#40 Box Blade Reproduction - Opinions

[Methos]

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.

[Tractor2nv]

I have my order in and ready to pick up Steve! ihnick...you got your blade worth the money dude!!

[_DX3_]

Well after hearing all the input on the box blades. I am holding off getting anything till I see how this turns out. I think I want one too... LOL.

[dieseldan123]

Sounds good to me and cant wait to see the end result! Just thought it would be cool to have a heavy duty box blade and it also happen to be a prototye , keep my order on reserve for now anyway.

[JALLEN]

it would be nice to see it with a cat 0 3 point for our supers and diesels just my 2 cents worth

[cemeyer]

When you get these done, I will be very interested in one.

[nashcub]

Well, I met with the fabricators today to go over some details.

First of all, I must say that I was very pleased with the attention to detail and the lengths they went to keep it true to the original design. They are even replicating the rear blade support brackets, which totally amazed me! I guess you would have to have actually seen the underside of a #40 up close to understand what I am referring to. Bottom line is that I was thoroughly impressed.

Now for the bad news...

To keep the cost of each box blade at an affordable price point, it does not look like I will be able to have them powder coated as I had hoped. The raw finished blade is already at that mark, and due to set-up costs, it would just be cost prohibitive to have it done.

The few of you guys that want one of these will have the option of receiving the box blade in raw steel form, or with a coat of primer that I can apply myself.

The one thing that I am not completely sold on is the gauge of plate steel that is currently spec'd. The original IH #40 box was constructed of 13 ga. steel. The unit that I am having made is 11 ga., which is a 25% improvement in thickness. When compared side be side on thickness, the 11 ga. is quite obviously much heavier. However, I am still wondering if it will be heavy enough to accomplish what I wanted to with this reproduction.

I requested a quote on some heavier gauge plate. However, much to my disappointment, I do know that 1/4" plate is probably out of the question due to cost. Not saying that it cannot be done if you want one like that. I just think it is too expensive.

Anyway, we are down to brass tacks at this point. There is still time to make adjustments, but I intend to have the box blades into production at the end of next week. Several of the box blades that will be produced have been spoken for. There will be four or five extras available. Should anyone be seriously interested in having one, please PM me, or email me at nashcub1@yahoo.com

I'm open to any questions, comments, and/or suggestions.

Thanks!
Steven

[hilltop]

Steven,

I'm with Wild Bill - you've improved on an established design, no worries on whether you should have gone heavier - If I was going to use my 104 for moving dirt, I'd buy one from you in a heartbeat!

We're still going to get to see pics of the final product right?

[nashcub]

Thanks, Guys!

That's the type of feedback that I need. I just want to do this right for myself, and the other guys that want one. I'm really looking forward to seeing the first completed box blade. Also hoping to be able to take pics of the process! Might be another week before they make the production run, but I will post them as quickly as possible.

The facility where these are being made is quite impressive. I can assure you that I am not their 'typical' customer by a long shot. I'm very fortunate that the owners of the fabrication company took the time to listen to me. The resources and technical support that they have provided to me has been incredible, and there is no doubt in my mind that they will produce a high quality product.

[Tractor2nv]

Steve,I WILL take a drool bucket and mop with me when we go to their fabrication shop...and about the loaded 73 you emailed me that WAS on CL...I know who bought it!!