I like this. Straight to the point, good examples, helpful and talks just enough in a way that's pleasing. Stick with this format ! thanks for the info
Gene Reynolds AKA Yoda Hi, Gene! Thanks for commenting. No matter what age, learning to use tools like these are extremely fun. You have a wealth of knowledge that all of us young guns can learn from, too. Happy tractoring!
Well done 👍. I had a landscaping business back in 2003 and the box blade was invaluable. You covered the basics very well. I don’t think this applies to you, but I would suggest that anyone who thinks they are going to use a box blade for business, invest in a top and tilt kit.
I got a 4 foot Titan for my Kubota BX 1870 no loader but handles well so far without any front counter weight. Still learning and your video helped a lot so maybe now I can use it right. Have a Blessed Day
Hi Michael, be sure to keep us posted on how well your 4 footer works. I love box blades. They have so many uses and are easy to control once you get the hang of it. It took me a few tries. Thanks for sharing. God bless!
I wish I had gotten the 5 foot box blade instead of the 4 foot. The 4 works great, I've covered landscaping my entire little 1 and a quarter acre massive acreage land stake with it, but when you need to get as tight as possible to chain link fence posts you just can't do it with a box blade that's the same width as the tractor. When dealing with a Siberian Husky that seems to think fences were made for digging under or climbing over, (yes, she actually climbs up a 5 foot chain link fence to go galivanting) being able to simply grade in a berm against the bottom of the chain link can make all the difference in the world. The options I have left is do it by hand, which is not my first choice, buy yet another attachment such as a back blade, or make my box blade work by forever going back and forth for the entire distance around the chain link perimeter. Such is very time consuming and frustrating. Consider too that I live in the high desert mountains where wildfires are a reality, which means my box blade's main duty is scraping the desert brush and grass back to desert dirt/sand as a preventative weed abatement against wild fire at least once a year. It does a terrific job and makes the job quite enjoyable, but you still have to go along the edge of the fence the hard way.
Seems everyone is throwing in their two cents, so here is mine. You might consider getting your tires loaded. It adds weight, but the weight is low, so it also lowers your center of gravity. I use a 6 foot behind my 2025r and my tires are loaded along with empty bucket front loader, I have had it stop me only twice, however I just put it in 4 wheel drive and off I go again. Normally I only need 2 wheel drive to use my box blade. Good luck with your drainage issue.
Yup! That does work. I use a water and antifreeze mixture so I don't have to fret frozen fluid in the winter. Had the John Deere dealership do it for me when I ordered the tractor. Can't go wrong that way.
Great video and explanation of using a box blade. I'm extremely considering getting a 1025R to do a bunch of landscaping and show removal on my place. The amount of leveling that I need to do is crazy and this seems like a better all around approach compared to the land plain.
Thanks for your comments! I would whole heartedly encourage you to get a 1025r or other sub-compact tractor, regardless of the brand. They are incredibly handy for household projects. I personally think you will have a better chance with a box blade for land leveling than a land plane, but I am likely biased. I've never had a situation where I've wanted a land plane over a box blade. I've always had success with my box blade.
@@TheLittleGreenTractor they sure seem handy as can be. I was impressed with how much you did with yours at the place that you leveled the yard by the lake. That's a good chunk of work! You're thoughts on the box blade are where I'm at as well. They seem much more versatile overall. Do you do snow removal with yours? I haven't delved into all of your videos yet. If so how does it hold up? If I get one then I'll definitely be using it for that. I think I'm pretty sold on the 1025R just because it seems to outperform others in its class. I binges all of TTWT's videos on his comparisons and it sold me. Just a matter of spending the money. They are pretty much impossible to find used around here.
