Bought a Blade: The Winner is:

Others under consideration:

Woods RB750
Bush Hog 121
Rhino

Reasons for decision:

- Cost. The 70-7 was a couple hundred $$$ less than the Woods and the dealer (who handles Woods and BH) claimed the BH was the better deal. The 121 was nearly 3x the cost of the 70-7

- Size. Substantial and obvious quality. Also, smaller than the 121 (which is all hydralic). With a 45hp tractor, the 70 was the perfect size. The 121 would have overwhelmed it.

- Availability. The dealership had one sitting there.

- Tilt, Angle, Rotate versatility. Good all around. The tilt is suppsed to be 30 degrees. The 121 only 15. The Woods and Rhino pretty much the same.

They claim I could always add hydralics in the future if I wanted them, so that option is still open. Of course, there is nothing in the manual that indicates how hydralics would be attached, but I'll cross that bridge later.

Overall, I'm very happy with the blade. I figure if I ever pursue anything heavier I may as well get a bulldozer.

Thanks to all who provided input and suggestions. It was much appreciated and I couldn't have made as effective a decision without you.

Thanks

George

Seriously, the thing is light years easier to adjust than the one I was using and even easier than I anticipated. That having been said, I definitely see the advantage of hydralics. I may try adding a cylinder or two over time, but right now I'm thinking that if I ever need that much extra muscle, I could probably justify buying a smallish bulldozer.

or sneak up the road and borrow the county's D-9.

yep. There's a good idea. Course, my luck I'd throw a track halfway down the pasture and have to explain how it got there. ;-))

Thank for all the advice!

George

You'll have a blast with a heavy built blade. Blades need to be heavy built in order to actually do something worth the time.

Unfortunately for me, I own a piece of sheetmetal for a blade.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what this one can do.

Thanks

George