Roll ur own land plane build

[Leyenda30]

Hi All,

New to TBN and have been reading with appreciation for the great knowledge shared here. I just recently purchased a JD 4400 HST with 430 loader and have been having a ball here in NE Florida. We are clearing overgrown land and want to level some areas. I found a cheap used box blade and figured I'd modify it rather than put out the bucks for a new landplane since used ones are rare. The end product can be used as land plane or unbolted to use as the original boxblade. It cost me a couple hundred in metal froma fab shop but could be built cheaper with a little scrounging. The adjustable link allows height adjustments and if raised all the way up, extra weight on the boxblade. The rear blade is 6"x 6"x i/2" angle and the rear tube is " schedule 40 pipe.

 

[Rustyiron]

I like your thinking, and anytime I can make something "convertable" I'm into it. Looks real nice!
welcome to TBN

 

[Artisan]

That's thinkin' outside the box!

 

[EddieWalker]

I like it. How well does it work? Could you please post some pics of it in operation?

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[Kioti guy]

That is slick, I think I may have to steal your idea and build myself one..Craig

 

[Leyenda30]

Rustyiron,

Thanks for the kind words.

Artisan,

...literally...

 

[Leyenda30]

EddieWalker,

Thanks Eddie. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but will get some pics and result soon. BTW, I really enjoyed reading about your lake build...what a story. And your parent home...you don't mess around...well done. JP

Kioti guy,

That's always the best compliment...glad you like it. JP

 

[Donald A D]

I'm really liking that.
Going to start scrounging for material and build one.
Thanks for the great idea.
Donald A.

 

[flusher]

Slick idea-congrats on an excellent build:thumbsup:

 

[Leyenda30]

Donald A D, flusher,

Thanks I'm glad you like it. I'll be curious to see your version.

There should be a lot of adjustability between the tractors third link and the rear link. Our tractor has been in the shop for starter ring gear repair , then fuel solenoid...every day something else so no chance to try it yet. JP

 

[Mousefield]

What a smart idea. Love it that you can unbolt the back portion. :thumbsup:
Will look forward to seeing pics of it in action.

 

[Attono]

I'm also interested in seeing how it works. I would think the box blade would hold the dirt and prevent the plane from working.

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

I'm also interested in seeing how it works. I would think the box blade would hold the dirt and prevent the plane from working.

---------------
Maybe........... But I imagine you could run the top link real short on the box blade and long enough on the plane to keep it flat.
I suspect anyway........

Good idea. Please post in action pictures and report.

Enjoy

 

[mjncad]

Interesting concept, I'm curious as to how well it works.

 

[stingray1]

Looks good can't wait to see how it works.keep us posted.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

Have never used a land plane and not much time with a box blade which is why I don't understand how the box blade won't really be in the way. Would it work if you put some tabs on top of the plane and bolted the box blade to the top of the plane, although you probably wouldnt have much ground clearance.

 

[Leyenda30]

Well the tractor is finally back home. Fuel shutoff relay thermistor and on and on. I was able to get a short video of the landplane in action. It still needs some fine tuning and the ground had alot of roots and limbs in it so it didn't flow as well as clean dirt or gravel but overall I'm pleased for the first try. The box does hold more than it should but it leveled this area we are working on for a riding arena very well. I may cut opening s for doors in the back of the boxblade if it is needed but will try to adjust it where it doesn't cut so aggressively first.

: DIY landplane - YouTube

 

[Leyenda30]

Thanks guys for the compliments. Sorry for the delay getting the video but getting the video staff(wife) coordinated and tractor back in action took longer than expected. It's a balancing act to get the tractor 3rd link long enough to raise the front cutting blade where it just skims the high spots and the rear link shortened to support the box weight and control the depth. When the box gets too full the weight can lift the rear up resulting in a deeper cut...sort of a teeter-tooter effect. I try to vary the depth with the hydraulics some also. Let me know what you think now that you can see it working. Again clean dirt would make it much better so keep that in mind.

 

[nuffer460]

Leyenade30, Looks good. I think the box blade is too flat. If you were to shorten to toplink to the box blade. It should roll it forward. The boxblade cutting edge shouldn't cut as hard. Then lengthen the toplink to the planner section. That should put more weight on the plan and take some weight of the boxblade. Just thinking out loud. I can see were it will do a great job. just a little fine tuning.

 

[PapaPerk]

That's thinkin' outside the box!

Lol!!! Great pun right there. I agree... Nice job!!