@@05subisti The box blade works excellent for snow removal in my opinion. Its far more efficient than simply using your bucket to back drag, since the the box blade has sides that help box in the snow instead of seeping around the edges of the bucket. I also like it in instances where the snow becomes packed down from tire tracks and such. The blade can scrape it right down. And in situations where you dont want it to cut so hard, you can just lengthen your top link and lean the box back. If you decide to go with a 1025r, John Deere typically has very good financing options for 0% in many cases. Ask if the dealer has any "holdovers" that were not purchased last year. They are still brand new machines, but it might be a year old. They typically will offer them at a discount if the new model year has already come out. Odds are they are exactly the same but cheaper. Thats how I got a good deal on my 1025r. I bought it in 2019 but mine is a 2017. It was brand new but I received nearly 20% off since it was a holdover that nobody bought. I believe you are right, finding a good used one is tough.
For snow removal, I shorten the top link. This helps scrape the concrete pads off better. The other advantage is that I can use it to push snow backwards without dragging gravel into my grass.
I couldn’t agree more Terry. I do exactly the same. I enjoy pushing backwards over my grassy areas with the top link as short as possible. It doesn’t tear up my grass!
Thanks Tristan! Traction is always my biggest obstacle on both snow and dirt surfaces. Then again, it almost doesn’t matter how much weight you have on ice, you’ll just sit and spin haha. Thanks for tuning in!
Hi Nolan! I have that planned for this summer. I haven't quite got there yet but I am considering putting down some crushed rock. It is currently mixed with some gravel, but you are right, it could use more and I think it would definitely help. Thanks for watching and commenting, Nolan!
thanks for the reply I bought a 48inch king kutter box blade last night it was priced very affordable compared to the frontier blade I have some really hard ground to level so I figured the machine might have a better chance with a smaller blade
New subscriber. Nice video, thanks for posting. Here I was thinking of buying a land plane to maintain a 1000' gravel driveway and now I have to rethink. Too bad a guy can't have both. Have you used a land plane?
Thank you! Im glad this video helped. I don't have a land plane and I have never used one, but I know that people love them. It sounds like they are a more cost effective option compared to the box blade. But, I think the box blade is more effective at moving materials.
Hello! Yes, great question. The standard yellow box blades are typically larger. They have taller sides and are usually at least 5ft wide. They are primarily designed for "compact tractors" versus "sub-compact tractors". The XB series are typically smaller and more suited for the sub compact tractors.
Thanks for getting back to me. After a couple of days of research I received a call back from King Kutter. They said what you just posted. It’s just means more fun time on my tractor.
craig bonney Hi Craig. I ended up bending my original one lifting my 3 point hitch with the rops down. I received some tips on some forums that the original top link has category 0 threads making it weaker. The one I have now is from Tractor Supply Co. I picked it up for about $25. Some say these are stronger than the original. Great question!
i wonder how box blades do where i live? so many big ass rocks in the ground i feel like it would break the box or stop the tractor. my tractor is bigger so it’d probably damage the box blade first
Hi LH, We have a ton of rocks in the ground here in ND, at least in the Bismarck area. One trick trick that I like to do is put my scarifiers down all the way so they dig into the soil. They will rip up small to medium rocks and stop you in your tracks for the larger rocks. At least you can find them that way and use your bucket to dig them out (if they're not too big, that is).
Dash Thunder my bucket struggles to get them out, basically the soil and big rocks are so dense it cannot move them. it will literally stop the tractor even with the added weight of the backhoe. total tractor weight 5500 pounds with it on. I have to use the backhoe to scratch them out it’s the only way but there are just so many it’s ridiculous. makes me wonder if there’s any point in buying a box blade. thought it would help me flatten some spots on my property.
Daniel Black not really sure what a rock bucket is. I did end up buying a box blade about 2 weeks ago and am learning how to use it by myself 😳 It sucks when it gets hung up on rocks and it has stopped me a few times but I just go very slow and then raise the box and move on. after a few passes it either loosens and yanks it free or I just avoid them and decide whether or not they really need to come out. I’ve got the backhoe if I really want them out. Other than that it is annoying because the box blade gets pushed up away from the ground by medium rocks that start churning and I can’t scarify the dirt unless i keep making passes until the rocks finally come out and I pick them out by hand or drag them somewhere with the scarify hooks and lift the box to leave them. some ledge rock and big boulders would take way too long to deal with even with the backhoe. Rock bucket probably would help with the shit ton of medium ones but the ledge and boulders hell no, lol. thanks for the input gents
Hi David! I have a 60 inch light materials/snow bucket from Redline Systems Inc. They are located in Hutchinson, MN. I really like the extra volume compared to the standard 53 inch bucket.
