Box Scraper Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

[jjmaes22]

Well - I've had (and destroyed three times - and welded back together twice) a lighter weight "medium" duty box blade from BUSH-WHACKER. My bad for not understanding how I would be using the BB and knowing that these lighter units just can not do the type of work that I am trying to push them to all the time (built two sheds - lots of heavy dirt moving and site prep, etc) - anyway - that is a different story.

I'm to the point now that instead of continuing to try to built up, repair and overcome the short comings in an BB that is being pushed way too hard - I am looking at replacing it.

I normally like to buy the best that I can - knowing that I can push it HARD and still have it for the rest of my years.

So I am down to looking at new 72+ inch BB for my Mahindra 4035 4wd tractor. The tractor is filled - weighs in at around 6,000 lbs and has all the power I need - but I want a BB that will spin my tires before bending in half.

Looking at the
- Gannon 76HB (76HB Landscape Equipment)
and the
- Everything Attachments XTreme Duty 78" (Everything Attachments Xtreme Duty 78 In Box Blade for Tractors With 30-70 HP)

Leaning towards the Gannon (1,200 lbs vs 500 lbs) - but still waiting for price quotes from local Gannon dealer (ie, ???? vs $887.00).

My goal is to spend less than 2g - but want something that last and can handle my abuse. If the Gannon comes back at 3,500 - what am I missing. Is there something between these two or is the EA heavier duty than it looks (ie, 500 lbs sounds light for a HD 6.5 ft BB).

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

We also make a heavier 78" box blade that would be closer, but still not apples to apples, to the Gannon.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

I think the Gannon will be $3,000+. It is in the same league as the FFC Box Blade, but the FFC is over 1,500 pounds. Both the Gannon and FFC are overkill for your tractor IMO, but there will be others with different views.

 

[jjmaes22]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

We also make a heavier 78" box blade that would be closer, but still not apples to apples, to the Gannon.

That with the 1/2" sides upgrade might be just what I am looking for. (the FFC BB can make your mouth water too..... but ya, 3,500+ is a bit much).

I like using a BB to do backfill work - but with my current one - with a back blade - any pushing at all - and the top tower just buckled - same thing with the rippers down - any root and it buckled the top tower (I replaced it twice with flat stock from the company - and then welded in my own - before twisting the ripper bar 90 degrees).

What's the weakest point on the Severe Xtreme Duty Box Blade? I also just ordered a hydraulic top link from fitrite hydraulics - hoping to have a nice BB setup that can last for the next 30 years.

 

[Baby Grand]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

The Cammond 4C5 80" looks like it might be competitive:
Back to Photo Gallery

 

[TripleR]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

You are not going to like the price on the Gannon, I own a Land Pride HRL3584 and love it, also like the Gannon, but the price is pretty steep. EverythingAttachments makes some good points, you may be overloading your tractor with the Gannon. For some of us the price of the Gannon, LP etc. are worth it and for some not.

Have you considered a roll over box scraper? Dirt Dog and makes a nice looking one, I am sure someone else does also, I've never used one, but a lot of people really like them.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

That with the 1/2" sides upgrade might be just what I am looking for. (the FFC BB can make your mouth water too..... but ya, 3,500+ is a bit much).

I like using a BB to do backfill work - but with my current one - with a back blade - any pushing at all - and the top tower just buckled - same thing with the rippers down - any root and it buckled the top tower (I replaced it twice with flat stock from the company - and then welded in my own - before twisting the ripper bar 90 degrees).

What's the weakest point on the Severe Xtreme Duty Box Blade? I also just ordered a hydraulic top link from fitrite hydraulics - hoping to have a nice BB setup that can last for the next 30 years.

I don't know of any weak points on that box blade.
With or without the recently available 1/2" sides, it should last you forever!

There are plenty of ETA box blades out in the field, and we never hear of any issues with them. You should get some feedback from some of the owners in the TBN community.

 

[PhysAssist]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

You are not going to like the price on the Gannon, I own a Land Pride HRL3584 and love it, also like the Gannon, but the price is pretty steep. EverythingAttachments makes some good points, you may be overloading your tractor with the Gannon. For some of us the price of the Gannon, LP etc. are worth it and for some not.

Have you considered a roll over box scraper? Dirt Dog and makes a nice looking one, I am sure someone else does also, I've never used one, but a lot of people really like them.

At least per Brian (MtnViewRanch) if he has the hydraulic top link, he won't get as much benefit from the rollover BB. It's most helpful for folks like me that don't have TNT so we don't have to manually tilt the BB to decide which blade we are engaging.

Kinda wierd for me to espouse anything other than a rollover, but I am quoting Brian.

The best other thing about the rollovers is their heavier weight and solid construction per foot compared with standard box blades.

Thomas

PS: I forgot to say that as TripleR said, we absolutely love ours and only remove it in favor of the ballast box when mowing because of the improved clearance with the ballast box.

 

[Deerherd]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

I have the heavier EA in 96" on a 88hp 10k lb tractor and it works great for me. For less than $2k you could get the EA box blade AND top n tilt and be extremely happy.

 

[TripleR]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

At least per Brian (MtnViewRanch) if he has the hydraulic top link, he won't get as much benefit from the rollover BB. It's most helpful for folks like me that don't have TNT so we don't have to manually tilt the BB to decide which blade we are engaging.

Kinda weird for me to espouse anything other than a rollover, but I am quoting Brian.

The best other thing about the rollovers is their heavier weight and solid construction per foot compared with standard box blades.

Thomas

PS: I forgot to say that as TripleR said, we absolutely love ours and only remove it in favor of the ballast box when mowing because of the improved clearance with the ballast box.

I didn't know he had a hydraulic top link, but yeah I too defer to Brian, he knows a lot more about this stuff than I ever will and he sure has helped me.

