Matching Tractor Implements

Lesson 1 – Using a Class 1 Box Blade with a Class 2 Tractor**

I have used this box blade many times before without any issues. Although I have put some small bends in it from traditional use, I decided to test its capabilities by ripping up a grass field. My goal was to dig deep and disrupt a lot of soil. To achieve maximum depth, I adjusted the top link, angling the box and teeth downward.

What I didn’t anticipate was the ground pushing up on the back of the box. This force placed excessive pressure on the top link rod, and as I drove forward, the downward force increased. With no room for the rod to move, both the box blade struts and the rod failed within about 10 feet. What a mess!

Since the box blade is a Class 1 implement and the tractor is a Class 2, I had experienced minor inconveniences before, but this was an expensive mistake. I wonder if this would have happened with a Class 2 implement. I believe there still would have been some damage, but perhaps not to both parts. In that scenario, the cylinder rod might have bent more easily, while the box blade could have survived.

I did consider the possibility of ripping off a shank or bending it if I hit a rock, but I never reached that point. If you plan to mismatch the tractor and implement classes, I would recommend having an oversized tractor rather than an oversized implement. Breaking the implement tends to be less costly.

Lesson 2 – Fixing Hydraulic Cylinders

The repair process is also educational, so I’ll share that as well. I found a cylinder repair shop in the area that can disassemble the cylinder and either straighten the rod or replace it. In this case, the rod was beyond saving and had to be machined. This means that the ball had to be cut off and welded to a new rod, and the cylinder had to be rebuilt. Additionally, the rod had a scratch on it that would have caused a leak even if it had been able to retract, so it was essentially unusable. The total cost for the repair was about $425, which is a little over half the price of a new cylinder at $800. 

When replacing the cylinder on the tractor, it is not necessary to bleed the system. With a two-line connection (in and out), the system will work the air out on its own.

Fixing the Box Blade

This is going to turn into a project that I will undertake myself. I just ordered a plasma cutter and will remove the bent struts. I suspect I will need to have them straightened at a metal or welding shop or potentially cut new ones and weld them back in. If my welding skills are up to par, it should be back in operation after a fresh coat of paint. I also plan to reinforce the structure to prevent future mishaps. Learning from these experiences is crucial, and I hope to share more insights as I progress through this repair process.

Fixing the Box Blade

This is going to turn into project that I will do myself. I just ordered a plasma cutter and I will remove the bent struts. I suspect I will have to have them straightened at a metal or welding shop or cut new ones and weld them back in. If my welding skills are up to par, it should be back in operation after a fresh coat of paint.