Box blade or York rake?

So I’ve been on the lookout for a reasonably priced used box blade most are either stove up missing rippers or just not worth my drive time.
I was at TSC this afternoon for some other stuff and they have 3 box blades reduced a complete 5’ for $600 and two 6’ that are mostly complete just need some hardware and assembly $650. Also a full priced York rake $500.

I need to finish grading my pole barn spot and the FEL isn’t cutting it with the slope.
Also need to level out the front yard after new leach bed install.

Leaning towards picking up the box blade maybe getting the manager to come down a bit more.

 

Hi. Though I am new here, I can chime in on this. I have both and used them today even.
Hands down, the box blade will be the better choice it can cut and grade dirt in addition to smoothing final surface prep. The rake is more of a final surface preparation tool and can’t cut packed dirt well.
The toplink adjustment is a critical thing in order to go from cutting grade to final preparation with a boxblade also.


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I agree the box blade is what you want for grading. York rake is better for loose dirt and stone. I use my York rake to clean up after cutting down big pine trees.

 

Yup, box blade...not as good as a dozer with a 6 way...but it'll git 'er dun!

 

I own both, definitely agree with the posts above.

 

Box blade for sure. I have the BB1266, which is recommended for the 2501, and it’s great. I don’t think you’ll cover your tracks with a 5’ and a 6’ might be a bit much depending on conditions. They’re not that expensive, and built for a QH, which I really like. It’s well built as well, rated for 30hp range. I’m not sure what you can do in your area but mine was around $750 similar to this ad.
2018 Land Pride BB12 Series Box Scrapers BB1266 BB1266 | Scholten's Equipment

 

Welcome Lennyzx11 .. Another VT gent.. with good advice I agree..

 

Thanks for the input guys. I’ll follow up after I haggle them down some more.
The more complete of the 6’ ones was missing lower lift pins but they’re only $8 for a set.
The best price kubota dealer would do on a landpride was $800.

Lennyzx11 welcome aboard

 

This answer as well as the others. I've got a 6' King Cutter brand that uses pins rather the bolted in links. Much sturdier. Pull it hard behind my M & never a problem.

Edit: Welcome Lenny, glad you're here!!!!!

 

I found a nice box blade for my buddy earlier this year. I think I got it for $300. I'd definitely buy used if it was me. Not too much to go wrong with one. A york rake works awesome for finish work, but are pretty much useless for any heavy duty work.

I agree with the above post about the top link being a huge factor in the effectiveness of a box blade, so keep adjusting till you find a happy medium.

 

Maybe you could borrow one or both. It's not like a chainsaw or wife, kinda hard to mess one up. If you were closer I'd drop them off.

 

The chainsaw, or the wife?

 

But Wait, that's not all !!!!! Act now and get a FREE 17 year old daughter.
(Just pay processing and shipping, chainsaw not included)

 

Whew! I'm glad you added the part about the chainsaw not included!

 

A box blade is one of the best tools for grading. The TSC rakes are pretty light duty. I'd stay away from them since you have an L series.

 

Every time I use the box blade I say to myself "Just one more pass......" then I mess up and spend another hour fixing my mess up.

 

No kidding?! That's the exact same procedure I use on caulk...

 

Me for drywall mud.

 

I paid 500.00 out the door for my 5' TSC box blade out the door during last falls over stock clearance.
Is a nice piece of equpment and rear balast when doing loader work. I have also hung six 65 pound suit case weights off it for balast.

When the soil is wet clay I found mine clogs up and is a usless hunk of dirt pileing metal.
It works great off my QH also.


I have thought a york rake would be nice to have when it is time to remove the gravel from the grass that got rolled in there with the blade moving snow.
Also thought would be great for thatching the lawn.
Rakeing up cow chips from the pasture also.

Al

 

trail twister York Rake will not pull gravel out of grass, just spreads It thinner IME.