TC18 capable of running a 5ft CountyLine Box Blade?

[brenth561]

Purchased the 5ft CL box blade today at tractor supply for $580 out the door. After getting on here and reading some it seems that the 4ft box blade would be best. I plan to use it to maintain my gravel driveway, level out some dirt, and possibly make path through some brush I am clearing. They have a 4ft box blade for $549 less the 10% discount but it is CAT 0. The manager said to take home and try it and if the tractor isnt powerful enough then bring it back. Would it be possible to convert the 4ft CL blade over to allow use on my 3 point cat 1? Should I stick with the 5ft, modify the 4ft cat 0 (if possible) or look at other options in the 4ft category like united?

Reading into how to use this on my gravel driveway I need to put the rear pto into float... can someone explain this to me. Would this be to use the lever to put the box into the position that it sits on the ground or just above it?

 

[motownbrowne]

Purchased the 5ft CL box blade today at tractor supply for $580 out the door. After getting on here and reading some it seems that the 4ft box blade would be best. I plan to use it to maintain my gravel driveway, level out some dirt, and possibly make path through some brush I am clearing. They have a 4ft box blade for $549 less the 10% discount but it is CAT 0. The manager said to take home and try it and if the tractor isnt powerful enough then bring it back. Would it be possible to convert the 4ft CL blade over to allow use on my 3 point cat 1? Should I stick with the 5ft, modify the 4ft cat 0 (if possible) or look at other options in the 4ft category like united?

Reading into how to use this on my gravel driveway I need to put the rear pto into float... can someone explain this to me. Would this be to use the lever to put the box into the position that it sits on the ground or just above it?

I can't help you with the size question, other than doing as the manager suggested: try it and see.

Unless you have a very uncommon tractor setup, your three point never has down pressure. Push the lever all the way down, and it is in "float".

 

[jwstewar]

I run a 60" Box Blade with my TC24D. I've got a few more HP than you, but the same traction (other than I've loaded my tires with Windshield Washer fluid). I find I usually run out of traction before HP, so I don't think you would see a lot of difference. If I were doing real heavy breaking up of dirt and such, I might want a smaller blade, but from the sounds of it, you should be fine.

 

[brenth561]

I run a 60" Box Blade with my TC24D. I've got a few more HP than you, but the same traction (other than I've loaded my tires with Windshield Washer fluid). I find I usually run out of traction before HP, so I don't think you would see a lot of difference. If I were doing real heavy breaking up of dirt and such, I might want a smaller blade, but from the sounds of it, you should be fine.

Thanks for all the help guys!

Used the blade over the weekend and it worked pretty good but I am going to return it and try a king kutter 4ft. It worked great up until the box got full and that is when the tractor would stop pulling it. It did pull a box full of loose dirt just fine but not a bucket full of gravel. From what I read, the BB produces best results when full. The 5ft also hangs out past the wheels so I needed to be conscious of its position. The 4ft should sit pretty behind it. Will post results when I get to use it.

A few quick questions:
1. Do I need to use the clutch when raising and lowering the BB?
2. Is there anyway to drop the BB in the back and then not have my mid mount mower drop?

 

[jwstewar]

No, you do not have to push the clutch in to raise or lower the 30th hitch.

Yes, you can raise or lower the 30th hitch without the deck moving. There should be some pins about 3" long that can be used to pin the mower deck in the up position. However, that being said, if you are doing any serious dirt work, I would take the deck off so that you aren't dragging it through the dirt and so you don't get high centered.

 

[Texasmark]

I had a 3 cyl diesel AC 18 hp, 2 wd, small, modern type of design...no row cropper, tractor years ago and I found it too light to do any good with a box or straight blade....couldn't keep the front tires on the ground for steering purposes and when lifting the implement, the front tires wanted to lift off the ground.

So, not knowing what you have, keep in mind that you may have to weigh the front end to get the kind of performance you expect. Not a big deal from a make it happen standpoint, but something to consider.

 

[jwstewar]

I had a 3 cyl diesel AC 18 hp, 2 wd, small, modern type of design...no row cropper, tractor years ago and I found it too light to do any good with a box or straight blade....couldn't keep the front tires on the ground for steering purposes and when lifting the implement, the front tires wanted to lift off the ground.

So, not knowing what you have, keep in mind that you may have to weigh the front end to get the kind of performance you expect. Not a big deal from a make it happen standpoint, but something to consider.

That really shouldn't be an issue with this tractor - especially if he has a FEL.

 

[brenth561]

That really shouldn't be an issue with this tractor - especially if he has a FEL.

Yes I do have a FEL. The 4ft BB sits perfect behind the TC18 and is align with the rear wheels. I am going to keep some concrete rocks that I tore up for use in the future if I ever need to weigh down the front.