 

[jjmaes22]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

Ya - Just ordered the top link last night - already excited and waiting for it.

Just need to figure out the BB. I've dealt with EA already for a PHD and a Phoenix Tiller - been very happy with their service and attachments - just don't want to make the mistake of buying too light weight again.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

At least per Brian (MtnViewRanch) if he has the hydraulic top link, he won't get as much benefit from the rollover BB. It's most helpful for folks like me that don't have TNT so we don't have to manually tilt the BB to decide which blade we are engaging.

Kinda wierd for me to espouse anything other than a rollover, but I am quoting Brian.

The best other thing about the rollovers is their heavier weight and solid construction per foot compared with standard box blades.

Thomas

PS: I forgot to say that as TripleR said, we absolutely love ours and only remove it in favor of the ballast box when mowing because of the improved clearance with the ballast box.

If you think about it, the ROBB was designed when no one had any rear remote hydraulics for their 3pt hitch use. It only makes sense that the top link wouldn't need to be adjusted after the initial adjustment, and typically it does not need any. I know that I very very seldom need to adjust the top link while using my ROBBs once the initial adjustment is made after hitching up.

Here is what I consider the best new ROBB available today, not as good as a Gannon ROBB, but you can only get what you can get.

When using a ROBB, it is FAR more advantageous to have a hydraulic side link than the top link IMO. :wink:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

Ya - Just ordered the top link last night - already excited and waiting for it.

Just need to figure out the BB. I've dealt with EA already for a PHD and a Phoenix Tiller - been very happy with their service and attachments - just don't want to make the mistake of buying too light weight again.

While the EA box blade is built very strong and is not going to have structural issues, it just will not work the same as a box blade that weighs 1000+lbs. Most likely you could save some $$$$ and purchase the EA BB and be satisfied, even happy with it. :thumbsup: But it will not perform as well as a 1000+lb Gannon when serious grading is being done.

Buy the EA BB and then add a side link to your top link order. If it were me, I would be getting the ROBB and adding the side link to the top link order, but that is just me.:drool: Seems like you understand that you need an implement that is substantial, so I doubt that you would go wrong with any of the choices given.

Just my :2cents:, take it for what it's worth. :confused3:

 

[BGigHarbor]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

I am very glad I bought the LP with the hydraulic scarifier bar. My model happens to be the hrl3578. It's cost almost $4k but if I had to do it again I would buy it again.

And I use it with both the top and tilt.

I was hoping EA would come up with a new version with the hydraulic scarifier bar and a bit heavier than their non beast version, but I needed one this year. Been very happy with the hrl3578 overall. Not really qh compatible, though. Esp when pushing, which I do to some extent with soft material.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

I am very glad I bought the LP with the hydraulic scarifier bar. My model happens to be the hrl3578. It's cost almost $4k but if I had to do it again I would buy it again.

And I use it with both the top and tilt.

I was hoping EA would come up with a new version with the hydraulic scarifier bar and a bit heavier than their non beast version, but I needed one this year. Been very happy with the hrl3578 overall. Not really qh compatible, though. Esp when pushing, which I do to some extent with soft material.

With a std design BB as you have, both the top & tilt cylinders would get used. It really is only with the ROBB that requires little if any top link adjustments once set.

 

[PhysAssist]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

I didn't know he had a hydraulic top link, but yeah I too defer to Brian, he knows a lot more about this stuff than I ever will and he sure has helped me.

Hi, RRR,

No worries, in post #4, he mentioned in passing that he had ordered a hydraulic toplink from someone other than Brain.

Take care,
Thomas

 

[PhysAssist]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

If you think about it, the ROBB was designed when no one had any rear remote hydraulics for their 3pt hitch use. It only makes sense that the top link wouldn't need to be adjusted after the initial adjustment, and typically it does not need any. I know that I very very seldom need to adjust the top link while using my ROBBs once the initial adjustment is made after hitching up.

Here is what I consider the best new ROBB available today, not as good as a Gannon ROBB, but you can only get what you can get.

When using a ROBB, it is FAR more advantageous to have a hydraulic side link than the top link IMO. :wink:

Hi Brian,

Sorry about taking your name in vain, but at least it proves that I listen.

That AB-Eagle Line BBlooks awesome, as do many of their implements. How is that company for pricing (in your opinion)?

Those pictures of my BB's big brother are making me want to get out and do some diggong, but I have a few more weeksx before I'll be allowed (by my ortho, and especially my wife) to get that going.

Take care,
Thomas

PS: I still trying to figure out if getting tilt will be worth it for me, and then if so, how I'll afford it. Without existing rear remotes, I'm sure that it will be an expensive and PIA procedure.

 

[whis]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

Gannon is the best. It will still be going when your tractor is worn out

 

[jenkinsph]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

I have had good luck with the Gannon 84" which is very similar to the 78" model you listed. The heavier boxblade with floating tailgate will hold the grade much better than a lighter blade can. I bought my Frontier/Gannon in 2005 and am very satisfied with it. My tractor (4520 cab) weighs about 5500lbs, I could add a little more weight if box blading was my most common use. Your tractor with fel should be about the same weight without rear ballast, when you factor the ballast into your tractor weight I suspect you will approach 6500 lbs. At this 6500 lbs you should be able to handle a 78 to 84" Gannon well enough.

I would recommend you get both top and tilt cylinder setup from Fit Rite Hydraulics.

 

[npalen]

Re: Replacing Box Blade - which to get? Gannon BB (76HB) vs EA BB (XTreme Duty 78")

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/private-party-ads/280526-gannon-earthcavator-6-sale.html

Hey, here's a Gannon Earthcavator for sale!!!! Only problem is it's location--central Kansas. Yuck.