Midwest Box Blade and I-match

jdeerestl · May 27, 2003

Anybody have a Midwest BB hooked up to an i-match hitch? The manual says its compatible with cat. 1 quick hitch devices, but I'd like to know for sure before I plunk down $ for the i-match.

blurrybill · May 27, 2003

I was nervous, too, before buying 4 Midwest implements sight unseen. Had heard of the quality for the money. I have a 4310 with I match and both the blade and rake fit perfectly - haven't used the aerator or the rotary cutter, but they appear to be a good match, as well.

I'll be posting in more detail later about my experience with the implements. After a weekend using both the blade and the rake, I'm thrilled with my purchase.

My vote: don't hesitate - great value for the dollar.

Bill

Anonymous Poster · May 28, 2003

I do not have a Midwest BB, but I di have a TSC and I have one major suggestion. Do something to prevent the I-Match from bending out at the arms. This can be done by using a large heavy duty washer and keeper on each end of the pins, just outside ofthe I-Match hooks or welding a bar between the arms on the box blade that the pins are attached. This was NOT something my Deere dealer told me to do. When using my box blade in reverse I hit a hidden three inch stump in the road and it caused one arm of the I-match to bend outward leaving the pin wedged against the frame of the I-Match. I had to cut the pin with a torch to get the blade off. It also bent both of the pin mounts on the blade outward. If I had had a bar welded across the pin mounts or have installed washers and keepers on the pins outside the I-Match hooks this would not have happened. I have since done both and have had no problems. On my blade the steel bars that support the top of the three point hitch were designed for forward use of the blade, but were not designed for backing, especially against imbedded objects. What I have done is welded a 1/4" by 2" angle iron to the two braces (after bending them back from a bent postion).

normde2001 · May 28, 2003

Yet another horror story about using a boxblade in reverse....
See "Death of a Boxblade".....I'm tellin' ya guys, these things just ain't designed for that. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

lloydp · May 28, 2003

I am definately not an expert, but seems to me they wouldn't put a blade on the back if it wasn't meant to be used going backwards.

I use mine almost as much going backwards as forward.

Lloyd

CTyler · May 28, 2003

Yep, designed to be used both ways however there are limits in reverse.

kensfarm · May 28, 2003

Seems to me there is a design flaw in the boxblades.. hitting a big rock going in reverse bends the 3pt hitch attacment.. the fix I've read about.. welding on braces etc.. reinforces the 3pt hitch.. but then the tractor takes the brut force. Why don't they use a shear pin or racheting mechanism like plows do.. when you hit an solid object.. something gotta give.. better the implement.. then the tractor.

normde2001 · May 28, 2003

"they wouldn't put a blade on the back if it wasn't meant to be used going backwards."

That blade's for dragging/smoothing. Plus it makes a handy place for storing the spare blade. It is said that there are limits on operating in reverse. I suppose one would have to stop just before something bends/breaks.