money as possible. )
Reason I asked, is that I just tore up a 72" Wallace. It probably would have been ok behind my 25 hp Jinma, but 3 hours behind a 45 hp KAMA was just too much for it. The Wallace retailed for $325, but must be about the lightest six foot BB on the market; weighing in at a disappointing 366 pounds. That's about 89 cents a pound. I just got rid of it in favor of a 550 pound International that cost 86 cents a pound. Gonna be a bit harder to tear that one up with 45hp.

That said, your 30 hp may be better suited for six footer somewhere in between. Whereas 30hp will surely not be as hard on a Wallace, I think you still might find it a bit light. And the heavyweights; International/BushHog/Befco might be a bit much.

Good chance what you're looking for will be in the 400-500 pound range, and hopefully come in at well under a dollar a pound.

//greg//

have_blue · Nov 6, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

H i Greg,

As I said earlier, I am currently using a borrowed 550# 72" Bush Hog box blade on my 35 HP tractor. It's an absolutely perfect match as to size, weight, and tractor power. The only thing that doesn't match is the price and my wallet. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I have an IH dealer in my town. I'll have a look!

Thanks,,,

greg_g · Nov 6, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

(
I have an IH dealer in my town. I'll have a look!
)
Think I should have been more specific. That's IM (International Machinery), as opposed to IH (International Harvester). No light left today. If I can remember, I'll post a photo tomorrow.

//greg//

8561 · Nov 6, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

I believe you will find the Corriher/Midwest 72" heavy duty (30 series) weighs 606 lbs. I would second Gary's post on the quality and the price. I have the HD 60" (541 lbs) and it is a very solid unit. Check out midwestequipment.net as well as corimpco.com.

greg_g · Nov 9, 2004

Re: 72\" Box Blade Opinions

Better late than never. Here's a shot of that International box blade I was talking about: six footer, weighing in at 550 pounds.

//greg//