@@TheLittleGreenTractor that makes sense I don’t have much snow to move down here in SW Florida, I was wondering about the weight capacity of the tractor
Hi Mike, I have a 60 inch light materials/snow bucket from Redline Systems Inc located in Hutchinson, MN. I love this bucket. For much of my needs, the standard 53” bucket just isn’t enough volume. RSI is a small fabrication shop that make products for both John Deere and Kubota as well as skid steers and other larger equipment. The owners name is Matt and he and his dad are great guys. Check out his website at www.redlinesystemsinc.com. They were a pleasure to work with!
Hi Arturo, great question! For this example I let the box all the way down by pushing the 3 point lever all the way forward. This allows the implement to float along the ground, essentially raising and lowering with the contour of the ground. However, the 1025r does have a height control setting, albeit very flimsy, that allows you to limit how far the implement will go down. This is especially useful for loose soils or material in which you want to be delicate with and not go too deep. If you use the box blade in reverse, like a plow type action, setting the depth so that it cuts just an inch or two into the ground is helpful. That way it doesn't take too much of a bite. I hope this makes sense!
It looks like you are trying to take too much material. The box shouldn’t fill up that fast. When you take too much material you scrape the hard pack and get ruts faster. I never rework my drive. I add more crushed limestone and just flatten it. This way I am just re-establishing the crown after the stone shifts.
YOUR 5 FT . BOX BLADE SCARIFIRE IS TO WIDE FOR REAR OF YOUR TRACTOR TIRES > B U T 4 FT ONE IS JUST RIGHT IF YOUR REAR TIRE ARE 4 FT. ! . BOX BLADE SCARIFIRES WILL MAKE A PERFECT DITCH / IF U ANGLE THE BLADE , AN U MIGHT HAVE TO DROP SCARIFIRE DOWN ALSO TOO ! 5 FT BLADE WILL BE OVER WIDE YOUR TIRES MIGHT IN UP HANG SOMEYHING OUT SIDE OF YOUR TIRES
Great video. Depending on what I’m doing, sometimes the 48” is all the smaller tractor wants.
I absolutlsy love the Box blade and the usage, thanks for the content. Great video!
Love the commentary, camera view on box blade was excellent, loved the sound of both the scraping and machinery.... smooth results!
Great video . Just bought a 5 ft box blade from tractor supply for my 1025r. Using it to rip up my yard and level it to prep for hydroseed.
How much $
@@magoo_1990 believe $700
I like this. Straight to the point, good examples, helpful and talks just enough in a way that's pleasing. Stick with this format ! thanks for the info
I appreciate the great feedback, Garry! I’ll keep this in mind as I move forward.
Great video. To the point, easy to understand, good instruction. Thank you!
Very informative…….I like your insights on the pros and cons of 4’ verse 5’ box blades. I am looking to buy one soon and this video was so helpful.
Thanks, great video for someone as old as am trying to learn and do my property. Good luck with your business also.
Gene Reynolds AKA Yoda Hi, Gene! Thanks for commenting. No matter what age, learning to use tools like these are extremely fun. You have a wealth of knowledge that all of us young guns can learn from, too. Happy tractoring!
Well done 👍.
I had a landscaping business back in 2003 and the box blade was invaluable. You covered the basics very well. I don’t think this applies to you, but I would suggest that anyone who thinks they are going to use a box blade for business, invest in a top and tilt kit.
Do you know if they make a top and tilt kit for a 1025r? Or are those mostly available on the larger series tractors?
I don’t know if they make one for the 1 series. I think that my 2003 JD4410 was around the size if the current 2038 or possibly the 3 series.
