UTV vs boxblade and mower

[Box5]

Hi, we have a 10 acre lot that has car sized trails wrapping around the hills, along with a washboard gravel driveway. I recently had a small b7100 tractor with a boxblade, and it did a nice job grading it smooth, but wasn't stable enough on the trails. The tractor had no rops, so it wasn't ideal for the type of trails and work needed to be done.

I have a couple UTV's in mind after doing some research. The Ranger Xp, RTV, or Mule. The Ranger is top on my list since it seems to be the best all around work/play utv.

My question is:

1. Can a utv like the ranger pull a 4' box blade of some kind without over stressing it?

2. Can you go at a slow and steady enough pace to run a boxblade, like you can with a tractor where you just sit in a gear and idle away.

I'll probably have more question's the closer we get to purchasing one, but thats all for now. Thanks

 

[rdam]

How would you hook a true 3PT boxblade to a UTV? I know they make straight blades for plowing that can be attached, but I've never heard of a box blade. Lots of force involved in dragging a box.....I don't think a UTV is up to the task.

 

[Ken45101]

I agree with rdam, I can't imagine a box blade on a utility vehicle. Maybe you could rig up a mount for a landscape rake (especially with guage wheels on it) that might do the job. But remember that with neither a box blade or a landscape rake will you be able to back up unless you have some way of lifting it.

In what was was the tractor "not stable enough" on the trails?

Ken

 

[Box5]

It wanted to wheelie back on some of the hills. And on the off camber turns it felt like it would roll over. And with no Rops I wasn't enjoying that.

I really think a UTV is going to be the best choice since it can haul firewood with ease, and is very mobile. And I can atleast tow a self propelled mower behind it to keep the trails clear. Then i'll just use my excavator to plow the driveway from time to time.

 

[Ken45101]

It wanted to wheelie back on some of the hills. And on the off camber turns it felt like it would roll over. And with no Rops I wasn't enjoying that.

That sounds like it needed front weights. Did it have any front weights? That would make a big difference in stability.

Ken

 

[Box5]

Its really turning into a tough decision. I've had a small tractor and saw what it can do. My mini excavator is with me forever, its invaluable. But its not something to clear trails with, and haul firewood or dirt in the bed etc. And with a Ranger for example, once work is done, you can go bash around on trails with it for fun. Im really just looking for the best all around piece of equipment to keep this place trim, and why not get some fun out of it to if you can.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Get a pull type box blade with either electric or hydraulic lift (depending on how the UTV is equipped). I think you will be fine pulling it with something like the Kubotra RTV and I know the RTV has the hydraulic option so it would be good for fixing up trails. I also think the hydro on it would give you good control over your ground speed while working with the box blade.

Or if you really want the best of both worlds get a Bobcat Toolcat. I know they cost a fortune but they look like fun and would meet your needs perfectly.

 

[Box5]

Hmm, Even has a 3pt, and option for a fel. Depends how capable they are offroad, because our trails have some steep inclines where it would need power and traction. Thats why I had the ranger high on the list.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I don't recall anyone complaining about the Toolcat lacking power or traction. If anything is is more utility then the RTV is but lacking in the sport when compared to the ranger. There are guys on here with Toolcats and I am sure they will jump in eventually and be able to answer any questions you have about the Toolcat.

 

[Box5]

Are there any front mount mowers that can be mounted to a ranger?

I have some idea's to fabricate a mount system if there aren't any available.

Aside from this guy being way to cool wearing a helmet mowing the lawn, I like this setup, but on a utv.