Box Scraper New guy w/ box blade questions.

1FAST12R · May 2, 2009

The pics I posted really do a terrible job of illustrating just how bad my yard is. There are dips and pot holes up to a foot deep in some areas.I think I may give the tiller suggestion a try.Thanks to all for the suggestions.

shakin · May 2, 2009

here's how to make the bb work for you and then you will still have the unit to do other tasks. a fellow member here did a friends yard which by the way was in terrible shape much worse than you'rs and now it's flat. set the bb high to the point that it just hits the high spots, run around the yard resist the urge to drop the bb. then start again where you started only drop the bb to the next lowest setting with you're position control. run around the entire yard resisting the urge to adjust bb until you have covered entire yard. it will take longer but by the time you can let the bb all the way down and run around the yard will be flat and remember you will have an implement to add to you're collection not just a rental receipt. pm me if you have any other questions.

VABlue · May 3, 2009

Is it possible for a tractor without draft control to be modified and add some type of draft control?

Yes, but I don't think you want to essentially replace your machine's hydraulic system! Well, at least install a new valve...

3RRL · May 3, 2009

Here is another old thread with a lot of photos of using the boxblade.
It's basically "most" of the things you CAN do with a boxblade if you put your mind to to it. Check it out and perhaps it will be of some value in your decision...
Rob-
Various Boxblade Uses

garagewizard · May 3, 2009

Try to go as slow as your creeper gear will allow and get a BIG bottle of advil, your neck and shoulders will be killing you when your done. I tend to start of the high side and set my first pass as straight and to grade as i can, in your situation, then slowly take a half of a width pass and watch the side of your blade that is on the finished side adjusting the height almost constantly. I will agree that tilling or some times using a pulverizer is a much better way. The shale in your yard could make that almost impossible or dangerous in your case.

3RRL · May 4, 2009

Personally, I wouldn't send my tiller into that shale.
I would use the rippers on the box blade to pulverize the soil first and then level and smooth it out. In fact, I always use the rippers when attacking bumpy uneven ground first. Then I just move the loosened dirt and rubble around with the box or scrape it off to the side.

Johndeere3720 · May 5, 2009

I have a littel KingKutterXB Boxblade that I pull behind a little JohnDeere 2210 and once behind a 3720. I just wish there was more land to play with it on.

jmfox · May 5, 2009

I operated a 6 way box scraper for many years and never once used the float control. The idea was to always be feathering the hydraulics to smooth out the highs and lows. I was simutaneously working the draft (up and down), scarifiers, angle and tilt. (Kind of like flying a helicopter.) Today they are putting wheels on them, especially on those adapted as front attachments on skid steers. I wonder if this has made leveling easier for the beginner.

jmf