I got a 4 foot Titan for my Kubota BX 1870 no loader but handles well so far without any front counter weight. Still learning and your video helped a lot so maybe now I can use it right. Have a Blessed Day
Hi Michael, be sure to keep us posted on how well your 4 footer works. I love box blades. They have so many uses and are easy to control once you get the hang of it. It took me a few tries. Thanks for sharing. God bless!
Rewatched! Love this content and commentary!
Was looking for an explanation on box blade angles... I think you pretty much nailed it. Thanks!
Billy PINER No problem, Billy! Glad I could help! Take care.
I wish I had gotten the 5 foot box blade instead of the 4 foot. The 4 works great, I've covered landscaping my entire little 1 and a quarter acre massive acreage land stake with it, but when you need to get as tight as possible to chain link fence posts you just can't do it with a box blade that's the same width as the tractor. When dealing with a Siberian Husky that seems to think fences were made for digging under or climbing over, (yes, she actually climbs up a 5 foot chain link fence to go galivanting) being able to simply grade in a berm against the bottom of the chain link can make all the difference in the world. The options I have left is do it by hand, which is not my first choice, buy yet another attachment such as a back blade, or make my box blade work by forever going back and forth for the entire distance around the chain link perimeter. Such is very time consuming and frustrating.
Consider too that I live in the high desert mountains where wildfires are a reality, which means my box blade's main duty is scraping the desert brush and grass back to desert dirt/sand as a preventative weed abatement against wild fire at least once a year. It does a terrific job and makes the job quite enjoyable, but you still have to go along the edge of the fence the hard way.
Seems everyone is throwing in their two cents, so here is mine. You might consider getting your tires loaded. It adds weight, but the weight is low, so it also lowers your center of gravity. I use a 6 foot behind my 2025r and my tires are loaded along with empty bucket front loader, I have had it stop me only twice, however I just put it in 4 wheel drive and off I go again. Normally I only need 2 wheel drive to use my box blade. Good luck with your drainage issue.
Yup! That does work. I use a water and antifreeze mixture so I don't have to fret frozen fluid in the winter. Had the John Deere dealership do it for me when I ordered the tractor. Can't go wrong that way.
Great video and explanation of using a box blade. I'm extremely considering getting a 1025R to do a bunch of landscaping and show removal on my place. The amount of leveling that I need to do is crazy and this seems like a better all around approach compared to the land plain.
Thanks for your comments! I would whole heartedly encourage you to get a 1025r or other sub-compact tractor, regardless of the brand. They are incredibly handy for household projects. I personally think you will have a better chance with a box blade for land leveling than a land plane, but I am likely biased. I've never had a situation where I've wanted a land plane over a box blade. I've always had success with my box blade.
@@TheLittleGreenTractor they sure seem handy as can be. I was impressed with how much you did with yours at the place that you leveled the yard by the lake. That's a good chunk of work! You're thoughts on the box blade are where I'm at as well. They seem much more versatile overall. Do you do snow removal with yours? I haven't delved into all of your videos yet. If so how does it hold up? If I get one then I'll definitely be using it for that. I think I'm pretty sold on the 1025R just because it seems to outperform others in its class. I binges all of TTWT's videos on his comparisons and it sold me. Just a matter of spending the money. They are pretty much impossible to find used around here.
@@05subisti The box blade works excellent for snow removal in my opinion. Its far more efficient than simply using your bucket to back drag, since the the box blade has sides that help box in the snow instead of seeping around the edges of the bucket. I also like it in instances where the snow becomes packed down from tire tracks and such. The blade can scrape it right down. And in situations where you dont want it to cut so hard, you can just lengthen your top link and lean the box back. If you decide to go with a 1025r, John Deere typically has very good financing options for 0% in many cases. Ask if the dealer has any "holdovers" that were not purchased last year. They are still brand new machines, but it might be a year old. They typically will offer them at a discount if the new model year has already come out. Odds are they are exactly the same but cheaper. Thats how I got a good deal on my 1025r. I bought it in 2019 but mine is a 2017. It was brand new but I received nearly 20% off since it was a holdover that nobody bought. I believe you are right, finding a good used one is tough.
