If you have a yard that has been left un-level due to construction activities or need to build a road, one of the best tools to choose is a box blade, an implement is designed for use with a tractor and is an excellent tool for contouring and smoothing land.
While most box blades are designed to attach to a tractor using a three point hitch, you will also find that there are smaller versions that are designed for use with a lawn tractor or an ATV. The three point hitch makes use of the blade much easier, as the operator is able to adjust the height of the blade as well as the tilt of the blade using the hydraulic system of the tractor. The hitch and implement can be adjusted using the hydraulic leavers and the operator never has to leave his seat on the tractor. In addition, the adjustments can be made while the blade is in motion.
Most box blades are designed for cutting in both a forward and backward motion. Most blades have three or more ripper shanks in the front of the box. These shanks can be used for breaking up hardened soil and for rough leveling. If not needed, they can also be retracted. More expensive box blades allow the operator to operate the unit in reverse with a floating blade for finishing work in leveling.
Choosing the correct size of blade is important. Large blades and tractors may be useless in small areas while small blades would take forever to do the job in large areas. If you live in town and have a small lot, you may find a forty-two inch blade that is designed for use behind a lawn tractor or ATV to be all that is needed. If you are leveling a large estate, then you may want a six or seven foot model that requires the use of a large tractor.
Sometimes the commercial models of this tool come with a laser guidance system. This system will automatically adjust the blade for to level the ground.
Before beginning to level the ground, it is important to remove large rocks, logs or other objects that may interfere with the process. Any large dirt piles can be cut back by using the blade in reverse like a bulldozer. This helps to ensure that the tractor is always operated on fairly level surfaces to lower the chance of tipping over.
Now lower the shanks and make the passes that will both break up the hard ground and level many of the high spots. You may need to make more than one pass with high spots. After breaking up the ground, you can raise the shanks and lower the blade to move the dirt and level the yard.
The last pass you make will be with the blade in the floating position and done in reverse. This gives the final grade to the new lawn.
Are you looking into smoothing and contouring your yard? If so, then the box blade and the box scraper is the best route to take. This equipment can easily be hooked to the back of your tractor.