Box Scraper What size box blade?

Exbellicus · Feb 17, 2018

Disclaimer: My knowledge of farm equipment is minimal.

In the market for a box blade. We have 35 acres and my tractor is a Kubota mx52 4wd. We added rear hydraulic lines. Besides the typical grading gravel driveway and leveling low spots, I'd love to be able to move some dirt around to fill in big low spots and maybe dig a duck pond.

Not sure what size I should get...we have an 8ft rotary mower and it sticks out about a foot on each side of the tires. Also see some hinged or curved back...etc. Would like to keep the price cap around $1k, but I plan on having this forever so wouldn't be opposed to paying a little more for something that will be better in the long run.

mcfarmall · Feb 17, 2018

Welcome to the forum! Just from reading your post, I'd say get one that is the same as the width of the outside of your tires. I know the guys on here also say the ones with the thickest side plates are better...more weight. They also make nice counterweights for FEL (front end loader) work if you have one.

sandman2234 · Feb 17, 2018

The general rule is you want to cover your tracks with a box blade, as was mentioned. The heavier the better, but there are limits as you want to be able to lift the box blade with no issues, such as a light front end or straining your hydraulics.
There is an implement not used a lot by tractor owners called a pond scoop (or dirt scoop) that is 3 point hook-up that will dig and carry dirt a little at a time. I have one that I used a lot when I was filling low spots in my front yard. Is it fast, not at all, because it only carries about 1/4 yard of dirt at a time, but it beats a shovel all day long! There are two widths of pond scoops that I know of, a 24" and a 30". I have one of each, and the 30" carries a lot more dirt.
David from jax

Turbys_1700 · Feb 17, 2018

I have a New Holland Workmaster 50 that is comparable in size and performance to your MX 52. I found an 8' Taylor Way fixed tailgate box blade off Craigslist for $500. It weighs around 750#. I've also got an 8' Super Rhino Utility scrape blade that weighs 760#. Those implements match up well with my tractor. I would get at least a 7 footer.

lpigott · Feb 17, 2018

LMC HD unit 7’ cost about $750 new and is heavier and stronger than most you will find that cost way more.

gersus · Feb 17, 2018

$750 is a great price for a 7 footer. They look like theyre built well too.

oosik · Feb 17, 2018

The way my Kubota M6040 is setup right now - its 80" wide at the rear tires and weighs 10,100 pounds. I have a Bush Hog 720 roll over box blade(ROBB) - weighs 710# and is 72" wide.

I use it to maintain the trails throughout my property and my mile long gravel driveway. I've NEVER found that being narrower than the rear tires was any disadvantage.

The one item that makes all "ground contact" implements work more efficiently - hydraulic top link. It allows you to make finite adjustments on the go - without leaving the seat of your tractor and definitely reduces frustration. Allows you to fine tune the "attack angle" of any implement and improve efficiency.

TripleR · Feb 17, 2018

I have a similar tractor and in my opinion, (in general) the ideal one in the standard configuration is an HR3584 or as close to it as your wallet will allow. I like the ROBB, but can't use one, so it may well be great for you, I just don't have any personal knowledge.

Steppenwolfe · Feb 17, 2018

Exbellicus said:
Disclaimer: My knowledge of farm equipment is minimal.

In the market for a box blade. We have 35 acres and my tractor is a Kubota mx52 4wd. We added rear hydraulic lines. Besides the typical grading gravel driveway and leveling low spots, I'd love to be able to move some dirt around to fill in big low spots and maybe dig a duck pond.

Not sure what size I should get...we have an 8ft rotary mower and it sticks out about a foot on each side of the tires. Also see some hinged or curved back...etc. Would like to keep the price cap around $1k, but I plan on having this forever so wouldn't be opposed to paying a little more for something that will be better in the long run.

6 to 7 ft.