Is there a "best" box blade?

[yellolab]

Is there a \"best\" box blade?

Getting real close to pulling the trigger on a tractor, and I need a box blade to go with it.
1) I assume I get a get a better bb/or better price buying aftermarket bb than from the tractor supplier? Is this case a kioti. The dealer said his bb is about $600, ouch.

2) Is there a "pecking order" for BB? What things should I look for, I assume weight and ??

THanks/Kevin

 

[DirtHauler]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

You'll get alot of opinions here on that subject. I guess what it will "boil" down to is the "best" is which ever one works for you and fits in your budget. The best advice is to compare workmanship and material.
I didn't buy the "Kioti brand" box scraper when I purchased my CK20 because of the price and it's a "light duty" box scraper. I bought a Howse which has reversable bolt on blades with a hinged back blade, is heavier built and was a little less money. Others here on TBN will chim in with there favorites and reasons for buying the one they did. Just shop and compare. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[JerryG]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

Get the heaviest that you can afford and your tractor can operate efficiently. This is the only implement that I would ever think about making that statement about. But, it holds true in almost every single case.

 

[newcountry]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

Certainly weight is a big issue. No. of scarifiers. Shape of the box (there's been a lot of discussion about that). That is, whether the sides are tapered from front to back or rectangular like a real box. Size is a factor. Get the right size for your tractor. Too big and you'll just be spinnin' wheels. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

There are so many brands, I'll give a shout out for LandPride because I bought theirs and they're a local company.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

The Kioti box blades are made by Midwest, and are very well made even in their lighter duty boxes. I have the lightest one they make, the BB15-48" and it really takes a beating from me without complaint or bending/breaking.
You may be able to get a better price on a Midwest Brand. Corriher Tractor in N.C. sells them as well as many other companies.
There is more than one model of Kioti BB, which one is your dealer quoting?
You may look for a Midwest dealer on their site:
Midwest Dealers
John
EDIT: It's a good idea to fill out our profile also. Go to My Home at the top of page, click that, and then click on the personal settings. J

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

JerryG is a very wise man, I defer to his knowledge and won't expound on the weight issue.

KiotiJohn listed my favorite brand of box blades, the Midwest brand. They are a good value, I would, however recommend you look at the "20" series blade instead of the "15" series. They are built stouter with MUCH more weight (see JerryG's comment above) and I believe the box is taller in profile too.

Newcountry commented on the side shape, that is another thing I like about the Midwest brand. I use 2 blades (different sizes for different tractors), one from Jebco, it has rectangular sides, the other from Midwest it has trapezoid shaped (tapered) sides. I like the trapezoid better because when you shorten the top link the leading edge of the side is parallel to the ground instead of digging into it. My experience with the Midwest blade is limited as I've only had it a couple months, but the difference is noticable when smoothing ground.

Buhler makes a fine box blade, as do Land Pride, Woods and a host of other brands.

Look at them and make sure the scarifier teeth are easy to adjust (pins are better than bolts because they can be adjusted without tools!). Check for retaining clips that might come loose, I prefer brands without any retaining clips at all, just give me a heavy duty pin to lock the scarifier in place.

 

[have_blue]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

I put many hours on a borrowed Bush Hog, and it was heavy and strong.

Whatever brand you buy, watch out for the hitch pins. Some have hitch pins attached at 1 end, and these will eventually bend. Bush Hog and other heavy units have "boxes" that you slip a large hitch pin through. These will not likely bend!

 

[GeneD14]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

As "Have Blue" mentioned having hitch pins supported only on 1 end will bend. I had a 5' King Kutter box blade and it was junk! The pins kept bending everytime I would use it. I guess sometimes you get what you pay for.
I have had a Woods 6' box blade for a year now and I have no complaints. It is a good heavy unit. And yes the hitch pins are supported on both ends.

 

[GeneD14]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

Here is a picture of my Woods box blade on the tractor.

 

[Soundguy]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

Best may be a misnomer.

Best for the price.. best for the job.. best size?

In general, the heavier, and sturdier the better. This jacks the price up as well, as also makes for more load on a tractor. .. etc.

What are you going to do with this box.. and what is it attached to.

Soundguy

 

[RedRocker]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

I have a Kioti/Midwest BB20-60, the sides are 3/8 thick and it's a well built unit. You can beat that price but it won't be painted orange.

 

[wushaw]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

I will agree with the pin being supported on both sides is the stoutest design, the Bush Hog brand I have is set up this way also.
Another good point with this design is hooking up and un-hooking is far easier.

 

[yellolab]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

Wow, thanks for all the input. It will be going on a Kioti CK25(95% sure). It's primary use will be maintaining my 1300 ft driveway.

Kevin

 

[8561]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

I have the 30 series heavy duty Midwest in 60". The only reason I ended up with the 30 instead of the 20 was Corriher Implement (site sponsor) was out of the 20-60 the day I called and they gave me the 30-60 for the same price. I've found it to be great quality, easy to use, and at 541 lbs, the advice of "get the heaviest one" is covered.

 

[yellolab]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

8561, I see you are in NH, where did you get it and how much did you pay?

Kevin

 

[8561]

Re: Is there a \"best\" box blade?

Like I said, I got mine from Corriher Implement. www.corimpco.com (click on the dealers tab at the top of the page, support those that support the site). They are located in North Carolina. I bought mine almost 2 years ago and I honestly don't remember what I paid. What I do remember is it was still quite a bit less than what I would have had to pay anywhere locally, and I believe the quality is as good or better than anything I saw on dealer lots. Steel prices have gone so crazy since then it would be irrelevant anyhow. I checked their site and the current 20 series 60" is $450. They will ship it, mine came by Yellow Freight to the Bedford NH terminal where I picked it up. Give them a call, very easy to work with.