#40 Box Blade Reproduction - Opinions

nashcub · #1 02-11-2011, 08:15 PM

Hey, All! I need some honest feedback on a little project...

I am working with a company to have a replica made of my #40 Box Blade. My biggest interest in doing this was the fact that there is not a decent (good quality) sleeve hitch box blade available on the market today.

I have seen the Brinly box blade, and IMHO, it is nothing more that a rear blade with some flimsy metal end pieces. I like the looks of the IH #40, and the design is far more functional than any half-baked modern design. But, for obvious reasons, I really do not have any desire to drag my original #40 through rocks and dirt and end up damaging it.

Here is where I am now; The "replica" #40 box blade will pretty much look identical to the original IH version. However, I have requested that the manufacturer use a heavier gauge steel for the overall construction. The original model utilized 13 gauge sheet metal, and I spec'd 10 gauge. My interest in beefing up the body is to further prevent the side panels from bending under load. Additionally, I think the added weight will help with keeping cutting edge onto the ground.

While the attachment points at the tractor will remain the same, they have suggested some improvements to some of the other weld areas of the box to make it much stronger. We are also looking into upgrading the support piece behind the front and rear cutting blades.

The bottom line is that from an aesthetic point of view this will be as close to a #40 as they can make. Plus, a few upgrades to make it stronger for everyday use.

All of the steel used in the construction will be first rate. The sheet metal frame will be nitrogen laser cut to the original shape, then bent into the box form on a press brake . All welding will be first rate and professional. The finished box blade will then be powder coated the appropriate IH yellow. I will do the decals myself.

I would really like to get feedback regarding any other possible suggestions on how to possibly improve the design.

Also, I am looking at a target price point of around $325 for the finished product. Is that too much for something like this?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Matt G. · #2 02-11-2011, 10:28 PM

I think original ones tend to go for that much, so I'd say that's pretty fair. Steel is going up, so I hope you can get them made for that.

cub123 · #3 02-11-2011, 10:48 PM

Sounds awesome,$325 sound like its not to bad,and as the IH 40 box blades are kinda hard to come by,i think it wouldbe great to have something like this available.

ihnick · #4 02-11-2011, 11:49 PM

i payed $100 for my restored #40 box blade

hilltop · #5 02-12-2011, 03:09 AM

Nash,

The work I do around my place lives and dies by my box blade - go heavy, go stout . . . you won't go wrong.

That being said, mine is on the back of a larger tractor with a cat-2 3pt so I'm not sure what your cub can handle. But since the one you're having made is for working, I think being "close" visually to an original #40 should take a back seat to functionality.

$325.00 for a good blade is a good deal.

Please post pics when you're done

Here's a pic of the last hole I dug . . . 30' x 30' x 8 ft deep.
I skinned the side of a hill for my new barn. It was all done by eye with a box blade and FEL.

Mountain Heritage · #6 02-12-2011, 09:55 AM

Sounds like a great laid out plan to me.....if you can keep it aroud that price range too - you have it made! I think the biggest thing with ANYTHING bought any more is the lack of quality. You build it thicker, heavier, stronger than the IH blade you have now.....you will certainly enjoy using it. It will certainly be a work horse, and that's exactly what you want as well as many of us too. Nothing more frustrating than planning to do a job and the equipment won't stand up or you need some fat a$$ friend to stand on the back of it make it cut into the ground because it was too light weight to begin with. Nothing more frustrating than having to pay someone with a bigger piece of equipment to come do the job when you could have done it with a Cub had the attachment just been made the way it should have been.

??? Just my opion....but I think your on the right path!

Yosemite Sam · #7 02-12-2011, 12:40 PM

I gotta agree with the other guys (and you know how that makes me crazy). I have a Craftsman box blade that I got with a bunch of stuff that I bought some time ago and even with down pressure straps, you have to make several passes before it stops "chattering".

If you can build one that is tougher than, and works just as well as an original one, for about the same price as what you would pay for an original one, then you have the bull by the horns.

Your box blade will not mean anything to a "collector" but to those of us who really use our stuff functionality is way more important than originality.

johncub7172 · #8 02-12-2011, 01:02 PM

I say go for it! I would be interested in one! Made in U.S.A!

Methos · #9 02-12-2011, 01:11 PM

Steve your on the right path! I'm looking forward to your pics! If I didn't have a repo box blade I'd get one of them.

ihnick · #10 02-12-2011, 06:24 PM

[QUOTE= or you need some fat a$$ friend to stand on the back of it make it cut into the ground because it was too light weight to begin with. :[/QUOTE]

haha i do that with my brinly back blade, but instead of having someone stand on the back i do and still run the tractor. another beauty about having a hand hydro.