Thinking about building a paddock blade

[mrholland]

Dont know if this is the place for this but I want to make my own paddock blade rather than buying one off the shelf. The basic concept is simple enough, a triangular drag that gathers up manure, rocks, and debris when pulled behind an ATV or small tractor but the details are where a good build stands apart from a flimsy one. I’ve looked at a few commercial designs and some DIY versions online, and I’m starting to sketch out my own. I’m planning to use heavy angle and plate for the frame, with reinforced edges to handle the wear but still debating whether to go with a fixed scraper or build in some adjustability for different terrain

 

[welder B0b]

Dont know if this is the place for this but I want to make my own paddock blade rather than buying one off the shelf. The basic concept is simple enough, a triangular drag that gathers up manure, rocks, and debris when pulled behind an ATV or small tractor but the details are where a good build stands apart from a flimsy one. I’ve looked at a few commercial designs and some DIY versions online, and I’m starting to sketch out my own. I’m planning to use heavy angle and plate for the frame, with reinforced edges to handle the wear but still debating whether to go with a fixed scraper or build in some adjustability for different terrain

I like that you're considering material thickness, because the wear is relentless.
For simplicity and durability, I'd suggest starting with a fixed scraper/blade. Every moving part is a point of failure, especially with constant drag and impact from rocks.
If you need a little adjustability, build in a few different hitch points higher or lower on the drawbar to change the angle of attack slightly, rather than a complex mechanism.

 

[Bigmanr0y]

Use 1/4" plate for the edge, angled back slightly, then frame with 2x2 angle iron and gusset the corners heavy cos that's where they fail. All this is theoretical though and I hope it works out for you

 

[Cov3ll.WG]

Dont know if this is the place for this but I want to make my own paddock blade rather than buying one off the shelf. The basic concept is simple enough, a triangular drag that gathers up manure, rocks, and debris when pulled behind an ATV or small tractor but the details are where a good build stands apart from a flimsy one. I’ve looked at a few commercial designs and some DIY versions online, and I’m starting to sketch out my own. I’m planning to use heavy angle and plate for the frame, with reinforced edges to handle the wear but still debating whether to go with a fixed scraper or build in some adjustability for different terrain

Cool idea! Building your own gear is always satisfying! Generally, for this kind of work, stick with heavy fillet welds or full-penetration joints on all load-bearing areas. Over-weld it slightly because it will take a serious beating. For the scraper edge, use an Abrasive-Resistant steel plate if possible, but be sure to preheat it to prevent weld cracking. I'd highly recommend a fixed scraper initially for maximum strength and simplicity. You can always add a bolt-on adjustable system later.. And most importantly, clean up your metal! Perfect prep makes for a perfect weld!