If you own a small tractor, especially on an acreage or farm, a rear blade can be one of the most versatile attachments you can invest in. Whether it’s for maintaining driveways, moving snow, or grading soil, a rear blade is a practical addition to your tractor’s toolkit. In this post, we’ll explore the uses of rear blades, some tips for getting the most out of them, and I’ll share my personal experience picking one up for my Kioti CX2510.
What is a Rear Blade?
A rear blade is an attachment for your tractor's 3-point hitch system that can be used for a variety of tasks, including moving snow, spreading gravel, grading soil, and even clearing debris. The blade itself is mounted on the rear of the tractor and can be adjusted to different angles, allowing you to pull or push material in various directions.
In my case, I decided to buy a 72-inch rear blade for my Kioti CX2510 to help clear snow during the winter months. Although I already had a box scraper and a loader, I realized after talking to a few people that the rear blade would be a more efficient tool for snow removal.
Why a Rear Blade?
For many tractor owners, a rear blade provides several key advantages:
- Versatility: Rear blades are capable of doing more than just moving snow. They can be used year-round for grading driveways, spreading dirt, leveling ground, and even clearing small debris. This makes them a great all-in-one tool for property maintenance.
- Efficiency: While a loader or box scraper can handle snow removal, a rear blade is often quicker and more efficient for this job. You can adjust the angle of the blade to push snow off to the side as you drive forward or pull it backward. The blade can also be rotated to work in both directions, making it adaptable to different terrains and conditions.
- Cost-Effective: Rear blades tend to be more affordable compared to other tractor attachments. I considered getting a snow pusher but ultimately opted for the rear blade due to its lower cost and versatility. Plus, since I bought mine brand new, I also got the peace of mind of a warranty, even though I doubt I’ll need it.
How to Use a Rear Blade
Using a rear blade effectively requires a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you managed without one. Here are some general tips for operating a rear blade:
- Adjust the Angle: Most rear blades can be adjusted to different angles, allowing you to push or pull material to the side. For example, when moving snow, I plan to angle my blade to the side to easily push snow off my driveway. In addition, the blade can be reversed for pushing snow backward when needed.
- Adjust the Height: You can also control the height of the rear blade by adjusting the 3-point hitch on your tractor. This is useful when grading soil or spreading gravel. In my setup, I found it easy to adjust the height and angle, giving me the flexibility I need for different tasks.
- Weight Distribution: When using a rear blade, make sure your tractor is properly balanced, especially if you’re dealing with heavy material. Some users recommend adding extra weight to the rear of the tractor to maintain stability. I haven’t encountered this issue yet, but it’s something to keep in mind when tackling heavier jobs.
My Rear Blade Experience
When I picked up my Allied by Farm King rear blade, I quickly realized how practical this tool would be for my property. Even though I considered buying a used blade, I found that there wasn’t much available, and what was available wasn’t significantly cheaper than buying new. Plus, with winter just around the corner, I didn’t want to waste time hunting down a secondhand blade.
After attaching it to my Kioti CX2510, I was impressed by how well the 3-point hitch system worked with the blade. The blade can be rotated 180 degrees, meaning I can use it to push or pull snow, depending on the situation. While I haven’t had the chance to fully test it out on snow yet, I’m confident it will make clearing the driveway much faster and easier than using just the loader.
One thing I learned quickly was that you might need to lift the blade to adjust it fully when it’s attached. This could be a bit inconvenient, but overall, the versatility of the rear blade more than makes up for any small quirks in its operation.
Tips for Buying a Rear Blade
If you’re in the market for a rear blade, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: Make sure the blade you purchase is the right size for your tractor. The 72-inch rear blade I bought fits my CX2510 perfectly, but if you have a larger or smaller tractor, you’ll need to find a blade that matches your tractor’s capabilities.
- Condition: Whether you buy new or used, ensure the blade is in good condition. Worn-out blades won’t perform as well and could end up costing you more in repairs. I opted for new simply because I couldn’t find many good used options and wanted the reliability of a brand-new tool.
- Attachment System: Most rear blades will attach to your tractor via the 3-point hitch system, but it’s important to double-check compatibility. I found that attaching mine was straightforward, but every tractor and blade combination is different.
Final Thoughts
A rear blade is a versatile and cost-effective attachment for small tractors, making it ideal for property maintenance throughout the year. Whether you're dealing with snow in the winter, grading driveways, or spreading gravel, the rear blade is up for the task.
From my experience so far, the Farm King rear blade has been a great addition to my Kioti CX2510 tractor, and I’m excited to see how it performs once the snow arrives. If you’re considering adding one to your tractor setup, I highly recommend it—especially if you’re looking for a practical, multi-purpose tool that won’t break the bank.