@@TheLittleGreenTractor that's very good to know. I did not think to ask about the holdovers. Sounds like I have some research to do!
For snow removal, I shorten the top link. This helps scrape the concrete pads off better. The other advantage is that I can use it to push snow backwards without dragging gravel into my grass.
I couldn’t agree more Terry. I do exactly the same. I enjoy pushing backwards over my grassy areas with the top link as short as possible. It doesn’t tear up my grass!
Great video
Love video got deal on 6 ft bb brand new behind farm pro 2420 not that tractor can't handle it biggest issue is traction on snow and ice
Thanks Tristan! Traction is always my biggest obstacle on both snow and dirt surfaces. Then again, it almost doesn’t matter how much weight you have on ice, you’ll just sit and spin haha. Thanks for tuning in!
Have you considered putting stone down in your driveway? That would stop the mud from being tracked into your garage and house I would think.
Hi Nolan! I have that planned for this summer. I haven't quite got there yet but I am considering putting down some crushed rock. It is currently mixed with some gravel, but you are right, it could use more and I think it would definitely help. Thanks for watching and commenting, Nolan!
Picking up a box blade tomorrow for my old 2305 still not sure if I want a 48/54/60" blade lol
I hope you picked the one you liked! Which size did you end up choosing? Have you tried it yet?
nice job
I need a to get one for my 1025r I need to do some land leveling and driveway maintenance i will get a 5 footer too
I enjoy my 5 footer and I think it was the right choice for me also.
thanks for the reply I bought a 48inch king kutter box blade last night it was priced very affordable compared to the frontier blade I have some really hard ground to level so I figured the machine might have a better chance with a smaller blade
New subscriber. Nice video, thanks for posting. Here I was thinking of buying a land plane
to maintain a 1000' gravel driveway and now I have to rethink. Too bad a guy can't have both.
Have you used a land plane?
Thank you! Im glad this video helped. I don't have a land plane and I have never used one, but I know that people love them. It sounds like they are a more cost effective option compared to the box blade. But, I think the box blade is more effective at moving materials.
I like you video on this attachment. Do you know what the difference between the XB and the standard Box Blade besides the color
Hello! Yes, great question. The standard yellow box blades are typically larger. They have taller sides and are usually at least 5ft wide. They are primarily designed for "compact tractors" versus "sub-compact tractors". The XB series are typically smaller and more suited for the sub compact tractors.
Thanks for getting back to me. After a couple of days of research I received a call back from King Kutter. They said what you just posted. It’s just means more fun time on my tractor.
👍
Which bucket is that? Looks much bigger than the OEM one i have.
Redline systems Inc located in Hutchinson, MN. They made good stuff for JD and Kubota plus skidsteers and other loaders!
A hydraulic top link would be awesome
I agree! I've seen a top link option for the 1025r now, but I do not know much about it. I've seen it on ttwt channel.
Hello dash did you buy another top link for your three point hitch?Mine was black from JD.
craig bonney Hi Craig. I ended up bending my original one lifting my 3 point hitch with the rops down. I received some tips on some forums that the original top link has category 0 threads making it weaker. The one I have now is from Tractor Supply Co. I picked it up for about $25. Some say these are stronger than the original. Great question!
U should put a French drain in front of ur driveway
Than cover whole driveway with gravel
I agree Wade! I just looked into those not long ago. I think that may be the exact solution that I need. Thanks!
i wonder how box blades do where i live? so many big ass rocks in the ground i feel like it would break the box or stop the tractor. my tractor is bigger so it’d probably damage the box blade first
Hi LH, We have a ton of rocks in the ground here in ND, at least in the Bismarck area. One trick trick that I like to do is put my scarifiers down all the way so they dig into the soil. They will rip up small to medium rocks and stop you in your tracks for the larger rocks. At least you can find them that way and use your bucket to dig them out (if they're not too big, that is).
