viable sub for a box scraper

[daniel.ray77]

I've graded and leveled, the best I can, my backyard using my 5 point digger and FEL and now I need a box scraper or similar to take all the highs off and smooth things out. The soil is really hard and compact when its dry. Does anyone have a good, inexpensive alternative to renting a box scraper? I might need it for a few days and the local rental place here in town wants $120 a day.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Dan J

 

[fast*st]

on smooth sandy soil in a pinch I backdragged with a 15' telephone pole chained to the bucket, worked pretty well.

 

[skeets]

See if you can find an old steel set of box springs from an old bed set,,, they work pretty well dragging them around and smoothing

 

[daniel.ray77]

Skeets, do you put any weight on the box spring or just drag it as is?

 

[Humblebub]

I used Skeet's method. Threw couple of concrete blocks on for weight. Worked great.

 

[Diydave]

Drag it with something. My favorite improvised tool is a big hunk of 10" H beam steel, I swiped from a job site...

 

[olthumpa]

Weighted chain link fence also works well.

 

[fast*st]

Weighted chain link fence also works well.

I've heard that especially if its a bit long, 10' or so, does a good job at smoothing.

 

[lakebota]

Before I owned a box scraper I made up the contraption pictured.
I used heavy 6x6 fencing 5' wide (chain link somewhat pulls to the side).
I wired with baling wire two 6x6 5' lengths and across the front bent the fencing back over a length of 2" iron pipe with a #3 rebar run through with the ends bent into a loop to attach a chain bridle. This also was stitched on withbaling wire. I left enough area across the front to load a row of cinder blocks for ballast, the rear does not need any more ballast. THe length does not need to be more than 4' between the 6x6's (figure 5.5 to ' overall is sufficient) as you work stop occasionally to remove any oversized rock that messes with finish grade.

 

[HickoryNut]

Drag it with something. My favorite improvised tool is a big hunk of 10" H beam steel, I swiped from a job site...

OOOOOO! I like this idea!

 

[Tooljunkie]

I use a 12" c-channel and pull it at an angle. Levelled the low spots in my driveway better than anything else.

 

[skeets]

A few really good ideas that all work,, Yes I have placed several cement blocks on the springs. Hooked a chain to each corner and back to the hitch and rag away only thing is turning around can become a fun thing to do,,lol

 

[daniel.ray77]

Yes all great ideas. Thanks everyone.