Can I use this implement with a BX1860?

[KYKub]

I would like to do some grading work on a sloped area of my lot that is mostly clay and won't grow grass. I want to work in some top soil and manure and a box blade seems like the best implement to use. Local rental place has a Bush Hog BBX65. I'm wondering if my small BX1860 can handle it. Anybody have an idea?

Here is a link to specs for the BBX65: Bush Hog 2015 BBX65

Weight seems ok, and it has Cat 1 pins. Not sure, though, about whether or not my tractor can handle it on a slope (have to go sideways, can't go up/down).

Thanks for any input!

 

[dodge man]

I think a 48" wide one would be better.

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

Its too big, you need a 48".

 

[KYKub]

Thanks Dodge Man and slimshadie. I agree a 48" would be better; however, a 60" is the smallest I can find to rent. It's a fairly small area, maybe 1,000sf so, so I can take my time and take more, smaller, bites. Would that make a difference?

By the way, I've never used a box blade before so forgive the novice questions.

 

[jeff9366]

While the BX series have mostly Category 1 Three Point Hitches, they are reduced in width. It is unlikely any 60" Box Blade will fit on a BX hitch without interfering with the tractor.

Consider a Ratchet Rake bucket attachment in lieu of a Box Blade for grading 1,000 square feet area.

You can purchase a Ratchet Rake from the TBN store. Button is at top of this page.

LINKS (2) TO TBN ARCHIVE:

Google

Google

 

[bcp]

My experience is they are reduced in lift, not width. Some of the early ones wanted narrower implement pin spacing, but I think that was before the -60 series.

I have several standard Cat 1 implements with no problems other than lift height. I expect it would work if is kept less than half full.

Bruce

 

[beckmurph]

Wagners has a rental similar to this. $29 per day.
Could you trailer your 1860 to the rental yard and try it for fit?
4' vs 5', take smaller bites. :2cents:

 

[KYKub]

Thanks for the good information. jeff9366, I have a Piranha Bar - would that work similar to a Ratchet Rake? I think if I can't figure out a box blade I'll give the FEL with PB a try.

Beckmurph, we must be neighbors. I'm in Grayson. Wagner's is the rental place I was referring to. Rather than trailer my tractor over, I think I might just measure 3pt arm spread and go measure the implement at their place. Thanks for spurring the thought.

I think it will attach, I'm just not sure I'll have enough power or traction to get a good result. Still, at worst, I'm out $30-40 and some time. Not a disaster.

Any tips on using the box blade to work in soil/manure? Again, I will likely have to not be very aggressive.

Thanks.

 

[/pine]

I think your tractor would handle the bb fine...but unfortunately a box blade takes a little (more is better) experience to use efficiently (even more time without hydraulic T&T)...

I have a B1700...and a Bush Hog CBX60 that I have no problems filling, pulling etc...stock, it weighs less than the one the OP cites for rental...but I add about 150#'s with some rail steel bars...!

 

[s219]

That size box can drag larger Kubotas to a stop when it fills with material -- I don't think a BX will have a chance. The main purpose of a box blade is to fill with material to move it around for grading/spreading, so it's really the volume of material that is the load you have to consider. That is a lot of material for such a small tractor to move around.

Heck, I had a 48" box for my B2920, and I could stop that tractor with wheels spinning when the box loaded up. So even a 48" will be a workout for a BX.

 

[/pine]

That size box can drag larger Kubotas to a stop when it fills with material -- I don't think a BX will have a chance. The main purpose of a box blade is to fill with material to move it around for grading/spreading, so it's really the volume of material that is the load you have to consider. That is a lot of material for such a small tractor to move around.

Heck, I had a 48" box for my B2920, and I could stop that tractor with wheels spinning when the box loaded up. So even a 48" will be a workout for a BX.

I can only relate my own experience...but the "BX 1860" weighs only a little less than my b series...and I have never had a problem moving a full box of any material (including wet crusher run)...4x4 understood... even easier with a fel bucket of gravel for front traction...I think it's worth a shot for minimal rental fees...

 

[jeff9366]

Thanks for the good information. jeff9366, I have a Piranha Bar - would that work similar to a Ratchet Rake? I think if I can't figure out a box blade I'll give the FEL with PB a try.

Ratchet Rake has two rows of teeth, set at a 90 degree angle. Ratchet Rake will be better at grading but you cannot dig with it at all.

The Piranha Tooth Bar should be good, however. Dig with the PTB, then back drag with your FEL bucket to smooth.

 

[bumperm]

What /pine said is true, the box blade requires some proficiency to use well, also top and tilt is most convenient. Changing the top link length dramatically changes the bite of the blade by changing its angle relative to the ground. So you might start out, in an area you want to remove soil from, with the top link shorter so the blade digs in. Then, as you reach the area you want to spread that dirt, you lengthen the top link and the box blade first comes level with the ground and then a positive angle that feeds dirt under the blade and smooths it out in place.

That's the way it's supposed to work! But, if you don't have a hydraulic top link, it's not practical to make all those adjustments on the fly, so you will likely set the top link for digging and then lift the box slightly so the blade just moves along the surface to drag the dirt to where you want it. This works, but it one whole lot more difficult to do well than with that top and tilt. You will end up with some bumps and mounds in your work area - - if you are trying to drive over that uneven ground, the front wheels go up and the box digs in more - frustrating!

But, if you are backing up and using the blade to push, the tractor gets to roll on that smooth surface and the box stays sort of level - great! Except when pushing, the box scraper can bend your 3-point hitch and parts as they were engineered for pulling, not pushing.

There are some good instructions on line about using the box scraper, you'd be ahead of the game by reading up on it before renting one. Good luck and have fun.