How much tractor to run offset rear blade?

[trikepilot]

So buried in another thread about ditching next to a driveway there was discussion of using an offset rear blade tilted like this pic that I took from that thread.



My question for those not in that thread with more experience is the following:

1. Is a Bseries tractor with 26hp enough to effectively run a blade in this configuration?

2. Is there damage potential to the 3pt linkages from the leverage of a big ole blade offset like this?

3. What else am I not thinking through?

I have a nice used offset blade for sale here locally and I am trying to determine if I should buy it.

 

[JasonW]

You left out the biggest piece of the puzzle. It depends what size blade.

 

[trikepilot]

Sorry...

The blade size that I would prefer is a 5ft, however, the one that is available is a 6ft (photos from CL listing below)

 

[JasonW]

If it’s a good deal, go for it. It doesn’t look very heavy which is good on your case.

As far as damaging your tractor linkage with it, you will run out of traction before breaking anything. But there is always an exception to that.

 

[bobnic]

I think a lot depends on what type of ditching and soil conditions. Creating a ditch where one does not already exist with an offset blade can be a lot more difficult on the tractor and 3pt than cleaning out an existing ditch. Suddenly encountering large rocks could really stress the 3pt arms. Creating a ditch from scratch would best be done digging with the bucket. Obviously that would take a lot of time since it is being done one bucket width at a time, but the advantage is you are not placing the spoils on the driveway requiring cleanup later.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I think a lot depends on what type of ditching and soil conditions. Creating a ditch where one does not already exist with an offset blade can be a lot more difficult on the tractor and 3pt than cleaning out an existing ditch. Suddenly encountering large rocks could really stress the 3pt arms. Creating a ditch from scratch would best be done digging with the bucket. Obviously that would take a lot of time since it is being done one bucket width at a time, but the advantage is you are not placing the spoils on the driveway requiring cleanup later.

The dynamic/ shock load of that configuration could be huge. I would worry about breaking stuff. I wouldn't operate a b series tractor in that position in my area.

If I did i would make sure that the operator took a very high degree of care respecting the possible dangers of breakage. Very very low and slow.

For sure you could make it work but for sure high level of something bad happening if mistake or carelessness made.

Kinda like using the outside edge of your bucket to dig stumps or rocks.. Lots of people do it all the time. Lots of people also bend their loaders.

 

[trikepilot]

This will be for cleaning out and maintaining existing ditches along a gravel driveway.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

This will be for cleaning out and maintaining existing ditches along a gravel driveway.

For your circumstances, RUN, don't walk and purchase that blade.

For others, as always, circumstances can dictate what you can and can't do.
As far as ditching, yes it can be done.
Pictures are of my 8' blade putting in a temporary water line.

 

[SDT]

So buried in another thread about ditching next to a driveway there was discussion of using an offset rear blade tilted like this pic that I took from that thread.

View attachment 178167

My question for those not in that thread with more experience is the following:

1. Is a Bseries tractor with 26hp enough to effectively run a blade in this configuration?

2. Is there damage potential to the 3pt linkages from the leverage of a big ole blade offset like this?

3. What else am I not thinking through?

I have a nice used offset blade for sale here locally and I am trying to determine if I should buy it.

You might be able to do light maintenance of existing ditches with such a blade and your 2620 but you will not be able to excavate new ditches with either tractor or blade.

 

[trikepilot]

You might be able to do light maintenance of existing ditches with such a blade and your 2620 but you will not be able to excavate new ditches with either tractor or blade.

I have a backhoe with ripper for making any new ditches. I just need a better way to get the existing ditches cleaned out a few times a year