Integrated box blade storage and utility assembly
An integrated box blade storage and utility assembly is provided. The assembly combines a box blade implement and a storage container into a single unitary structure. The device includes internal storage compartments for tools, external utility posts for carrying auxiliary equipment, a hitch ball for towing operations, and a permanently attached chainsaw shelf and vise for on-site tool maintenance. The integrated configuration also functions as ballast for the tractor, eliminating the need for a separate ballast box. The assembly provides a compact, multi-purpose solution that enhances field productivity, safety, and convenience for tractor operators.
1 . An integrated box blade storage and utility assembly comprising,
a unitary body having a first side and an opposing second side;
a box blade section extending from the unitary body and comprising a cutting edge, one or more side plates, and a plurality of scarifier shanks;
a storage section extending from the unitary body and fixed to and supported by the box blade section, the storage section comprising a housing having a base wall and a rear wall;
wherein the housing further comprises a pair of opposing sidewalls extending upward from the base wall and forming lateral boundaries of the storage section;
a plurality of dividing walls extending from the base wall and the rear wall between the pair of opposing sidewalls and defining a plurality of internal compartments;
wherein the storage section is open along a front side and open along a top side;
a front panel extending between and connected to distal ends of a pair of dividing walls of the plurality of dividing walls, the front panel having a height substantially similar to a height of the pair of opposing sidewalls, wherein the front panel partially encloses a front side of a pair of internal compartments of the plurality of internal compartments;
wherein the storage section extends laterally beyond a periphery of the box blade section;
a three-point hitch disposed on the first side of the unitary body and configured to attach the assembly to a tractor;
a towing hitch disposed on the opposing second side of the unitary body and configured to secure a towable implement; and
wherein the towing hitch is fixed relative to the unitary body wherein raising or lowering the assembly via the three-point hitch correspondingly raises or lowers the towing hitch relative to the ground, respectively.
2 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the storage section is configured to provide ballast weight to stabilize a tractor during operation.
3 . The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a pair of utility posts, wherein each utility post includes a first fastener for securing tools or accessories, the pair of utility posts extending upward from the rear wall and between the pair of opposing sidewalls of the housing.
4 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of dividing walls are removably disposed within the plurality of internal compartments.
5 . The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a side-mounted shelf extending from the unitary body, the side-mounted shelf extending outward from a sidewall of the pair of sidewalls of the housing.
6 . The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the shelf comprises a vise permanently affixed thereto.
7 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the unitary body is formed of metal or reinforced polymer to withstand field vibration and impact during grading operations.
8 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the box blade section and storage section are integrally fabricated or welded together to form a continuous frame.
9 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the storage section is mounted above the box blade section with an upper rim positioned at a height permitting an operator standing at ground level behind the tractor to access the internal compartments.
10 . The assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first fasteners are configured to support an elongated tool therebetween, wherein the elongated tool is configured to be positioned parallel to the base panel of the storage container.
11 . The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the pair of posts further comprises a secondary fastener disposed on a different lateral face of the post than the first fastener.
12 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein a channel is formed through an upper portion of the front panel and configured to receive a portion of a tool therethrough.
13 . The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the tool is a chainsaw, wherein the channel is configured to receive a blade of the chainsaw therethrough and support the chainsaw in a downward facing position.
14 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the towing hitch is configured to adjust a pitch angle of an attached trailer by raising or lowering the assembly while the trailer remains coupled to the towing hitch.
15 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one internal compartment of the plurality of compartments comprises a front wall, the front wall having a shorter height than a height of the pair of opposing sidewalls.