Another Land Plane build

Code54 · Apr 7, 2017

A while back I asked for some advice and information on building a land plane. I finally got it all wrapped up and together.
It is a 6' wide model
Little over 5'5" long
Duel straight blades - have about an 1 1/2" of up and down adjustment.
used 5/16 5"x3" angle as the backer for the 1/2' thick blades. Reinforced the angle with some 1/4 angle just in case
used a 1" solid rod to run from the front blade to the front/rear support for additional bracing (Figure it would be taking most the stress)
The side are "I" beams (bottom inside of the "I" removed to make a better skid
On top of the "I" beam there is more of the 5/16 angle to add some extra height
My front to rear brace is a smaller I beam I had laying around
The main cross members are 6" wide 1/4" thick "C" channel
Whole thing is coated with a thick coat of Raptor black bed liner

I am not sure what it weights but it is darn heavy. May take the time to calculate it one of these days when it is raining out.

The majority of it was made with stuff we had laying around but I did have to get a few things and the blade.
Cant wait until it is dry enough around here to use it!

Jimmy in NC · Apr 7, 2017

Looks good. I was looking at land planes today and was thinking of making something after pricing a few. I need one to do two yards and that is it... hate to shell over $1,000 for minimal usage.

Yours gives me inspiration to go for it. Hope it works as good as it looks.

Code54 · Apr 7, 2017

Was not bad to build, took some time but was a good rainy day(s) project. Figure I will use it on our lane initially then some yard leveling down the road.

oosik · Apr 7, 2017

Very nice. I know I sure like mine and the job it can do. Sure looks to be a plenty heavy unit.

Code54 · Apr 7, 2017

The rough guess is 800lbs but I need to do a bunch of math to know for sure.....

dragoneggs · Apr 8, 2017

Nice build Scott! Looking forward to action pics!

Code54 · Apr 8, 2017

Thanks! I look forward to some dry weather to give it a try!

Gordon Gould · Apr 8, 2017

Looks good 54. That should work well for you. I know you will like it !!

Your height adjustment is slotted holes for the cutting edges ?? Simple enough. Good idea.

gg

cat fever · Apr 8, 2017

Very nice job.

I've said it before. I sure wish I would have been born with more talent instead of so good looking.

Please be sure to post some pictures of it in action.

dragoneggs · Apr 8, 2017

cat fever said:
Very nice job.

I've said it before. I sure wish I would have been born with more talent instead of so good looking.

Please be sure to post some pictures of it in action.

And I bet less modesty too! :laughing:

Rustyiron · Apr 8, 2017

Very nice! :thumbsup:
Looking at you pic of it hanging off your ex, my restless mind wondered how a LP would behave on the front blade of an excavator? I know my LP has very different characteristic's pulling it with the 3pt. vs pushing it with the SS. For heavy spreading job's, driving on the just graded surface makes a big difference. It also seems to be better pushing making a heavy cut, prolly because of down pressure.

Code54 · Apr 8, 2017

Thanks!

Yep - The blade adjustment is just slots in the backing plate. Figured it would allow for wear (not that I think I will really wear it down but just in case)

I would think the down pressure would make it cut a lot quicker. I figured by using the C channel I would be able to add more weight if needed but look forward too seeing how if does as is. I have a box blade that I plan on using to move material in bulk then putting the land plane on for the final "grade" and clean up work. I am working on building a new and improved shooting range so when we get some dry weather I will give this theory a test run. Our driveway/lane is pretty darn good but figure the land plane will be good to run on it now and then to dress it up a bit and repair minor issues.

Code54 · Apr 9, 2017

Had it out for a test run today - ran it over the entire lane (about 10-12' wide total and almost .75 mile).
Did a great job. Only one or two places the lane was too hard to easily pull the gravel up so I gave it an extra pass. Worked as well as the ones I saw online so I can't complain!
Also it held up and didn't pull itself apart so that is a good sign!!

dragoneggs · Apr 9, 2017

Code54 said:
Had it out for a test run today - ran it over the entire lane (about 10-12' wide total and almost .75 mile).
Did a great job. Only one or two places the lane was too hard to easily pull the gravel up so I gave it an extra pass. Worked as well as the ones I saw online so I can't complain!
Also it held up and didn't pull itself apart so that is a good sign!!

Pics? Or did it happen?

Or did you get too excited to take a photo?

oosik · Apr 10, 2017

I've got one really soft spot in my mile long gravel driveway. I went down with my new rear blade and "plowed" the spot yesterday. Its pretty rough but when it dries out somewhat my LPGS will smooth it out. They are the REAL implement for final finish on a driveway.

Glad to see yours passed its test trials.

Rustyiron · Apr 10, 2017

dragoneggs said:
did you get too excited to take a photo?

Been there:laughing: or the pics just didn't reflect the same level of fun as you were having:thumbsup:

jenkinsph · Apr 10, 2017

Looks good, waiting for pics of the drive.:thumbsup:

Code54 · Apr 10, 2017

Well to be honest my wife and I were doing landscaping projects all day and she had to take a break to run our son to a quick basketball game. Soon as she left I rototilled the one area she wanted done and jumped on the big tractor to try the land plane. I didn't want to lose anytime so I didn't run to the house for the go-pro or phone so forgive me. I was hoping the game would go long but she caught me on the final pass.... Only said one thing "wow, the lane looks good!" While enjoying my success I got to plant and fence 3 more trees........