how to use a box blade

Box blades for tractors are primarily used for leveling, grading, backfilling, or spreading materials like gravel or soil. They typically attach to the back of tractors and provide operators with a versatile implement that can be used for many applications.

What is a Box Blade

A box blade for a tractor looks like a 3-sided metal box and includes front and rear scraping blades that are located on the bottom of the rear panel. Box blades for tractors use scarifiers (angled metal teeth) to dig into the ground and break up the dirt or soil so it can be shaped to match the operator's preference.

Now that we have a better understanding of what a box blade is, let's take a look at how it's used (Remember, working with a box blade takes practice and it may take a few uses before you start becoming fully comfortable with operating).

Educate Yourself Before Working with a Box Blade
Adjust the Top Link
Get Scarifiers in Position
Level the Box Blade
Run Tractor Over Newly-Filled Holes

1. Educate Yourself Before Working with a Box Blade

Before you start working with a box blade , take the time to read through the Operator's Manual. By doing so, you'll gain a better understanding of the equipment, and most importantly, how to operate it safely.

2. Adjust the Top Link

When taking on a scraping project, start by adjusting the top link so the cutting blades (front and rear) are touching the ground. Doing so will promote a basic smoothing action. If you want your box blade for a tractor to scrape more aggressively, simply shorten the top link so the blade is angled forwards.

3. Get Scarifiers in Position

If you have bumps on your surface that you want to flatten, put the scarifiers in the locked position and angle the box blade forward just a bit. The scarifiers will break the ground apart and after this is done, they should be pulled back up to prepare for smoothing out the surface.

4. Level the Box Blade for your Tractor

After the ground has been worked over by the scarifiers, level the box blade on both sides and lengthen the top link so the blades are angled slightly upwards. Set the 3-point to the "float" position and start pulling the implement along the ground. The rear blade will gently smooth the surface as you move along.

5. Run Tractor Over Newly-Filled Holes

If low spots have been filled with loose material, it's a good idea to drive over the area a few times with the tractor's tires to ensure it's packed down. If a depression remains on the surface after riding over it, fill it in and repeat until it's level.

Visit this page for more information about box blades for tractors or contact your local John Deere dealer if you're looking for a box blade to help you with your next project.

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