cutting a trench without a backhoe?

[GreensvilleJay]

First I assumed the MX5100 is just a 2wd tractor as no extra letters after the 5100, so cannot damage the 2wd drivetrain. If the diferent tire's won't work , then simply angle the blade by lowering the pivot point attachment on one side .I know that will work, seen that bodge done cross the road.
5100 says '50 HP' so more than enough power to dig a swale/trench.
I was led to believe the ONLY thing I had to work with was the tractor. Can't go to the store to buy other implements or borrow neighbours.
Last year I created a 400' swale/trench with my Sears ST12 and a Brinly single furrow plow.30 year old garden tractor with maybe 8-9 HP left in it. I also use a rototiller with a 'hiller' attachement to plant 200-250 tomatos.

 

[djzander]

So I raised gate 6" and sawed it in half. two 4' gates vs one 8' gate.
Good call. a little more dirt added and moved around and I don't think i'll need a drain/trench.
Oh, well , learned the hard way.
I had a small 10' diameter pond before about 10" deep right in front of gate.
what a rookie mistake!
Thanks for the help, appreciate it.

 

[BobInOK]

Can't believe nobody has mentioned a box blade. I made a wide trench to drain a low place at the front of my property with my box blade. Was easy and no steep sides to get in the way of mowing. Made a trench width of the blade then came back and knocked off the sides one wheel on top and one wheel in the ditch for a gentle slop on the sides. Only thing I used the loader for was moving the dirt I dug out of the trench.