Skid steers are highly versatile thanks to their size and the ability to mount a wide range of attachments. Box graders are one excellent attachment option if you spend much time working on gravel roads or need to resurface and regrade recently cleared land. However, as with any attachment, choosing the right tool for the job is important.

If you're buying your first box grader or venturing into this type of work for the first time, you may not fully understand the value of certain features. This guide will discuss three features you'll often find on skid steer box graders and why they're necessary to safely, efficiently, and effectively complete any job.

1. Reversible Cutting Edges

If you've never used a box grader before, it's easy to miss a basic aspect of their function. Although these attachments seem straightforward, they need to both cut and spread as you move across the landscape. This dual-action process allows them to loosen the existing surface while spreading the material to create a smooth, final grade.

To accomplish this, it's typically necessary for the grader to include blades that face both forward and back. Alternatively, the grader should have removable cutting edges so that you can reverse their direction depending on whether you're moving forward or backward. These features help create a smoother and more consistent final surface.

2. Stability

Stability is particularly important when working with any skid steer attachment. Since skid steers are relatively light compared to other heavy equipment, imperfections in the surface can cause the machine to tilt and shift the position of the attachment. As a result, the final cut may be uneven or messy.

When choosing a box grader for your skid steer, look for extra points of contact that increase the overall stability of the attachment. This added stability helps keep the grader in contact with the surface, making it easier to achieve a smooth and level surface, even if the skid steer's wheels occasionally skip or jump.

3. Width

Many manufacturers offer box graders in different widths, and choosing the correct size will depend on your equipment and intended applications. A wider grader will offer more stability and help produce a more consistent surface. Additionally, a wider grader may do a better job at smoothing the surface directly in front of your skid steer's wheels, further improving stability.

However, larger box attachments also limit maneuverability and may not be suitable for grading relatively narrow roads or working in tight areas with complex borders. If you plan on doing work in these areas, you may want to consider going with a narrower box grader.

For more information about buying a skid steer box grader, reach out to a local supplier.