Box Blade

[jd0716]

I have a JD 4310 with FEL, MMM and rear blade. I was thinking about getting a ballast box for extra weight when I use the FEL, but now I am thinking about a box blade/scraper instead. The reason is that I seem to use my rear blade a lot when using the FEL.

How is a box blade/scraper different than a regular rear blade? Are there advantages compared to a rear blade?

Would a box blade weigh about the same as a loaded ballast box? If so, how big of a box blade can my tractor handle? I don't want to break anything. Are King Cutter's a good quality implement and will I save much on a King Cutter vs. a Landpride or othe name brand?

Thank for the advice.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

A box blade allows you to move material and to dig it up a bit using the teeth (scarifiers) if you choose. The back blade can be easily angled for pushing material off to the side. Box blades are heavier by far, weighing 500-600 lbs. for a 5-6' model.

As to what size is best for you, check and see what Deere recommends. I have a JD 4200 and 5' is all I can use. I'm not sure on the 4310.

As to brands and quality for the money, I bought a First Choice, got it in JD green and am real happy with it. Midwest made the FC I have and now markets the same or similar product under their own banner. I paid around $280 for mine last year, I think. I believe the KK isn't the quality of mine at about the same price.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[sweettractors]

I use a 4 ft box blade on my Kioti LB1914 with FEL--It really does come in handy when spreading material with the front bucket and put the finishing touch on leveling with the rear box blade and adds to the safety of operations factor--In addition, I have welded a bracket on the rear of my box blade to accept suitcase weights--I need the extra weight when going down hill with the front 54 inch bucket full of #3 rock or dirt etc--I like the flexability of being able to add weight as needed on the suitcase weight bracket--These can usually be picked up at farm auctions for $15-$20 each at around 50 pounds each--Just under $300 is a good price for a new 5 ft box---Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co. *Since 1977*

 

[Hambone]

I have both the Box Blade and Ballast box. I like using the ballast box because of its compact size, not sticking out behind tractor. I am sure I read it weighs 600# when filled with sand.
I bought the Frontier BB. I liked it over the KK brand. Look and you can see the difference.

 

[Phred]

Different applications.
If you live in the country you will notice that the county or state will maintain a dirt road with a grader almost in every case. This is basically a rear blade with a wide wheel base and some extra features.
This is the ideal tool for general road maintenance such as cleaning out or forming ditches. Also very good at forming the road crown to control run off.

For spreading dirt and gravel the box blade is better IMHO. It can carry the material from the high spots to the low spots, which is harder to do with a rear blade since it tends to roll off the sides.

Box blades are not always heavier than rear blades. I think this percepction comes from the abudance of the low cost light weight rear blades. But you can buy a rear blade that is so heavy your tractor will have trouble lifting it.

Fred