Dash Thunder my bucket struggles to get them out, basically the soil and big rocks are so dense it cannot move them. it will literally stop the tractor even with the added weight of the backhoe. total tractor weight 5500 pounds with it on. I have to use the backhoe to scratch them out it’s the only way but there are just so many it’s ridiculous. makes me wonder if there’s any point in buying a box blade. thought it would help me flatten some spots on my property.
Have you considered a rock bucket and dragging it backwards?
Daniel Black not really sure what a rock bucket is. I did end up buying a box blade about 2 weeks ago and am learning how to use it by myself 😳 It sucks when it gets hung up on rocks and it has stopped me a few times but I just go very slow and then raise the box and move on. after a few passes it either loosens and yanks it free or I just avoid them and decide whether or not they really need to come out. I’ve got the backhoe if I really want them out. Other than that it is annoying because the box blade gets pushed up away from the ground by medium rocks that start churning and I can’t scarify the dirt unless i keep making passes until the rocks finally come out and I pick them out by hand or drag them somewhere with the scarify hooks and lift the box to leave them. some ledge rock and big boulders would take way too long to deal with even with the backhoe. Rock bucket probably would help with the shit ton of medium ones but the ledge and boulders hell no, lol. thanks for the input gents
great vid looking into buying one no need to reply
On hard ground will a 5' BB bog down with that Tractor?
Hi Mark! On hard surfaces the 5ft box blade doesn’t bog down. It only does it when it gets full of heavy material. Otherwise it does really well.
@@TheLittleGreenTractor Thanks. Keep That Chariot running Bubba!
What bucket is that you have? It seems huge compared to the one on mine
Hi David! I have a 60 inch light materials/snow bucket from Redline Systems Inc. They are located in Hutchinson, MN. I really like the extra volume compared to the standard 53 inch bucket.
@@TheLittleGreenTractor that makes sense I don’t have much snow to move down here in SW Florida, I was wondering about the weight capacity of the tractor
Why kind of bucket you have? That seems big for a 1025
Hi Mike, I have a 60 inch light materials/snow bucket from Redline Systems Inc located in Hutchinson, MN. I love this bucket. For much of my needs, the standard 53” bucket just isn’t enough volume. RSI is a small fabrication shop that make products for both John Deere and Kubota as well as skid steers and other larger equipment. The owners name is Matt and he and his dad are great guys. Check out his website at www.redlinesystemsinc.com. They were a pleasure to work with!
Hey when you let the box down do you let it down all the way?
Hi Arturo, great question! For this example I let the box all the way down by pushing the 3 point lever all the way forward. This allows the implement to float along the ground, essentially raising and lowering with the contour of the ground. However, the 1025r does have a height control setting, albeit very flimsy, that allows you to limit how far the implement will go down. This is especially useful for loose soils or material in which you want to be delicate with and not go too deep. If you use the box blade in reverse, like a plow type action, setting the depth so that it cuts just an inch or two into the ground is helpful. That way it doesn't take too much of a bite. I hope this makes sense!
@@TheLittleGreenTractor How much does that particular box weigh more or less?
@@ArturoGarzaID This King Kutter Professional Series 60 inch box blade weighs 415 pounds.
It looks like you are trying to take too much material. The box shouldn’t fill up that fast. When you take too much material you scrape the hard pack and get ruts faster. I never rework my drive. I add more crushed limestone and just flatten it. This way I am just re-establishing the crown after the stone shifts.
YOUR 5 FT . BOX BLADE SCARIFIRE IS TO WIDE FOR REAR OF YOUR TRACTOR TIRES > B U T 4 FT ONE IS JUST RIGHT IF YOUR REAR TIRE ARE 4 FT. ! .
BOX BLADE SCARIFIRES WILL MAKE A PERFECT DITCH / IF U ANGLE THE BLADE , AN U MIGHT HAVE TO DROP SCARIFIRE DOWN ALSO TOO !
5 FT BLADE WILL BE OVER WIDE YOUR TIRES MIGHT IN UP HANG SOMEYHING OUT SIDE OF YOUR TIRES