box scraper

[harley152]

OK. all you experts---how do you use a box scraper to level a piece of dirt??? Got me a 48 HP massey and an 8' box scraper---supposed to be the ultimate tool for leveling/smoothing the ground---when the rear tires hit a low, the box scraper drops, the dirt digs, the dirt is moved, all I've done is move the "low" about 2' farther in the direction of travel!!! Got a hydro top link which doesn't seem to matter---what am I doing wrong???

Jerry

 

[GaryE]

Jerry,

I am far from an expert, but here are two things I have found to work.

First, keep your hand on the 3ph lift and when you feel the front wheels go down, lift the box blade, ‘kuz you know the rear wheels will follow.

Second note where the “divot” is and then cross it at a 90 to 45 degree angle before the next pass. This should fill it in.

I found using an ever changing figure 8 pattern seems to work the best.

Hope this is of some help,

Gary

 

[ejtaylor822]

Jerry,
I am new at this as well but have had some "beginner's luck" I believe in leveling out where I am extending our yard and keeping our road up. As Gary said keep your hand on the 3ph control, go slow at first and adjust as needed. My biggest mistake is going too fast. Also, make sure your BB is not too far "nose down". I keep my slightly below level while I am working and then take it a little "nose up" and float it when I am putting on the finishing touches. I am envious of your top link.

When I first started using mine the best advice I received was off of this site. It was "practice makes perfect", just keep after it and you will get it. The BB is great attachment and can accomplish a tremendous amount of work but takes some practice.

 

[JerryG]

Don't let the box ride completely on the ground. Carry it just a little bit off of of the ground. Then keep making circles. By doing it this way, you are always taking the high places off and depositing it in the low spots. It might sound strange, but it will work.

 

[BadDog]

JerryG has got it right...

You can do the same thing with a box blade or just a heavy duty grader blade (which I personally prefer for a variety of reasons).

1) Go to a level surface. I park on the asphalt road in front of my place. Set your blade just above the surface (or right on it) and set your 3pt lock (if you have one) in this position. If you don't have a lock, use a pencil and mark the position.

2) Get out of the tractor and level the blade right to left with your 3pt crank or your hydraulics.

3) Get back in the tractor, lift your 3pt up and go to the site your are trying to level. Drop the 3pt to your mark or lock position, and drive until your done.

Doing it this way, you don't have to mess with your 3pt at all while working with the blade. You'll only cut down the high spots and move them into the low spots. It takes a few passes but you end up with a completely level area pretty quick.

I've used this process to level my wife's riding ring, spread gravel, sand, build roads, driveways, etc... it works great. Note when building a road, make sure the blade is initially set at a right/left angle, so you cut the road in with a peak in the center for drainage to the sides. After a few passes, you'll have your drainage angle and then you can straighten out the blade again.

 

[HomeBrew2]

BadDog, thanks! Your process works great! With a BX23, I don't have the luxury of [repeatable] position control BUT, I do have a set of chains I use to limit the position (depth) of my Bush Hog ... I did as you suggested and used the chains to set the height. Very cool!

 

[Becky]

Just got A king Kutter box blade 6FT.TO use on my 9n It there a right way to use it to level land.

 

[Soundguy]

6' is a bit stout on a N.. but if you are not draging a full box.. should be ok.

If I were leveling out minor ruts.. etc.. I'd use draft control.. which.. is all you have with the 9N anyway.. so.. set the draft with the hytrol handle.. and start dragging.. if it bites too much.. lower the draft ( raise the handle ).

Some people also use harrows to do leveling.. anything from chain drag harrows.. to disc harrows for very agressige work.

Post more info back and I'm sure you will get more answers.

Soundguy

 

[Becky]

HI
I got it to level out about three area of land before my brother got home from over seas.Guess I took more then I could do.With the box I got.Thanks For trying to help.