Grading Tractor as Bulldozer/ Kubota Front Blade

[Charlesaf3]

I noticed that Kubota sells a front blade, which implies they think CUTs can be used as bulldozers (I assume light duty). Anyone used one, or have any idea how well they'd work?

I'd be worried about bending the FEL loader arms, but assumably that's not an issue if its a manufacturers stock item. Also, I'd guess that the FEL bucket puts a fair bit of force on the arms when digging.

How well would it compare to a similarly outfitted skid steer? Do skid steers make decent "mini" dozers?

 

[Musclford]

I noticed that Kubota sells a front blade, which implies they think CUTs can be used as bulldozers (I assume light duty). Anyone used one, or have any idea how well they'd work?

I'd be worried about bending the FEL loader arms, but assumably that's not an issue if its a manufacturers stock item. Also, I'd guess that the FEL bucket puts a fair bit of force on the arms when digging.

How well would it compare to a similarly outfitted skid steer? Do skid steers make decent "mini" dozers?

I could be mistaken, but I believe the frt blade (I think used as a snow plow) uses a separate mount than the FEL ARMs...

My neighbor has one and it mounts to the frame which requires removal of the MMM..

Got a pic, please post it...if that's not the case.

Musclford

 

[rdsaustintx]

Photo attached. It looks like it is frame-mounted, definitely not on loader arms.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Interesting. I don't have a pic - it may well use a subframe. Tough to see in the stuff on Kubotas website - just says its compatible with the FEL, which I assumed meant it went on the loader arms, but that could well be a bad assumption

 

[Dusty]

I believe that it is more for grading loose material than it is for bulldozing. I don't believe that the tractor has enough weight or the traction to use it as a bulldozer. I might be wrong, but look at the picture. Kubota never shows tractors doing work that they are not intended to be used for. I have seen these blades up close and personal, and I don't see them as being that strongly constructed that they would work very long as earth movers. Moving loose fluffy material is a lot easier than pushing hard packed ground. I would say that it could be used to grade a garden, but a driveway might be pushing the outer limits of its construction. Dusty

 

[MadReferee]

The front blade for the Kubota B-series does require a subframe. In fact it's the same subframe as the front snowblower without the PTO shaft. The MMM brackets must be removed. MSRP will be about $1400 for the blade and $900 for the subframe mount.

 

[ccsial]

I noticed that Kubota sells a front blade, which implies they think CUTs can be used as bulldozers (I assume light duty). Anyone used one, or have any idea how well they'd work?

I'd be worried about bending the FEL loader arms, but assumably that's not an issue if its a manufacturers stock item. Also, I'd guess that the FEL bucket puts a fair bit of force on the arms when digging.

How well would it compare to a similarly outfitted skid steer? Do skid steers make decent "mini" dozers?

You'll find you don't have enough traction to call it a bulldozer. For the most part loose materials is correct. You should not damage anything unless you do a running start.

The skid steer will be better. Put tracks on it and you will have a mini-dozer.

 

[RonR]

Here's my alternative to a bota front blade.

Since I had the left over steel, all I have invested is my time and a few $$$ for welding it up.

I did a job where I needed to push some loose dirt, and level it out. Figured something like this would work faster than just using the FEL.

FYI, it's 3/8 x 4 strap. Held to the bucket with two 1/2" bolts, so it goes on/off easy.

Enjoy.

ron

 

[HomeBrew2]

Here's my alternative to a bota front blade.

Oooo, I like that!

 

[Charlesaf3]

Thanks all, makes sense.

RonR, how well has that worked for you? I was thinking of doing a similar thing - mounting a HF quick hitch on an attachment QA blank, and putting a rear blade on it for snow/grading. Total cost would be a lot less than a plow blade.