Best blade for dirt work?

[GLLinMO]

Redently bought a L3400 w/ loader. One function for this machine is to keep the horse paddock and riding arena in good shape. Paddock is on a slight grade, and dirt tends to wash down towards a drainage area. I want to blade and periodically bring the loose dirt back up. Seems like box blades are the most common. Is that still the best choice, or is a good heavy straight blade (not an el cheapo) a better route. Not sure how deep a box blade can dig, not only limited by weight but also by the box factor. Appreciate any input & suggestions. Gary

 

[dirtworksequip]

Gary, your choice of implements will depend on how far you have to bring the dirt back to the paddock area. When you are referring to a blade, I am assuming you are talking about a rear blade. Although I am not a big fan of either a box blade or rear blade, I would think you would be able to bring more material back with the box blade. If it is any distance at all it may be more efficient to use the bucket on your loader.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[john_bud]

I would think that an arena drag would be the ticket.

jb

 

[Cidertom]

If I had that job: I would do it with a box blade with rear grading wheels (to move material around). Then follow it with a rake also with grading wheels (to provide the nice finish). There are special arena combs and arena rakes which fluff, smooth and groom. They also empty wallets. I suggest the rear grading wheels and a pivot top link to provide the smoothing. Without the wheels rear implements take a lot of care to provide the evenness you want.

I know of one owner that just has to snooth. She uses a cheap KK rake on the tractor to break up the surface and do the big lumps. She then finishes with an wooden 8x8 about 8 ft long drug in figure 8's bu a riding lawnmower without a mower deck.

 

[LBrown59]

Redently bought a L3400 w/ loader. One function for this machine is to keep the horse paddock and riding arena in good shape. Paddock is on a slight grade, and dirt tends to wash down towards a drainage area. I want to blade and periodically bring the loose dirt back up. Seems like box blades are the most common. Is that still the best choice, or is a good heavy straight blade (not an el cheapo) a better route. Not sure how deep a box blade can dig, not only limited by weight but also by the box factor. Appreciate any input & suggestions. Gary

Here is what I have to grade and level with.
1- Kubota BX23 with a FEL on the front and a BH on the rear.
2- Used Kubota BX1500 with a front blade and a rear tiller.
3- New Kubota BX1500 to drag a Spike Harrow or some sort of other drag for final smooth up.