Rake Pricing for Box Scraper and Landscape Rake

mthiel · Sep 19, 2002

I am looking to purchase (new or used) a box scraper and landscape rake to do some grade work. I have a JD 4110 HST (21HP). What size of implement and what price should I be paying for these implements?

jimgerken · Sep 19, 2002

Buy a 48" box scraper. I have a 48" King Kutter Box Blade on a JD 4100, it works well. You will run out of traction first. The 48" width JUST covers your tracks. The same b.b. works well for loader ballast, and having the loader on the front adds to your traction when boxblading in FWD. I added 350 pounds of plate steel to my box blade for more effective penetration and more loader ballast. The KK bb cost only $278 from local Fleet Farm. It is built well, but poorly painted. It is all I needed. I want to add a lanscape rake and believe the 4100 can handle the 72" size, although that is kindof big for manuverability. May be better off with the 60". Maybe someone will post pros/cons of sizes. I am almost sure there is no traction or power issue with a 72" rake on a 4100/4110.

Kodiak · Sep 19, 2002

A good rule of thumb for a landscape rake would be to buy one that reaches the outside of or beyond the width of your rea tires when angled, Therefore erasing all tire marks.

Kodiak · Sep 19, 2002

A good rule of thumb for a landscape rake would be to buy one that reaches the outside of or beyond the width of your rea tires when angled, Therefore erasing all tire marks. Same rule works well for rear blades as well.

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 19, 2002

I have a JD 4200 with a 60" First Choice box blade and it works great. I only paid $285 for it and it's way heavier and better built than the King Kutter. The finish on it is incredible. They use a powder coat paint and you can get it in JD green, too. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

If you're looking at KK, you really owe it to yourself to check out First Choice. I just saw an area dealer advertising the same 60" model I have at the same $285 I paid. I don't remember what the 48" model pricing was, but I'm sure it was notably lower.

If you'd like to read about mine and see some pictures of it here is a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=163675&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1>thread</A> about it. I think you'll be impressed with the quality, fit and finish of the First Choice product. I took some pretty detailed pictures so you can see how it's put together.

If their landscape rake is anything like their box blade, you might want to consider a matched set (in JD green, of course). /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I hope this helps.

mthiel · Sep 20, 2002

Thanks Gary. I am trying to locate a First Choice dealer near Columbus, OH for a closer look. I found a King Kutter 60" box blade yesterday for $299 on sale for $269.

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 20, 2002

Believe me, for $16 more, you're getting a whole lot more with the First Choice. You might want to call either Pieter or John to ask them to help you locate a dealer. You should be able to reach them or leave a message at 888-945-3102.

Freds · Sep 20, 2002

Hey Gary,
Does First Choice have a website? I know I've read about their products before but, don't recall a website given.

Thanks,
Fred

DocHeb · Sep 20, 2002

Its a pretty rudimentary website, but <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.firstchoiceequipment.net/links.htm>First Choice Equipment</A> seems to be developing a loyal following on TBN.

Kodiak · Sep 20, 2002

Try http://home.midwest/~jimmc/index.html which is still active.

Inspector507 · Sep 20, 2002

Or try this.......this is the manufacturer for First Choice
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.midwestequipment.net>Midwest Equipment</A>

Freds · Sep 21, 2002

Thanks Guys

tld · Sep 21, 2002

If you have a 4110 your tire width is 49.5 inches. A 48 in. wont cover your tire tracks completely. The 4100 has a widdth of 45 inches. That's why a 48 works well with that model. I am in the same boat with the 4110. Don't know if I should go with the 4 or 5 ft. Any suggestions as to size?

Kodiak · Sep 21, 2002

King Kutter makes a 54" box blade. And I beleive that First Choice was considering a 54" BB also.

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 21, 2002

The problem with getting a 54" KK unit is you'll likely pay more than you would for a 60" or even 72" because the 54" will be a special order at places like Tractor Supply.

bartman · Sep 22, 2002

The rear tires are about 60 inches ( 5 foot) on my Ford 1710 4WD Is it worth going to a six foot Box Blade
Being only 25 HP can the Ford pull it OK or should I stay at
5 foot . I have another 70 HP tractor that can pull the six footer with no problem ,but I would be using it more on the Ford

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 22, 2002

I have a JD 4200 and have a 5' First Choice box blade. I have about 26-27HP with about 20 at the PTO. I wouldn't want any more than the 5' width and Deere only recommends the 5' width with my tractor. I don't know if Ford offers those recommendations or not, but if they do I'd certainly suggest following their recommendations. If that's not an option, consider how your tractor compares to mine in size and make your decision based on that. Good luck. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

bartman · Sep 22, 2002

Thanks for the input Gary I would rather stumble around on TBN than at the dealership. I called First Choice and they apparently have a dealer in Manassas Va................ I think I am going the First Choice route if I can rather than the KK route even though I am very happy with my KK 6 foot finish mower
Bartman

jyoutz · Sep 23, 2002

I have a Landpride 54" boxblade for my 4100. They have been making this size for years. It's the right size for a 4100 with the rear wheels reversed (48" wheel width).