Box Scraper What size box blade?

gringo · Nov 16, 2014

I want to get a box blade for my JD 3203 and I'm trying to figure out what size would work best for my tractor. Waffling between a 5ft and a 6ft model. A 6ft BB would probably be better for snow removal, but I'm not sure if my tractor would handle it well for dirt work. I don't want to get the bigger BB and then not be able to use it effectively for dirt work.
Any feedback on this?

MtnViewRanch · Nov 16, 2014

A good size box blade for you is a 65" wide unit. While you tractor may handle a 6 footer, there are many times that it will not. A 5 footer you could handle pretty much all of the time. A good compromise is a 65" wide unit IMO.

You really want a 6'-7' rear blade for snow use. Not so much a box blade. If you have your tires ballasted, the 7' rear blade should be fine for your tractor.

Get as heavy of unit as you can afford for any grading type implement.

Just my :2cents:, good luck.

George2615 · Nov 16, 2014

Assuming your rear wheel width is around 65" there are many places you can order a 66" wide box blade. Just wide enough to cover your tracks. That's what I go by, just enough to cover the track width.
I also agree with Brian that a back blade instead of a box blade would be of better use for snow plowing. Probably a 6'er which when angled would be close to covering your tracks.

Baby Grand · Nov 16, 2014

Measure your rear tire track width, sidewall to sidewall.
A box blade equal to or a few inches wider is ideal; it will allow you to cut grade with the blade into a side hill while keeping your tires on the same plane as the cutting edge. Get one as heavy as you can lift or afford for cutting performance. Top-N-Tilt is the bees knees for box & rear blade grading - it will greatly improve your ability to get a job done before the weekend is over, it gets dark or it starts to rain. There never seems to be enough time to do a job right, the first time. A box blade, well chosen for your particular tractor, and TnT (if you can manage it), will buy you back some a lot of wasted time.