Gannon Box Blades: A Complete Guide to Maintenance, Parts and Applications

Introduction to Gannon Box Blades

Gannon box blades are heavy-duty rear-mounted grading and landscaping tools that are designed to be attached to tractors, skid steers, and other utility vehicles. They provide an efficient way to level and clear various surfaces while maintaining precise control over blade angles and grading depths.

Gannon has been manufacturing box blades since the 1950s and offers a range of models with working widths from 5 to 14 feet to accommodate equipment of all sizes. The box blade gets its name from its distinct box-shaped frame which provides strength and rigidity to the heavy-gauge steel blade.

Key Components of Gannon Box Blades

All Gannon box blades feature thick steel side plates that enclose the ends of the blade to prevent loose material from spilling out. The key components of a Gannon box blade include:

• Blade - Made from high-carbon or abrasion-resistant steel for durability.
• Cutting Edge - Reversible and replaceable for extended wear.
• Side Plates - Fully enclose ends of blade for better grading control.
• Ripper Shanks - Help break up compacted soil and roots.
• Hitch - Attaches securely to tractor or skid steer.
• Lift Arms - Adjusts blade angle and depth.
• Scarifiers - Optional rear-mounted chisels for additional breakup.

Benefits of Using a Gannon Box Blade

There are several key benefits that make Gannon box blades a popular choice for all types of residential, commercial, and agricultural grading applications:

• Superior Grading Control - The fully enclosed blade design allows for precision fine grading.
• Heavy-Duty Construction - Gannon uses thick steel and rugged components for durability.
• Replaceable Cutting Edge - Worn edges can be flipped or replaced to extend blade life.
• Low Maintenance - Basic greasing and adjustments keep it running smoothly.
• Flexible Applications - Effective for dirt, gravel, sand, soil, and more.
• Tractor Compatibility - Designed to work with all types of tractors and skid steers.

Common Gannon Box Blade Applications

With their unmatched grading abilities, Gannon box blades can tackle nearly any earthmoving job. Here are some of the most common box blade applications:

Property Grading and Leveling

Gannon box blades excel at precisely fine grading yards, driveways, sports fields, and other properties. The ability to adjust blade angle and depth allows for detailed contouring and smoothing of the land.

Loosening and Spreading Materials

Their ripper shanks and scarifiers can break up and spread all types of materials like soil, gravel, sand, and more. This makes box blades ideal for improving drainage, working compost into garden beds, or spreading gravel on driveways.

Snow Removal

Attaching a Gannon box blade to a skid steer provides an efficient snow removal solution. The steel blade effectively plows parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways. Models with side plates ensure snow stays contained.

Land Clearing and Brush Removal

The sturdy construction and ripping capabilities allow Gannon box blades to clear vegetation, small brush, and roots. The blade can cut through moderately sized saplings and brush up to 3" in diameter.

Roadwork and Construction

Gannon box blades can handle various road maintenance jobs like smoothing gravel shoulders, pulling roadway ditches, and distributing road base materials. The optional scarifier kit breaks up hard or compacted surfaces.

Choosing the Right Gannon Box Blade

Gannon offers box blades ranging from 5-14 feet wide to fit all types of tractors and skid steers. When selecting your Gannon box blade, consider factors like:

• Vehicle Horsepower - Match blade size to tractor or skid steer HP rating.
• Blade Width - Wider blades cover more surface area for increased productivity.
• Blade Weight - Heavier blades improve penetration in hard soils.
• Attachment Type - Choose 3-point hitch or skid steer mount models.
• Optional Features - Add ripper shanks, scarifiers, or hydraulic angle adjustments.

Consult your Gannon dealer to find the right box blade specifications for your particular property maintenance needs and equipment. Proper sizing and setup will help maximize grading performance and blade longevity.

Maintaining and Replacing Gannon Box Blade Parts

Like all heavy-duty equipment, following regular maintenance procedures will keep a Gannon box blade performing at optimal levels. Here are some key maintenance tips:

• Inspect and tighten all hardware before operation.
• Check hydraulic cylinders and hoses for leaks.
• Lubricate all pivot points with grease as specified.
• Examine the blade for signs of damage or cracks.
• Replace the cutting edge when significantly worn or damaged.
• Touch up any nicks or scratches in the paint to prevent rusting.

Over time, certain Gannon box blade parts may require replacement from normal wear and tear. Common replacement parts include:

• Cutting Edges - Replace when worn down or to change blade width.
• Ripper Shanks - Replace bent, worn, or damage shanks.
• Scarifier Teeth - Replace broken or worn chisel points.
• Hydraulic Cylinders - Repair leaky or damaged lift cylinders.
• Pins and Bushings - Worn pivot points should be replaced.

Using only genuine Gannon OEM parts will ensure proper fit and optimal performance. Consult the Gannon box blade manual or your dealer for specific part replacement instructions.

Finding Gannon Box Blade Parts Online

Many online retailers stock a full assortment of replacement parts for Gannon box blades. Search using your specific Gannon model number to find exactly the parts you need. Be sure to only purchase from reputable dealers selling genuine Gannon branded parts to maintain warranty coverage.

Investing in a quality Gannon box blade and performing proper maintenance will provide years of reliable service. Choose the model matched to your tractor size and water management needs. Then keep it running smoothly with regular upkeep and timely replacement of worn parts.

FAQs

What are the most common uses for a Gannon box blade?

Gannon box blades are most commonly used for fine grading and leveling of yards, driveways and roads, loosening and spreading materials like dirt and gravel, snow removal, land clearing, and general roadwork and construction site prep.

What size tractor is needed to operate a Gannon box blade?

Gannon box blades are available in a range of sizes from 5-14 feet wide. The blade width should be matched to the horsepower rating of the tractor or skid steer. Generally larger HP ratings are needed for wider box blade models.

How long should a Gannon box blade last?

With proper maintenance and timely replacement of wear parts like the cutting edge, Gannon box blades typically provide at least 5-8 years of reliable service. Heavy use may require more frequent replacement of high wear components.

What maintenance is required on a Gannon box blade?

Gannon box blades require regular greasing of pivot points, tightening hardware, inspecting the blade and hydraulics for damage, and replacing the reversible cutting edge when excessively worn. Touching up paint chips also prevents rusting.

Where can I purchase replacement parts for my Gannon box blade?

Genuine OEM replacement parts for Gannon box blades like cutting edges, ripper shanks, and hydraulic cylinders can be purchased online through retailers that specialize in Gannon parts. Always confirm part compatibility with your specific Gannon model.