How Does a Box Scraper Work?

1. Box scrapers, or box blades, are tractor attachments that look like a box. They are pulled behind a tractor to level the area. Box scrapers are raised or lowered to determine the height at which the material is distributed. Box scrapers with three connection points can also roll to the left or right so that more material can be distributed on the inside, to force rain to flow to the outside of the area.
2. Box scrapers can be used to level an area in preparation for building. The box is dragged behind the tractor, collecting any material that is too big to go under the gap. The material is dragged to the edge and the box lifted so the material is collected in a pile. A box scraper can also be used to grade a gravel or dirt driveway, path or road. The box scraper is set a couple of inches off the ground. It is then filled with the material that will form the path. As the box scraper is pulled along, the material pours out the bottom to form a level path.
3. The main frame, or box, of the scraper is opened on the front to collect material and closed on the other three sides to keep the material from spilling. The cutting edge at the front of the box creates a smooth path. The scarifiers are shafts that jut down with small blades. Scarifiers loosen the soil as they go and can be lowered or raised out of the way. The blade and scarifiers are optional on many models.