Grading Box Blade question

gmoney · Jun 24, 2010

I am in the market for a box blade (48") for my 2305. Main use will be to maintain my gravel driveway. I am leaning toward the JD model BB2048L which I can get from my local dealer for $675. In looking at this model and others, the JD model has 3 ripper shanks while the others have 4. Will the JD box blade with less shanks perform as well as others with more shanks (same width)? Or is there more to the picture than just the number of ripper shank??

Thanks for the input!

JD755 · Jun 24, 2010

For maintaining a gravel driveway I doubt you will even use the ripper shanks. Just turn them upside down out of the way. If you are just starting a driveway from bare ground use them to tear into the turf as the first step to grade the dirt. The number of shanks is not important, other than the more you have down the more horsepower it takes to pull.

Ray2210 · Jul 23, 2010

I have a Buhler/Farm King 48" box blade and love it. It is heavy and very well built with 4 rippers. I use the rippers all of the time. The rippers chew the packed material up so that it can be spread out and packed down evenly. Rips the weeds out too. It's not specific for a sub cut but with the Imatch on it has plenty of height when lifted. This box is a good 400lbs and makes the driveway look like new. It does take a bit of practice thouigh. If the blade with 3 rippers is not as heavy that's the reason for 3. You need weight to drive them down into the hard pack.