tractor big enough?

[Jpcjguy]

Hi everyone,

I live on 2 acres outside of Richmond, VA. Mostly grass and I want to do some grading/leveling.
Here is a picture of the first area:

Grass quality is bad and there are ruts so I want to kill everything and grade it smooth.

The second area:

This area is rutted and roots are showing - just to the trees and maybe 5 feet beyond - not the whole side yard. I have a drainage issue - all the water from the driveway runs into this area and washes the dirt. I have trimmed the trees up a bunch to allow more light for the grass. What I want to do is add about 2-3 inches of fresh topsoil and replant grass.

Now the question - My neighbor has a Case DX25e with LX110 loader and turf tires. He is interested in getting a box blade for it and I would contribute to the cost if I could use it. I assume this would work ok for these areas since I am not really digging much up.
How big of a box blade should we get? I am thinking 4' or maybe 5' - probably go to northern or tractor supply.

Thoughts?

 

[jim44]

I would think your first area is too small and confined for a box blade and tractor to be of much benefit. Looks more like maybe a tiller, shovel, and wheel barrow project. Amongst the trees, tearing up the exposed roots would be a concern if using a box blade. You would have to get the extra dirt in and then box blade it smooth, maybe. Even so, the trees are going to make it sort of an obstacle course. That's about all I have to offer except for sympathy. In any case, I'm glad it's you and NOT me.

 

[Jpcjguy]

Jim44,

Hahahaha! I am lucky like that with projects that end up having to use my back!
Thanks for the reply. The first area is small - I was thinking about two or three passes in the center area and then hand around the edges.
The second area I would not dig down at all - just add a 3 inch layer and use the box blade/loader to smooth and compress somewhat.

 

[k0ua]

If you are good with a loader you can do most of it with just back dragging with the loader. It does take skill. But then again so does running a box blade or grader blade. Neither are for first time users, but you have to learn some how. Good luck with it. Me I would just use the loader but I have the benefit of about 25 years of doing that.

 

[Jpcjguy]

k0ua - Agree 100% - it does take skill and you do have to start somewhere. Worst case I get it close with the loader/box blade and finish by hand.

 

[k0ua]

k0ua - Agree 100% - it does take skill and you do have to start somewhere. Worst case I get it close with the loader/box blade and finish by hand.

I think that is a good plan.

 

[mike69440]

Hi everyone,

I live on 2 acres outside of Richmond, VA. Mostly grass and I want to do some grading/leveling.
Here is a picture of the first area:

Grass quality is bad and there are ruts so I want to kill everything and grade it smooth.

The second area:

This area is rutted and roots are showing - just to the trees and maybe 5 feet beyond - not the whole side yard. I have a drainage issue - all the water from the driveway runs into this area and washes the dirt. I have trimmed the trees up a bunch to allow more light for the grass. What I want to do is add about 2-3 inches of fresh topsoil and replant grass.

Now the question - My neighbor has a Case DX25e with LX110 loader and turf tires. He is interested in getting a box blade for it and I would contribute to the cost if I could use it. I assume this would work ok for these areas since I am not really digging much up.
How big of a box blade should we get? I am thinking 4' or maybe 5' - probably go to northern or tractor supply.

Thoughts?

Most of the time I try to talk people out of a subcompact, but in your case a subcompact witha york rakr/ small BB & tiny loader will lessen the hand rake and shovel effort.

How friendly are you with your neighbor?

 

[Jpcjguy]

Neighbor is a good friend and has offered the use of the tractor numerous times. I just need to come and get it. The rear tires of the tractor is 47" so I would think a 4ft would be best size to go through the grass. (worry is the turf tires not getting traction) My thought is if I have to rent a box blade 2-3 times at $70 a pop, I would rather give him the money toward buying one so that I have access to it and he gets another attachment at a lower cost.

 

[Teachu2]

Neighbor is a good friend and has offered the use of the tractor numerous times. I just need to come and get it. The rear tires of the tractor is 47" so I would think a 4ft would be best size to go through the grass. (worry is the turf tires not getting traction) My thought is if I have to rent a box blade 2-3 times at $70 a pop, I would rather give him the money toward buying one so that I have access to it and he gets another attachment at a lower cost.

Sounds like a good plan - might check Craigslist, too. I've seen 4' ones go for $2-300 here.

 

[hcallaway]

If you have posted on this site over 50 times, you should be asking if you should buy a tractor and which one! You do have a great neighbor. I won't lend my tractor to anyone, but I will do the work for them. He should have a grader box. That is a must have item. For the small area a front end loader is the ticket. Why tear it up? You just look like all you need is more topsoil. The other area, I am not sure what you can really accomplish except for leveling it out to get rid of drainage issues. Once again the best option is going to be the front end loader. You are not really removing anything as far as I can tell. With all your trees I would extend your mulch beds as well as add dirt. Living in Richmond like you, if you don't have irrigation you are going to have bald spots in heavy shade areas. I still think as a friend you need to let me help you spend some of that money on your own tractor. You know you need it!!!!!