Laser-guided box blade attachments improve accuracy, and save time and money

The family of Bobcat box blade attachments is available in two models, each 84 inches wide: a laser box blade and a standard box blade. They are approved for use on the Toolcat 5600 utility work machine, as well as various sizes of skid-steer, all-wheel steer, and compact track loaders. “Contractors have been looking for an economical solution for grading work on the jobsite,” explained Gloria Palm, attachment marketing information manager at Bobcat Company. “Box blade attachments save contractors the time and expense of bringing in additional equipment for grading work. They’re also easy to operate, and the compact size of the loader and attachment combination allows precise grading, even within pre-formed walls.” Designed for rough grading and landscaping applications, the box blades are controlled from the operator’s seat with the centre switch on the right control lever. Moving the switch right or left will raise and lower the bolster and in turn raise or lower the box blade. The laser and standardbox blades are equipped with two foam-filled tires to help guide it over the terrain.

The 84-inch box blade with laser comes standard with a fully integrated laser system that has a grade accuracy of +/- 0.25 in. The receiver on the laser unit reads a 360-degree reference plane of laser light emitted from a rotating laser beacon. On site-preparation jobs, the box blade can be used without the laser engaged to fill in low spots. Then with a flip of a switch in the loader’s steering lever handle, the operator can engage the laser to complete the final grade.