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.

A box blade is designed for use with a tractor. Most require that the tractor have a three point hitch. This type hitch allows the blade or other implement to be raised, lowered or even tilted using the tractor’s hydraulic system. The movable arms of the hitch will raise or lower the blade as needed. If one side is raised while the other is lowered the blade can be tilted as needed. All of this is possible with a couple of leavers that are easily within reach of the tractor operator who does not need to leave his seat in order to control the hitch or the blade.

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.

Some large commercial blades come with laser guidance systems. The systems automatically adjust the hydraulic system to keep the blade level with 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 you will be able to lower the shanks to break up any hard ground that may be found. The shanks can also be used for rough leveling of high spots in the yard. Once those spots are loosened up, raise the shanks and use the blade to move the dirt as necessary. This operation may require that you get off of the tractor, so use proper safety procedures.

The last pass should have the blade in a floating position and be done in reverse. This will help to give the final leveling of your new yard.

Are you looking into smoothing and contouring the land? 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 the tractor.